Occ. Code 2128110

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 1, GRADE 18
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 2, GRADE 23
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 3, GRADE 27
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 4, M-4

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Specification

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

Environmental Specialists perform technical analysis, research, and training to determine the impact of transportation projects on noise levels, water quality, air quality, groundwater, and other environmental concerns, write reports, make recommendations or develop policy and procedures for a variety of environmental issues, provide technical expertise on environmental matters to staff of other programs preparing Environmental Impact Statements, and coordinate obtaining environmental permits and approvals. Environmental Specialists are classified only in the Department of Transportation.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 1: entry level; performs technical work independently; functions primarily as generalist in the field.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 2: generally supervises subordinate professional, technical, and consultant staff in regional offices; a few non-supervisory positions are classified in the Main Office based on their Statewide expertise in a particular environmental specialty, such as air quality, noise, water, and cultural and historic resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 3: responsible for all environmental analysis and landscape architecture activities in a Transportation Regional Office; when classified in the Main Office, Environmental Analysis Bureau, serves as the agency's principal expert in a specialized environmental area, such as noise or air quality, and serves as a section head responsible for that environmental specialty; supervises technical and professional staff of three to eight.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 4: one-position class; manages all aspects of the Bureau of Environmental Analysis; responsible for development of positions, policy, and technical procedures regarding all environmental issues in the Department of Transportation.

RELATED CLASSES

Environmental Analysts review and prepare environmental impact statements and related reports, including those involving energy conservation and development.

Environmental Program Specialists function in one of various environmental quality program areas, performing professional program development and support functions at the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Landscape Architects design, select materials, estimate costs, and supervise construction and maintenance of landscaping for highways, buildings, parks, and housing developments.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 1: under the general direction of higher level Environmental Specialists, advises construction, design, highway maintenance, and other program areas concerning environmental rules and regulations and the preparation of environmental impact statements; negotiates solutions to environmental problems acceptable to both the Department of Transportation and environmental regulatory agencies; analyzes and researches environmental issues affecting the State's transportation network, by performing data gathering, analysis, and report writing and making recommendations to higher levels of management; in a Department of Transportation Regional Office, may serve in a supervisory capacity, overseeing engineering technicians in the preparation and processing of environmental permit requests and other regulatory documents.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 2: under the direct supervision of an Environmental Specialist 3, develops Statewide Department of Transportation policies, guidelines, and procedures for environmental issues; performs quality assurance reviews of environmental impact statements and environmental assessments; represents the Department with State and federal advisory and regulatory agencies; provides technical assistance to department staff and consultants on environmental issues such as hazardous wastes, contaminated soil, and groundwater; interprets federal and State regulatory requirements and policies; defines in detail the scope of any consultant services required for a project; investigates alleged violations of environmental regulations and permit conditions and, if necessary, testifies in court; presents testimony at public hearings regarding environmental analyses related to projects; evaluates air quality analysis and recommends new techniques for evaluations; evaluates
transportation, air, noise, and water quality models and makes recommendations for more applicable techniques; and supervises staff engaged in the preparation of environmental impact statements.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 3: under general direction of the Environmental Specialist 4, represents the Department as the principal contact with the public, environmental agencies, and regulatory organizations on issues related to the environmental impact of transportation projects; develops Statewide environmental policies, procedures, and practices; identifies and ensures resolution of problems or issues relating to environmental requirements or regulations in any department program; and advises regional directors and staff regarding new legislation, regulatory requirements, and advisory and regulatory agency policies regarding environmental matters.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 4: under general direction of the Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer, is responsible for setting policy and developing procedures to implement policies concerning all environmental issues in the agency; communicates with other agencies or divisions concerning environmental issues; proposes changes to State Environmental Laws; advises executive management on environmental issues; manages resources; reassigns staff to meet changing priorities; prepares budgets for the program and monitors expenditures for compliance with mandates; and defines program and project priorities and assures that managers and staff are performing in compliance with priorities and established goals, procedures, and program requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 1

Open Competitive: Bachelor's Degree and two years of environmental analysis experience.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 2

Promotion: one year permanent service as an Environmental Specialist 1.

Open Competitive: Bachelor's Degree and three years of environmental analysis experience.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 3

Promotion: one year permanent service as an Environmental Specialist 2.

Open Competitive: Bachelor's Degree and four years of environmental analysis experience, including one year of experience supervising professional environmental staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST 4

Promotion: one year of permanent service as an Environmental Specialist 3.

 

Date: 11/97