Environmental Assistance Representative (NY HELPS)
Job Description
Job Description
Job Opening
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: January 23, 2026
JOB TITLE: Environmental Assistance Representative (NY HELPS) SG23, PEF LOCATION: Albany
APPOINTMENT TYPE:Permanent JURISDICTION CLASS: Competitive
DEPARTMENT:Environmental Services
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12245
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the general direction of the Assistant Director of the Environmental Services Unit (ESU), the incumbent will be involved in a variety of projects, with a primary focus on assisting small businesses with regulatory applicability determinations and environmental compliance as it relates to state and federal environmental requirements, including those associated with water, wastewater, solid waste, hazardous waste, and chemical/bulk storage.
WORK PERFORMED:
- Works with small businesses to interpret applicable environmental regulations for associated business processes and provides guidance to businesses that are seeking to comply with the Clean Air Act’s applicable regulatory requirements and other business-related environmental issues, including but not limited to the Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
- Assists in resolving complaints and disputes, including enforcement actions between small businesses and regulatory agencies.
- Tracks and reviews new and amended environmental regulations and analyzes their potential impacts on small businesses. Provides comments and recommendations to the US Environmental Protection Agency and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
- Works with associations and small businesses to improve compliance and provide feedback to regulatory entities on measures or modifications sought by small businesses.
- Organizes and conducts outreach efforts (i.e., training workshops and conferences) to inform business owners and managers about their responsibilities and rights under state and federal environmental conservation laws.
- Identifies and refers small businesses to appropriate technical and financial resources.
- Assists in coordination with other agencies and stakeholder groups.
- Presents written and oral summaries of project activity to the ESU Assistant Director.
- Works collaboratively with peers, managers, small businesses, and regulators.
- Other assignments or special projects, as directed by the ESU Assistant Director.
- Travel requirement: up to fifteen percent (15%).
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. However, 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 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.
Minimum Appointment Qualifications: Seven (7) years of professional experience developing, evaluating, coordinating, administering and/or promoting environmental programs designed to prevent and/or correct environmental pollution.
Substitutions:
- An associate degree in a related field can substitute for two (2) years of specialized experience.
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field can substitute for four (4) years of experience.
- A master’s degree in a related field can substitute for five (5) years of experience.
- A doctorate in a related field can substitute for six (6) years of experience.
List Eligibility: Open to those reachable on the Environmental Assistance Representative eligible list.
Reinstatement Eligibility: 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 3-years environmental compliance experience in applying various state and federal environmental regulations, particularly those applicable to New York.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suites and familiarity with MS Dynamics and PeopleSoft.
- Excellent oral, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills are essential.
- Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Detailed-oriented and a problem solver.
- Experience with public speaking and outreach.
SALARY RANGE:$86,681 - $109,650
Note: The starting salary for candidates with no prior State service will be set at the minimum hiring rate.
ADDITIONAL:
If interested in this position, please forward a cover letter and resume to the e-mail address below by January 23, 2026. Be sure to indicate the position title and location you are applying for and specify how you meet the minimum qualifications in your cover letter.
INQUIRE
NYS Department of Economic Development
Human Resources Office
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12245
Fax: (518) 292-5852
E-Mail: DED-HR@esd.ny.gov
New York State is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.
12/23/2025
Reference No. 01904
Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at (518) 473-3130 or via email at response@oer.ny.gov