Environmental Program Specialist 1/Trainee 1&2- NY HELPS

The Environmental Program Specialist 1/Trainee position at Environmental Conservation involves coordinating wildlife outreach and education initiatives statewide. Responsibilities include managing the Hunter Education Program, supporting the National Archery in Schools Program, and developing recruitment initiatives. The role requires public interaction, certification acquisition, and may involve travel for outreach events. Candidates must have a relevant bachelor's degree and be able to obtain necessary certifications within a year.
About the position

The Environmental Program Specialist 1/Trainee 1&2 position is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). This role is designed to be filled via a non-competitive appointment, meaning that candidates do not need to take an examination but must meet the minimum qualifications for the title. Employees hired under this program will have their non-competitive status converted to competitive status within a year, allowing them to participate in promotion examinations for which they qualify. This position involves coordinating and administering wildlife-related outreach, education, and promotion initiatives at the regional level. The incumbent will manage the Hunter Education Program, support the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP), and participate in workshops aimed at women interested in outdoor activities. The role also includes developing recruitment, retention, and reactivation initiatives, as well as delivering wildlife-related educational content to various organizations and interest groups. Specific duties include distributing Hunter Education supplies, leading training courses for instructor candidates, and coordinating the recruitment and training of volunteer instructors. The incumbent will supervise the activities of volunteer instructors and Fish and Wildlife Technicians, and will be responsible for leading outreach efforts to promote hunter education and wildlife conservation. This position requires effective public interaction and the ability to obtain necessary certifications, including hunter education instructor certification and NYS hunting and trapping certifications, within the first year of appointment. The role may involve travel for outreach events, including nights and weekends, and requires the ability to work in adverse weather conditions and difficult terrains. The position also entails physical demands, such as lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities
• Coordinate and administer wildlife-related outreach and education initiatives at the regional level.
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• Administer the Hunter Education Program and support the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP).
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• Participate in workshops aimed at women interested in outdoor activities.
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• Develop recruitment, retention, and reactivation initiatives for hunter education.
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• Deliver wildlife-related educational content to organizations, schools, and sports person organizations.
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• Distribute Hunter Education supplies and materials to instructors and participants.
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• Lead instructor candidate training courses and refresher sessions.
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• Coordinate the recruitment and training of volunteer instructors.
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• Supervise the activities of volunteer instructors and Fish and Wildlife Technicians.
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• Create and host outreach events for the hunter education program.
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• Proactively seek opportunities for hunter education courses and public outreach in the region.

Requirements
• A bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, biology, or engineering.
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• Ability to obtain hunter education instructor certification within one year of appointment.
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• Willingness to obtain NYS hunting and trapping certifications within one year of appointment.
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• Ability to become certified as a Basic Archery Instructor in the National Archery in the Schools Program.
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• Valid driver's license or ability to meet transportation needs of the position.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in wildlife education or outreach programs.
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• Familiarity with environmental conservation practices.
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• Strong communication and public speaking skills.

Benefits
• Dental insurance
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• Loan forgiveness
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• Paid time off
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• Vision insurance
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• Affordable health care options
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• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
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• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
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• Pension from New York State Employees' Retirement System
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• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
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• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds