Environmental Engineer I (EE I) or Environmental Engineer II (EE II)

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), a public benefit corporation, aids local governments and other eligible applicants throughout New York State to undertake critical water quality infrastructure projects by providing access to low-cost financing capital, grants, and expert technical assistance.

EFC is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values respect, diversity, and the unique perspectives of all individuals.  To support our employees, EFC provides an outstanding benefits package similar to that offered to New York State employees. Our total compensation package includes, but is not limited to, leave benefits (Paid Parental Leave, 13 holidays and paid vacation, sick, and personal leave); a comprehensive health insurance program including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans; and membership in either the NYS and Local Retirement System, which is a defined retirement plan, or the Voluntary Defined Contribution Program.

Position Description

Under the direction and supervision of the Unit Manager/Environmental Engineer III, the Environmental Engineer (EE) I or II is responsible for the technical engineering support for the New York Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program and other funding programs administered by EFC.  Primary responsibilities include the review of contracts, planning and design documents, co-funding information, and environmental review documentation from municipal applicants seeking funding for their water quality protection and wastewater treatment projects. The EE I or II applies engineering principles to establish that the submissions are consistent with applicable technical standards and State and Federal regulations. This includes issuing comments, approvals or eligibility determinations to applicants. In addition, the EE I or II acts as the engineering project manager interacting with other internal divisions and government agencies, including but not limited to close coordination with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health.

Essential Duties

Contact and establish working relationships with municipal officials and their engineers to determine need for, and interest in, EFC assistance for water quality and water pollution control projects. Based on information obtained from municipal representatives, present project priority and eligibility for CWSRF financial assistance, and participate and present to CWSRF scoring panel.

Review and make recommendations for approval or eligibility of engineering reports, plans, specifications, change orders, and other technical documents for the planning, design, and construction of CWSRF eligible water quality protection and wastewater treatment facilities and various point, non-point, and National Estuary projects. Coordinate the review of these documents with other interested State and/or Federal agencies for conformance with applicable technical standards. 

Manage multiple projects at various stages of development from concept through construction completion by providing appropriate technical and application assistance to municipal representatives. Organize and participate in conferences with potential recipients of financial assistance to discuss program requirements and policies. 

Proactively maintain and update project database to reflect the current status of the project and ensure program requirements (permits, approvals, etc.) are met. Develop and maintain spreadsheets and other project documents in MS Word and Excel to monitor project status.

Visit construction sites throughout the State to monitor construction activities, including observing construction for compliance with the program requirements, securing appropriate programmatic documents, and performance of interim and final project site visits on large and complex projects. Complete reports to record observations.

In addition to the above duties, EE IIs may serve as a mentor to other engineering staff (EE I) and will be assigned more complex projects and tasks, and perform tasks with greater independence than EE I.

Qualifications

All applicants must possess a valid New York State driver’s license as travel is necessary to conduct meetings and site visits in various parts of the state.

Engineers are assigned to geographically based project sections and will typically handle projects within the regional area they are assigned to. However, candidates must be willing to work in, and travel to, any part of New York State as their regional assignment may require shifting due to staffing, workload, or other considerations.

EE I

Minimum required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Civil, or Chemical Engineering and successful passage of Part 1 of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination. Three years of full-time wastewater related engineering experience can be substituted for the FE examination.

EE II

Environmental Engineer II candidates must possess a New York State Professional Engineer’s (PE) license and current registration; and demonstrate the experience and judgement necessary to work independently at the  EE II level, as well as the ability to provide mentorship/leadership as needed.

At the Corporation’s discretion, years of engineering experience, Professional licensure or certification (EIT/PE) and/or a master’s level degree in a related field may be considered when determining salary level.  

Knowledge/Skills

Knowledge of methods, materials and terminology used in the planning, design and construction of water quality and wastewater collection and treatment systems; including the ability to understand, interpret and analyze technical material, such as engineering reports, construction plans and specifications, contracts, technical reference materials and instructions is required.

Knowledge in the following areas is desired:

Water quality and wastewater engineering, including familiarity with green stormwater practices

Construction cost estimating and engineering economics

Environmental permits and impact analysis

Federal and State environmental regulations

Energy efficiency and evaluation

Pumps, motors, and drives

Bidding mechanisms including requests for proposal and request for qualifications

Contracting mechanisms including Design, Bid, Build; Energy Services Contracts (ESCO); Design-Build; and Contract Manager At-Risk (CMAR)

Skill in the following areas is required:

Compiling and organizing large volumes of data and information clearly and concisely

Management of multiple projects and strong ability to prioritize

Strong verbal and written communication skills and an ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds in a professional manner

Computers and applicable software (Microsoft Word and Excel)

Ability to manage multiple stakeholders with proficiency in navigating roles and responsibilities for scopes and contracts

Working Conditions and Physical Abilities

Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with prolonged periods of sitting and fine manipulation skills required for computer use. 

Application Requirements and Related Information

Salary will be based on experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Employees may request to telecommute up to two days per week after the completion of their training period.

In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide, within three (3) business days of the employee’s first day of employment, an original copy of documentation proving citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States.

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

All individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to positions that they are qualified to perform. It is the policy of EFC to provide qualified persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and receive the benefits, services, programs, and activities of EFC, and to provide such persons with reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications as are necessary, to enjoy such equal opportunity, including accommodations in the recruitment process.

EFC will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure effective communication of information to individuals with disabilities. If you need an auxiliary aid or service to make this information available to you, please contact EFC’s Human Resources Office at (518) 486-9267.

It is the policy of EFC to provide reasonable accommodation for religious observers.