Environmental Program Specialist 1 / Trainee 1 / 2

About the Role

The Environmental Program Specialist 1 (EPS1) position within the Division of Lands and Forests (DLF) provides grant administration, federal grant coordination, fiscal tracking, and administrative support for forestry programs. This role primarily supports the Bureau of Forest Resource Management's Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program, including State and federally funded grant programs and urban forestry initiatives. The position may also support grants associated with Forest Products Utilization, Private Lands, and Climate Forestry programs, including New York State's 25 Million Trees Initiative. The position will work closely with Central Office and regional program staff, grant recipients, federal funding agencies, and the Division of Fiscal Management to support effective administration of State and federal grant funding. The position will be supervised by an EPS2 responsible for Federal Grants and Program Support.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer State and federally funded Urban and Community Forestry grant programs, including supporting application review, award processing, contract administration, payment processing, and grant closeout.
• Assist with the development and implementation of competitive grant programs, including preparing application materials, grant solicitations, award documentation, and program guidance.
• Coordinate with program staff, grant recipients, and fiscal staff to support timely grant administration, address administrative issues, and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of federal grant applications, budgets, amendments, financial reports, and other required documentation.
• Support federal grant administration, including monitoring expenditures, tracking available funding, reviewing financial information, and assisting with grant reporting and compliance requirements.
• Maintain organized records, spreadsheets, and tracking systems for State and federal grants, including funding allocations, contract status, expenditures, and reporting deadlines.
• Provide guidance and administrative assistance to Central Office and regional staff on grant administration procedures, documentation requirements, and fiscal tracking.
• Support State and federal grant administration for Climate Forestry, Forest Products Utilization, Private Lands, and other Division programs as needed.
• Assist with special assignments, process improvements, and other contract, grant, and fiscal management activities supporting DLF programs.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• NY HELPS Program: May be filled via non-competitive appointment, with expectation of conversion to competitive status.
• Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to learn financial and grant management systems such as the NYS Statewide Financial System (SFS).
• Valid driver’s license or ability to meet transportation needs.
• Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule.

Qualifications

For Non-competitive Appointment

• EPS TRAINEE 1: Four years of experience in a position with responsibility for:
• Development and implementation of program policies and procedures.
• Preparing and interpreting rules and regulations.
• Development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants.
• Providing non-engineering technical assistance and information.
• Collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses.
• Writing technical or programmatic reports.
• Developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs.
• Developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts.
• Assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.
• An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
• EPS TRAINEE 2: Five years of experience in a position with responsibility for the same items as EPS Trainee 1.
• An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
• EPS1: Six years of experience in a position with responsibility for the same items as EPS Trainee 1.
• An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
• EPS 1 (55b/c): If applying under 55b/c, candidates must include a copy of the Civil Service approval letter.

For Competitive Appointment

• Reassignment: Currently in the title and an employee of DEC.
• Reinstatement Eligible: Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis.
• Transfer Eligible: One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 11 or higher and either:
• Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications.
• Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as an Environmental Program Specialist 1 (including trainees), Program Aide, Administrative Specialist 1, Biologist 1 (Aquatic, Ecology, Marine, Wildlife), Public Participation Specialist 1, Environmental Analyst 1 and Trainee 1 & 2, Environmental Engineering Technician 2 & 3, Fish and Wildlife Technician 2&3, Legal Assistant 2, Mineral Resources Technician 2, Pesticide Control Specialist 1 & 2, Public Health Specialist 2 Environmental, Sanitary Construction Inspector 2, Senior Engineering Research Editor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Familiarity with or an interest in learning State and federal grant administration, contract management, and fiscal procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with program staff, grant recipients, and other partners.
• Ability to review and analyze information, identify problems, and work independently and collaboratively to develop solutions.
• Interest in forestry, natural resource conservation, urban and community forestry, climate resiliency, or related environmental programs.