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Nys Dec Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nys Dec Officer information

What is a NYS DEC Officer?

NYS DEC Officers, also known as Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs), are law enforcement professionals employed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Their main duties include enforcing environmental laws, protecting natural resources, and ensuring public safety in relation to environmental issues. ECOs investigate pollution incidents, enforce hunting and fishing regulations, and respond to wildlife emergencies. They often work outdoors and collaborate with other agencies to promote conservation and environmental protection across New York State.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NYS DEC Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NYS DEC Officer, you need a thorough understanding of environmental laws, law enforcement procedures, and natural resource management, typically supported by relevant education and state certification. Familiarity with tools such as GIS mapping systems, law enforcement databases, and field equipment is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are crucial for public engagement and conflict resolution. These skills and qualities are vital to effectively protect natural resources, enforce regulations, and maintain community trust.

What are some common challenges faced by NYS DEC Officers in the field, and how are they typically addressed?

NYS DEC Officers often encounter challenging situations such as remote patrols, unpredictable weather, and interactions with individuals who may not comply with environmental regulations. To address these challenges, officers receive extensive training in conflict resolution, wilderness survival, and law enforcement protocols. Teamwork and strong communication with local agencies and the public are also essential aspects of the role, helping officers to stay safe and effective while protecting New York's natural resources.

What is the difference between Nys Dec Officer vs Nys Environmental Conservation Officer?

AspectNys Dec OfficerNys Environmental Conservation Officer
CertificationsRequired state certifications, environmental trainingSame certifications, often with additional specialized training
Work EnvironmentField inspections, enforcement, regulatory activitiesFieldwork, enforcement, public education
Employer & IndustryNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation, environmental regulationSame agency, focused on conservation and enforcement

The Nys Dec Officer and Nys Environmental Conservation Officer roles are similar, both requiring environmental certifications and involving field enforcement. The main difference lies in job focus: Dec Officers often handle regulatory compliance, while Conservation Officers emphasize wildlife and natural resource protection. Both positions serve the same agency and industry, making their roles closely aligned but with distinct areas of emphasis.

How long does it take to become a Nys Dec Officer?

Becoming a NYS DEC Officer typically requires completing a training academy that lasts about 10 to 12 weeks, followed by a probationary period. Candidates must meet minimum qualifications, pass written and physical exams, and often have prior law enforcement or conservation experience.
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What states have the most Nys Dec Officer jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Nys Dec Officer jobs look for?

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Infographic showing various Nys Dec Officer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Agency Safety and Health Director 1 (NY HELPS)

Albany, NY • On-site

New York State
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$86K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Review, evaluate, and develop health & safety, resiliency, and sustainability programs, policies, and monitoring systems for the division.

  • Conduct field visits, inspect work sites, and review program operations to identify strengths and weaknesses and evaluate opportunities for improvement.

  • Support operations during emergencies and disasters from the State Emergency Operations Center, field offices, or local deployments as assigned.


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description The incumbent of this position will report to the Fleet and Facilities Unit within the Office of Administration and Finance. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Review, evaluate and develop comprehensive Division health & safety and resiliency & sustainability programs, policies, and monitoring systems and the strategies for implementing them in accordance with applicable regulations. Conduct field visits, inspect work sites and review program operations to identify health & safety strengths and weaknesses and evaluate opportunities to increase resiliency and sustainability efforts.

Travel to all 30+ Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) locations statewide is required. Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver's License issued by the Department of Motor Vehicle is required or otherwise demonstrate the capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position. Ensure completion of Office Security Plans for all DHSES locations.

Establish communications with DHSES Human Resources and the Statewide network of health & safety and resiliency & sustainability experts and enforcement agencies. Serve as Building 7a Tenant Safety Organization lead and assist other DHSES locations as needed. Lead the Division's resiliency and sustainability programs and efforts in accordance with E.O

22 and BuildSmart 2025. Liaise with the Office of General Services (OGS) sustainability team, DEC, New York Power Authority (NYPA), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and GreenNY Council as appropriate. Prepare all reporting required by EO 22 and submit to the appropriate agency.

Serve as the Division's subject matter expert on federal and State safety and health regulations, collaborating with OGS Health and Safety and other DHSES offices. Make recommendations to DHSES leadership on the avoidance and resolution of health & safety issues. Review, develop and maintain written procedures for documenting safety and health policies and practices covering actions required in case of non-compliance; maintain information required by Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau (PESH) and NYS Right to Know legislation.

Prepare correspondence, reports, briefings, presentations and other documents as required. Support operations during times of emergency and disaster from the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), state field offices and/or local deployments as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications NY HELPS This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).*** To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Seven years of experience in the development and administration of occupational health and safety programs in an organization of 500 or more employees, or with multiple locations. Substitution: Associate degree may substitute for two years of specialized experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of specialized experience; master's degree may substitute for five years of specialized experience; J.D

may substitute for six years of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for seven years of specialized experience. REASSIGNMENT/TRANSFER Current New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services employee with one year or more permanent, contingent-permanent or 55b/c service as a Agency Health and Safety Director 1 and are interested in reassignment; OR Current New York State employee with one year or more of permanent, contingent-permanent, or 55b/c service in a position for transfer under Section 70.1 or 52.6 as appropriate of the Civil Service Law

NOTE: Employees on the Civil Service eligible list will be considered. If you are on the eligible list and not reachable, you may be eligible for another appointment method. You are encouraged to access GOT-IT on the Career Mobility website (careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo) to determine transfer eligibility

Additional Comments NOTE: Support of operations during times of emergency and disaster from State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), state field offices and/or local deployments may be required, which would result in a change and/or increase in working hours, locations and/or duties. ***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.

At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the NYS Human Rights Law, DHSES does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. DHSES is committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace and is committed to providing our programs and services without discrimination.

In support of Executive Order 31, all qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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