New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description This posting is for two Legislative Liaisons – one focused on New York State Legislative Affairs and one focused on federal affairs. Incumbent will provide support regarding environmental issues related to the New York State legislature, Congress, and Federal agencies to DEC Legislative staff and executive staff, assist with development of Department and environmental legislative and regulatory positions, coordinate with appropriate staff to develop draft internal departmental legislative or administrative positions, and communicate with state legislative or congressional offices to assist with constituent inquiries and updates related to DEC.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the liaison for constituent inquiries from the legislature or congressional members by reaching out to the appropriate DEC staff for guidance on agency programs, compiling information, and explaining to legislative or congressional staff in a timely fashion.
• Assist with outreach on press releases, regulatory updates, and stakeholder meetings.
• Assist in responding to inquiries concerning status of bills and the legislative or congressional process from DEC employees or other legislative or congressional offices.
• Bill tracking, including monitoring all environmental legislation through the Legislative Retrieval System or federal systems, as appropriate, soliciting comments from agency staff regarding pending legislation, and keeping track of all legislation of interest to DEC.
• Assist in the development of memos on bills which have passed both legislative houses.
• Coordinate with agency staff to inform DEC’s position on legislation and drafting memos to the Governor’s office on bills which have passed both legislative houses.
• Assist with development of NYSDEC Departmental bills and Article VII language.
• Track opportunities to comment on federal regulatory changes and assist with the development and submission of official agency comments.
• Monitor or attend legislative or congressional hearings, State or Federal legislative floor proceedings, and relevant agency hearings or advocacy/press events. Assist with hearing preparations as applicable to DEC.
• Work on special assignments as assigned.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience. Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; JD or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; PhD may substitute for two years of specialized experience.

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments Travel may be required.

Overtime may be required.

Overnight travel may be required.

Weekends and holidays may be required.

Must be available for emergency response.

Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.

Telecommuting may be available, 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.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.