Department of Civil Service

Professional Engineer 2 & 4 (Environmental)

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Due to current testing space limitations, candidates may need to travel to a test site to take this examination. Candidates will be notified of their test site location on their admission notice.

Promotion examination open to all qualified employees of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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Minimum Qualifications

On or before August 8, 2026, you must be a qualified employee of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and have had 45 days of permanent competitive, non-competitive NY HELPS*, or 55-b/55-c service as follows. If you have received a permanent appointment to a qualifying title listed and served provisionally** in that title immediately preceding your permanent appointment, such provisional service may be counted towards meeting the time in title required for this examination.

For Exam No. 31-468020: Professional Engineer 1 (Environmental).

For Exam No. 31-469020: Professional Engineer 2 (Environmental).

Only the title or titles listed are qualifying.

If you were permanently appointed to a qualifying title on or before June 24, 2026, and have served continuously in this title since that date, you are eligible to file for this examination.

*If you were permanently appointed via the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) program to qualify a title in the non-competitive class on or before June 24, 2026, and have served continuously in this title since that date, you may apply for this examination.

**If you were permanently appointed to a qualifying title and had provisional service in the same title immediately preceding the permanent appointment, such provisional service may be counted towards meeting the time in title required to apply for this examination. Your provisional appointment must have been on or before June 24, 2026, to qualify for this examination.

Qualifying Experience for Appointment From The Eligible List: After one year of service described in the Minimum Qualifications, successful candidates will be qualified for appointment from the eligible list.

Employees appointed via the NY HELPS program to a qualifying title in the non-competitive class will have their names restricted from appointment from the eligible list until their position is covered-in to the competitive class by action of the New York State Civil Service Commission or otherwise obtain permanent competitive status in the position.

If you have received a permanent appointment to a qualifying title listed and served provisionally in that title immediately preceding your permanent appointment, such provisional service may be counted towards meeting the time in title required for appointment from the eligible list.

Continued Employment as a Professional Engineer 2 (Environmental) and Professional Engineer 4 (Environmental) is dependent upon continued possession of a New York State Professional Engineer’s license with current registration. Failure to maintain a New York State License and registration will result in removal from employment.

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Duties

As a Professional Engineer 2 (Environmental), you would perform professional engineering duties related to oversight of environmental quality programs. These positions direct efforts to protect public health and the environment by: ensuring engineering standards are met in several environmental areas such as, but not limited to, wastewater management, solid waste management, public water supply monitoring, water or air pollution control, water resource programs, climate change and greenhouse gas reduction, hazardous waste management, and spill prevention, response and remediation; evaluating hazardous waste sites and locations affected by pollution control initiatives for compliance; analyzing site physical data and design systems that ensure appropriate hydraulic loading; recommending systems for pressure conduits, including those used to transport natural gas and hazardous liquids; evaluating operations and maintenance of natural gas and petroleum transmission and gathering lines; recommending systems for storm water, ground and well water or waste water collection or treatment; and developing environmental pollution prevention and abatement programs.

As a Professional Engineer 4 (Environmental), you would direct a major environmental engineering program in an agency's regional facility or regional office, or have overall responsibility for a statewide environmental engineering program in an agency's main office; be responsible for the development and implementation of bureau work plans, policy development concerning environmental quality and remediation programs, and monitoring progress towards program goals; be responsible for monitoring and assuring adherence to standard engineering practices, State policies, plans and regulations; and supervise multiple levels of technical staff, such as engineers, geologists, and other scientists, including licensed staff at Grade 29/M-3, Grade 27, and Grade 24, while guiding the professional development of subordinate supervisory staff.

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Subject of Examination

To be considered for appointment to this title, you must pass the multiple-choice test. The multiple-choice test evaluates your knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in the following areas:	For Examination Nos.
	31-468020	31-469020
1. Analyzing and evaluating information - These questions test for the ability to analyze, interpret, and draw reasonable conclusions from information presented in text, data, images or symbols. This may involve identifying a significant problem or issue; focusing on relevant data and text; identifying trends, relationships, and significant features; assessing relevant alternatives; suggesting or evaluating possible conclusions; and applying logical principles to information provided.	X	X
2. Working and interacting with others - These questions test for knowledge of how to effectively approach work and maintain professional relationships with others in the workplace. Each question presents a situation and a number of possible approaches for handling it. Question topics may include working with supervisors and coworkers, interacting with members of the public, handling conflict, and managing workplace demands and priorities. The questions are not specific to any job title or place of work.	X	X
3. Understanding and interpreting written material - These questions test how well you comprehend written material. You will be provided with brief reading selections and will be asked questions about the selections. All the information required to answer the questions will be presented in the selections; you will not be required to have any special knowledge relating to the subject areas of the selections.	X	X
4. Preparing reports and official documents - These questions test for the ability to prepare reports and other official documents for use within and among governmental agencies, in legal or regulatory settings, or for dissemination to the public. Some questions test for a knowledge of grammar, usage, punctuation, and sentence structure. Others test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, to use the proper tone, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly.	X	X
5. Supervision - These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.	X
6. Administrative supervision - These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in directing the activities of a large subordinate staff, including subordinate supervisors. Questions relate to the personal interactions between an upper level supervisor and their subordinate supervisors in the accomplishment of objectives. These questions cover such areas as assigning work to and coordinating the activities of several units, establishing and guiding staff development programs, evaluating the performance of subordinate supervisors, and maintaining relationships with other organizational sections.		X
7. Understanding and applying administrative principles - These questions test for knowledge of how to effectively manage and direct an organization or an organizational segment. These questions cover such areas as developing objectives, formulating policies, making decisions, forecasting and planning, developing personnel, organizing and coordinating work, communicating information, providing leadership, and delegating authority and responsibility.		X

Test Guide & Sample Test Material: A General Guide to Multiple-Choice Tests is available at http://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm. If Sample Test Material is available for a subject area described above, it can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/sampletestmat.cfm.

If you pass, your seniority credit(s), if any, will be included in the computation of your final score. Your final score on the eligible list will be determined after adding any Veterans' credits.

Credit For Seniority: Seniority is credited at the rate of one credit for each five-year period (or fraction thereof), excluding the first year of service.

Selective Certification of the Eligible List: All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination will have their names included on the general eligible list.

Agencies will have two options to fill vacancies from the eligible list. One option will be a certification of the general eligible list. Or, if it is determined that specific education and experience beyond the minimum qualifications are required for a position, agencies can utilize a selective certification of the eligible list. A selective certification filters the general eligible list by the specific education and experience required for the position based upon eligible candidates’ education and experience as indicated on a supplemental online skills inventory questionnaire. A selective certification will contain only the names of eligible candidates who meet the specialized requirements.

Candidates can complete an online skills inventory questionnaire to report their relevant education and experience in order to qualify for positions filled through selective certification. The online skills inventory questionnaire is NOT SCORED and is subject to verification by the hiring agency. Names of candidates who pass the examination, but do not complete the online skills inventory questionnaire, will appear only on the general eligible list and will not be considered for positions filled through the selective certification process.

Candidates will receive additional information about the online skills inventory process via email.

Admission To The Test: If approved for a multiple-choice test, you will receive an admission notice which will indicate your assigned test date and the way your test will be administered. Your test may be administered with paper and pencil or online at a state test site. You cannot request to change your scheduled day or request a specific type of test administration.

Applicants are required to have a Personal NY.gov account and keep their email address up to date. The Department of Civil Service and other state agencies will communicate with you through email correspondence. This may include notification of your application status, your test arrangements, examination results, and canvassing you for interest in appointment. It will be important for you to keep your email address, phone number, and mailing address current by logging into https://www.cs.ny.gov/home/myaccount.

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How To Apply

Apply Online

You will need a personal NY.gov ID to apply for these examinations. If you do not have a personal NY.gov account, please create an account.

Select each examination you intend to apply for.

Professional Engineer 2 (Environmental)

Professional Engineer 4 (Environmental)

(You must select at least one exam to continue.)

You Can Also

• Download examination application NYS-APP form; or
• Email cs.sm.examinfo@cs.ny.gov to request NYS-APP forms; or
• Obtain an NYS-APP form from a State agency or facility personnel/business office; or
• Request NYS-APP form by calling the Department of Civil Service in the Albany area at 518-457-2487 or toll free at 1-877-697-5627.

The NYS Department of Civil Service reserves the right to reject for lateness or to accept applications filed after the advertised filing period. All statements you make on your application are subject to investigation.

Additional Information

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the State of New York to provide for and promote equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran or military service member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest and/or criminal conviction record, or any other category protected by law, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

Religious Accommodation

Most multiple-choice tests are held on Saturdays. If you cannot take the test on the announced test date, due to a conflict with a religious observance or practice, check the box under “Religious Accommodation.” We will make arrangements for you to take the test on a different date (usually the following day).

Reasonable Accommodations in Testing

It is the policy of the Department of Civil Service, in accordance with the New York State Human Rights Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, to provide qualified persons with disabilities equal employment opportunity and equal opportunity to participate in and receive the benefits, services, programs, and activities of the Department. It is the policy of the Department to provide such persons reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications as are necessary to provide equal opportunity. Persons with disabilities who require an accommodation to participate in an examination must note this on their application. Further information is available from the Test Accommodation Unit of the Department of Civil Service at Testaccommodation@cs.ny.gov.

Admission to Examination

Notice to appear for the test may be conditional as review of applications may not be made until after the test. If you have not received your notice to appear for the multiple-choice test three days before the date of the test, email us at AdmissionNotices@cs.ny.gov. Please provide your first and last name, address, and the last four digits of your social security number, and we will provide you with the information you need to attend your multiple-choice test. If you have an issue other than not receiving your admission notice, please contact our office at (518) 474-6470 in the Albany area or toll free at 1-877-697-5627. Please leave a clear concise message and provide your first and last name, last four digits of your social security number and a daytime phone number.

Taking State and Local Examinations Scheduled for the Same Day

If you have applied to take a multiple-choice test announced by either one or several local jurisdictions (county, town, city) scheduled to be held on the same test date as this multiple-choice test, you must notify each of the local jurisdictions no later than two weeks before the test date to make arrangements for taking all tests at one test site. All tests will be held at the state examination center. For your convenience, contact information for all local civil service agencies is available on our website at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/local.cfm.

Eligibility for Examination

To be considered a qualified employee eligible to compete in this examination, you must be employed in, or on leave from, the specified department or agency on a permanent or contingent permanent basis in the competitive class, or in the non-competitive class or labor class if specifically noted on this announcement (or be on an appropriate preferred list), and have the specified time in the specified title or salary grade. You may not compete in a test for a title if you are permanently employed in that title (unless you are still on probation) or in a higher direct line of promotion.

Cell Phones or Electronic/Communication Devices at the Test Site

The use of cell phones, beepers, headphones, or any electronic or other communication devices at your personal testing site or in the test room, hallways, restrooms, building, grounds, or other areas, except as expressly authorized by the Department of Civil Service, could result in your disqualification.

S2/TC3 CPG-klr
Issued: 5/22/26

This announcement is subject to amendment or cancellation without notice. Do not copy it, or post it to any other site, but link to it instead.

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