GOT-IT

Public Participation Specialist 2

Grade 21

New York State has approximately 12 positions* in this title statewide. You may view a breakdown of positions by county. This position exists in Environmental Conservation, Dept of. View links to all New York State agencies including agencies that have this title. For more information, New York State employees can contact the Career Mobility Office at (518) 485-6199 or (800) 553-1322. If you are not a current New York State employee, you can use the Department of Civil Service Web site to explore possible employment opportunities.

*The number of positions is approximate and represents the number of positions established (both filled and vacant); it is not an indication or reference to position type or duration, or intent to be filled. If you are viewing a trainee title, please note this number reflects the number of positions established at the journey level. Agencies may fill at the trainee level(s) or at the journey level based on employee qualifications. GOT-IT does not provide information on any job postings or job availability. For information on current job postings, please visit State Jobs NY. You may also visit specific New York State Agency websites for information about an agency and its job opportunities.

Career Ladder

A listing of titles that are most commonly used as steps for upward mobility for this title series. The salary schedule for this career ladder is also available.

  1. Public Participation Specialist 1

    Grade 18

  2. Public Participation Specialist 2

    Grade 21

  3. Public Participation Specialist 3

    Grade 23

  4. Public Participation Specialist 4

    Grade 62

Summary of Job Description

This title was previously called Citizen Participation Specialist 2 and was renamed effective July 13, 2017.  There were no changes to the duties or minimum qualifications as a result of this name change.  

As a Citizen Participation Specialist 2, you would, under the supervision of a Citizen Participation Specialist 3, analyze Department of Environmental Conservation programs and proposed actions, identify the key issues, communicate proposed programs and actions to the public, and develop the ways and means to solicit the attitudes and concerns of the public in order to facilitate effective decision making by program managers. You would provide non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and the regulated community in developing and implementing non-engineering aspects of regulatory, non-regulatory, and remedial programs related to solid and hazardous materials, site remediation, water resources, construction management, air resources, or pollution prevention. Other duties may include acting as spokesperson for an agency or administrator, preparing public relations materials, working with consultants, and acting as a contact person or coordinator among various agencies, interest groups, and the public. You would assist in the development, coordination and implementation of media strategies, programs, and events.

You would, in addition to the duties described above, develop and implement public participation and community outreach programs; provide guidance and oversight to staff in the development of communication projects in support of regional or statewide public participation projects; prepare for and lead public meetings and other events by making site arrangements, preparing agendas, publicizing the event, and facilitating question and answer sessions with the public; write fact sheets for DEC divisions regarding project updates and progress; assist in citizen participation training; and may supervise Citizen Participation Specialists 1.

View the classification standard for this title, on the Classification and Compensation webpage.

The NYS Title and Salary Plan provides additional information regarding other titles. If there is a classification standard available there will be a link under the column labeled STD. NO. If no link is available there is no classification standard available at this time for that title.

Summary of Minimum Qualifications

Please note: qualifications for this position may be subject to change. If substitutions for education and/or experience are allowed, this information would be available on the announcement.

You must take and pass a Civil Service examination in order to be considered for this position.  

There are two examinations held for this position.  Please note:  New York State employees may qualify for both.  

For employees of New York State, the candidate must be a qualified employee of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and have had three months of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service as a Citizen Participation Specialist 1/Public Participation Specialist 1.

For all other qualified individuals, candidates must have:

Either 1. a bachelor’s degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND THREE YEARS of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs;

Or 2. an associate’s degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND FIVE YEARS of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs.

Substitution: A master’s degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism can substitute for one year of experience.

For informational purposes only, click on the examination number(s) listed below to see the current or previous examination(s) that are used to fill this title.

26-222 37-802

How to Apply

When this examination is scheduled to be held, the announcement can be found on the Department of Civil Service, Examination Announcements web page. If you do not see an examination currently scheduled please check back on a monthly basis or sign up for announcement notification by email so that you will automatically be notified when new examinations are being offered.

Career Mobility

Career mobility is not just limited to the titles in the Career Ladder, above. Additional movement may be achieved through other examinations, additional education and/or work experience or transfer opportunities. For additional information or clarification of transfer determinations, current State employees should contact the Career Mobility Office. Visit ELMS Online to view established open-competitive, promotion, and transition eligible lists. If you are not a current New York State employee, see Employment Opportunities with New York State and find out how to become a New York State employee.

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