Duties Description Under the general direction and supervision of the Laboratory Services Section Chief and/or designee, the incumbent will independently perform engineering and technical work needed to operate and support the downstate Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS)program. The distribution of work will vary across the pre-season, monitoring-season, and off-season portions of the annual PAMS cycle.
PAMS Instrument Operation, Pre-Season Readiness, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
Serve as the primary operator for the PAMS automatic gas chromatograph/flame ionization detector systems and associated support equipment at the New York Botanical Garden and Flax Pond sites.
Plan and complete pre-season readiness work required by the approved PAMS quality system and applicable EPA technical guidance and protocol. Work includes equipment inspection; preventive maintenance; proficiency testing support; and documentation that the system is ready for routine monitoring.
During the PAMS season, perform timely checks of instrument status, analytical sequences, clocks, data acquisition, quality-control results, and overall system performance.
Perform hands-on mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and software troubleshooting with use of appropriate manuals and tech support. Escalate and communicate problems promptly to supervisor and coordinate vendor service when specialized support is required. Document as required by EPA and DEC.
Follow Department and site-specific safety procedures including but not limited to: Hydrogen, Flame Ionization Detectors (FIDs), compressed gases, electrical systems, ladders, equipment movement, and work in monitoring shelters or other field environments.
PAMS Data Review, Processing, and Quality-Control Documentation
Conduct first-level, operator-based review of PAMS chromatography and quality-control data during the monitoring season and process data more fully during the off-season.
Maintain electronic and paper records in accordance with the approved Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP), SOPs, records-management requirements, and document-control procedures. The incumbent’s operator reviews and processing responsibilities do not replace the independent technical review or validation assigned to other qualified staff.
Downstate Air-Monitoring Field Support
Aid downstate field operators at PAMS and other ambient air-monitoring sites when PAMS priorities permit.
Supports coordinated field visits, equipment transfers, and aids in complex troubleshooting. Efficient completion of time-sensitive work is expected.
Communicate observations and work completed to the responsible site operator and ensure that actions are entered into the appropriate site or equipment records.
Program Coordination, Supplies, Training, and Other Support
Travel periodically to the NYSDEC Rensselaer laboratory
Monitor inventories of PAMS standards, consumables, and other aspects of the job. Identify upcoming needs; and provide technical information needed for purchasing, service contracts, and vendor coordination.
Participates in all training required, also in the review and updating process of all pertinent SOPs.
Perform other related engineering and air-monitoring duties as assigned.
Essential Functions:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information and results.
- Possess aptitude for understanding and manipulation of higher-level computer software programs and work with sensitive equipment.
- Able to climb ladders.
- Able to lift and move heavy equipment or objects up to 50 pounds.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
- Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
To be eligible for appointment under NY HELPS, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below:
ENGINEER TRAINEE (Environmental) Minimum Qualifications: SG-NS
Either 1. a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology as listed below;
Or 2. proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time engineering experience as listed below.
ASST ENGINEER (Environmental) Minimum Qualifications: SG-20
Proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND a qualifying bachelor's degree or higher as listed below; OR proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time qualifying engineering experience as listed below.
Qualifying degrees: Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Engineering Technology, Environmental Design Engineering, Environmental Resources Engineering, Environmental Systems Engineering, Forest Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Paper Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Soil and Water Resources Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or Engineering Science with a recognized concentration in any of the above listed engineering degrees.
Qualifying experience: One year of full-time experience in sanitary, public health or environmental engineering.
Candidates may also be appointed via the following, if applicable:
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or
Reinstatement - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer – One year of permanent competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law.
55 b/c Appointment - Must meet the minimum qualifications above. Please note that if applying under the 55b/, candidates must include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program.
Individuals appointed as an Engineer Trainee are required to complete a minimum of one year of successful performance as an Engineer Trainee and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. If you pass the FE by the end of the first year, you may be advanced to the Grade 20 Assistant Engineer (Environmental) title. If you do not pass the FE by the end of the second year of the traineeship, you will be terminated from your position.
Additional Comments Salary range for posting is $70,951 - $111,621:
- If appointment is at the Assistant Engineer, SG-20 level, the starting salary for this position is $101,381. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $74,193 plus an increased hiring rate ($9,688), with an additional geographic pay differential of $13,500 specific to this title and location and downstate adjustment/location pay ($4,000) based on location.
The job rate for this position is $111,621. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $94,121 with an additional geographic pay differential of $13,500 and downstate adjustment/location pay ($4,000).
Please note, this is not extended to any trainee titles. If appointed at trainee level, you will receive differential upon advancement to grade 20.
If applying, please include a copy of your qualifying transcript(s) and a current resume.
Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
- Holiday & Paid Time Off
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
- Shift & Geographic pay differentials
- Affordable Health Care options
- Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
- NYS Deferred Compensation plan
- Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
- And many more...
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
