Assistant Engineer / Engineer Trainee - NY HELPS

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.

Position Narrative

Duties Description

This posting is for an Engineer Trainee/Assistant Engineer, within the Division of Water’s (DOW), Bureau of Water Permits. The candidate will serve as a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Permit writer.

Unique Duties

Must have valid driver’s license or demonstrate ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Must be able to work additional hours and travel as needed including overnight (~20%).

Essential Functions

• Apply knowledge of the Clean Water Act and State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit program in developing SPDES general permits.
• Develop new and periodically review and renew permits for consistency and conformance with regulations, polices, and procedures.
• Interact with permittees, their representatives, engineers, and various member of the public on permit issues.
• Assist in the development and implementation of SPDES General Permits, and associated technical documents, presentations, and other reports. This includes, Construction Stormwater General Permit, Private, Commercial and Institutional (PCI) General Permit, and other BWP permits.
• Manage permittee information covered under SPDES General Permits.
• Review all relevant forms and information submittals including notices of intent, notices of termination, annual compliance reports, and other permit related documents for completeness.
• Ensure the information is accurately entered in the information systems.
• Communicate with permittees to address deficiencies, questions, and other notifications.
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships and communicate constructively with Federal, State, and local government agencies, engineering firms, various non-governmental groups, and the public.
• Assist in development of regulations, policies, and guidance documents.
  
  

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Familiarity with NYS State Pollution Discharge Elimination System General Permits and associated technical standards.
• Must have excellent oral and interpersonal skills and be able to prepare effective written communications.
• Must have or be able to develop a solid working knowledge of computer systems, including word processing, spreadsheets, geographic information systems, and ability to perform basic statistical analysis.
• Candidate must be able to function effectively in large group settings and venues including public presentation.
  
  

Additional Comments

Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Travel may be required.

Overtime may be required.

Overnight travel may be required.

Telecommuting may be available, 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.

DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.