Assistant Engineer (Environmental) / Engineer Trainee - NY HELPS

  • State of New York
  • Albany, New York
  • Full Time

Please note: State agencies that contact job applicants do not usually request personal or financial information via text message or over the phone in connection with your response to a job posting. If you are contacted for such information by these methods, or any other method, please verify the identity of the individual before transmitting such information to that person.

Note: For questions about the job posting, please contact the agency that posted this position by using the contact information provided on the "Contact" tab for the position.

Review Vacancy

Date Posted 08/05/25

Applications Due08/20/25

Vacancy ID194755

  • Basics
  • Schedule
  • Location
  • Job Specifics
  • How to Apply

NY HELPYes

AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of

TitleAssistant Engineer (Environmental) / Engineer Trainee - NY HELPS

Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences

Salary GradeNS

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $66951 to $101121 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class

Travel Percentage 10%

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8:30 AM

To 4:30 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

County Albany

Street Address 625 Broadway

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12233

Duties Description Unique Duties

  • This position requires a valid driver's license, can require extensive travel, and can require overnight travel. Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain (uneven, steep) and work in remote areas and in adverse weather conditions. Must be able to wear safety equipment at sites including personal flotation device, hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, and hearing protection.
  • Support emergency response to floods and other dam incidents. Overtime may occasionally be required. After-hours as well as weekend and holiday work may occasionally be required, sometimes on short notice.

Duties Description

Provide engineering support to the Coastal and Dam Safety programs within the Bureau of Flood Protection and Dam Safety (BFPDS). BFPDS program areas include: flood protection, flood plain management, coastal erosion, and dam safety. The primary areas of work will be identified during the interview process.

Coastal Program

  1. Provide engineering project management support for various coastal storm risk reduction projects being undertaken by DEC in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers and various local governments, and provide support for the Coastal Erosion Management Permit Program
  • Conduct reviews of technical and administrative aspects of coastal engineering studies, designs, specifications, proposed work, and operation and maintenance manuals. Effectively document and communicate findings and provide comments/responses to these documents.
  • Provide technical assistance with the review of Coastal Erosion Hazard Area (CEHA) permit applications and variances. Assist and provide support to DEC attorneys working on enforcement matters and provide program oversight as directed.
  • Organize and participate in Community Assistance Visits (CAVs) with locally administered CEHA programs.
  • Conduct Coastal inspections to monitor construction, document condition, and ensure compliance. Be capable of preparing inspection reports.

Dam Safety Program

  1. Assist engineers in the dam safety regulatory program with all program elements, including inspections; technical reviews of dam assessments and construction permit applications; review of owner dam safety programs; administrative tasks; and emergency planning, management and response. Specific duties include:
  • Conduct dam inspections, including proposed sites, existing facilities and those under construction and recently constructed.
  • Conduct review of technical and administrative aspects of dam engineering studies, designs, and specifications, proposed dam work, owner dam safety programs, and

emergency action plans. Comprehend and implement dam safety administrative and technical program policies and assist in development of new or revised policies and regulations.

  • Assist and provide support to the Division's and the Bureau's emergency response coordinator on flooding and dam safety matters.

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.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

  • Proficient in HEC-RAS hydraulic modeling, hydrologic modeling and ArcGIS.
  • Experience preparing and reviewing design plans, writing and reviewing technical reports, specifications, as well as a comprehensive understanding of hydrology, hydraulics, geotechnical engineering, and geography.
  • Experience working in a team setting, demonstrated good time management and organization skills, and experience interacting with the public.
  • Communicate effectively. Establish and maintain effective inter-personal relationships, and constructively interact and support multiple federal, state and local government officials, emergency managers, the public, engineers, and various interest groups.
  • Candidate must be able to function effectively in large group settings and venues including public presentations.

Additional Comments *If appointment is at the Assistant Engineer, SG-20 level, the starting salary for this position is $81,193. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $74,193 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location.

The job rate for this position is $101,121. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $94,121 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location.

Please note, this is not extended to any trainee titles. If appointed at trainee level, you will receive differential upon advancement to grade 20.

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

Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required.

Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.

Must be able to work in remote areas.

Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.

Travel may be required.

Overtime may be required.

Overnight travel may be required.

Weekends and holidays may be required.

Must be available for emergency response.

Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.

Must be able to lift and move objects up to 30 pounds.

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.

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.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Name Natalie Joseph

Telephone ...

Fax ...

Email Address ...

Address

Street 625 Broadway

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12233

Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail a copy of your resume and college transcript(s) to the above (unofficial college transcripts are acceptable). Be sure to include Vacancy #25-194755 on your resume and also in the subject line of the email or it may not be accepted.

Job ID: 488262211
Originally Posted on: 8/6/2025

Want to find more Engineering opportunities?

Check out the 105,645 verified Engineering jobs on iHireEngineering