Public Information Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duties Description At the direction of the Assistant Public Information Officer and in coordination with Region 2 programs, the Public Participation Specialist 2 (PPS2) will manage targeted public outreach projects and support communications with the public. These tasks will include developing and delivering professional presentations to technical and/or lay audiences; facilitating and leading public and/or stakeholder group meetings; and development and implementation of public involvement programs or activities. In order to perform these tasks effectively the PPS2 is expected to engage with DEC region 2 programs to stay abreast of issues of public interest; establish and maintain a network of local individuals, groups, elected officials and other relevant stakeholders; and develop a communication and consultation strategy for engaging stakeholders.

Duties include but are not limited to: Proactively engage with, and respond to, internal and external stakeholders, other government agencies or offices, community organizations, and members of the public; Organize, publicize, attend and help facilitate public meetings, hearings, conferences, and community events, with an ability to participate in such events scheduled on designated weekends and/or evenings as necessary, both virtually and in-person; Develop both traditional and digital public information materials, including fact sheets, presentations, and digital content for both the agency's web pages and social media platforms; Proofread and edit content submitted by others to ensure consistency and adherence to the agency's style guides; Promote DEC initiatives and messages and coordinate agency participation at large-scale outreach events such as trade-shows, career fairs and Earth week events; Work with DEC programs in production and development of information materials, rollout plans, and website content; Help manage and coordinate the work of the Bureau of Public Outreach, in consultation with the Bureau Chief, Assistant Public Information Officer and Division of Communication Education and Engagement staff as needed and Supervise Public Participation Specialist 1(s) 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. 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 a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified. To be eligible for appointment under NY HELPS, candidates must meet the non-competitive minimum qualifications below: Seven years of experience in the areas of natural resources management, environmental planning, urban planning, environmental regulation development, environmental interpretation, public policy analysis, public information, or public relations and outreach, which included developing and delivering professional presentations to technical or lay audiences or moderating, coordinating, facilitating, or leading public or stakeholder group meetings, or developing and presenting training or educational materials; developing and delivering professional presentations to public audiences, and planning and conducting public meetings; developing and presenting training and educational materials; or developing and implementing public involvement programs or activities.

Substitution: 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. Competitive qualifications: Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC or Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis. Additional Comments Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Transportation needs of this position require use of a state vehicle and adhering to the Department's Vehicle Policy. You must have and maintain a valid driver's license for this position. Travel may be required.

Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required. Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, 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. If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: equity@dec.ny.gov

Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT). Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.