Communications Specialist 1 / Trainee 1 / 2 - NY HELPS (3 Positions)

Duties Description
DEC’s 24/7 Central Dispatch, the Communications Specialist supports Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Forest Rangers by dispatching emergency and non‑emergency Calls for Service from the general public as well as outside law‑enforcement or fire‑service agencies.

Communications Specialists obtain necessary information from callers to initiate a response from ECOs and/or Forest Rangers; serve as radio dispatchers of police resources; relay calls to other DEC divisions as appropriate; and perform clerical, administrative, and other duties related to the dispatch center service. Candidates must be resourceful, able to multitask, effectively communicate, and work well with other dispatchers, ECOs, Forest Rangers, and the public.

Work Conditions
Working conditions include sitting or standing for extended periods with a headset on while monitoring computer screens; entering information using a computer keyboard; coordinating eye/hand movements while handling calls; speaking calmly and clearly to elicit information and give instructions to a continuous flow of callers under stress; listening carefully to understand caller information; making responsible judgments where timing is critical; and working within hearing distance of other dispatchers.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

Communications Specialist Trainee 1, NS=Grade 8: High‑school graduation or possession of a high‑school equivalency diploma.

Communications Specialist Trainee 2, NS=Grade 10: Satisfactory completion of one year of service as a Communications Specialist Trainee 1; or high‑school graduation or possession of a high‑school equivalency diploma and one year of experience as follows:

Police, emergency services, or public safety dispatcher

Member of a fire company or emergency medical services squad

Radio dispatcher of a mobile fleet

Traffic management center

Search and rescue position

Active‑duty service and an honorable discharge under the NYS Restoration of Honor Act from the United States military, or active deployed service in the US Army Reserve or National Guard

Communications Specialist 1, Grade 12: Satisfactory completion of one year of service as Communications Specialist Trainee 2; or high‑school graduation or possession of a high‑school equivalency diploma and completion of all necessary trainings and certifications (40‑hour telecommunicator or equivalent and Emergency Medical Dispatch through an accredited program) and two years of experience as follows:

Police, emergency services, or public safety dispatcher

Member of a fire company or emergency medical services squad

Radio dispatcher of a mobile fleet

Traffic management center

Search and rescue position

Active‑duty service and an honorable discharge under the NYS Restoration of Honor Act from the United States military, or active deployed service in the US Army Reserve or National Guard

Candidates who believe they meet the minimum qualifications must provide on their resume the total number of hours spent performing the duties of the qualifying experience. Candidates with prior public‑safety dispatch experience must provide a comprehensive list of any trainings/certifications received during their employment that would qualify them for the Communications Specialist 1 level.

Shift Information

A Line – 11:00 pm – 7:00 am

B Line – 7:00 am – 3:00 pm

C Line – 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Weekend and holiday work are required. Overtime may be mandated if coverage isn’t obtained on a volunteer basis. Actual work hours and days off will be determined after hiring. Inconvenience pay (shift differential) is $3,200 per year for the C line and $4,000 per year for the A line. Candidates must undergo a background investigation and pay a fingerprint fee.

Benefits
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

EEO Statement
DEC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to developing a workforce that 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.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E‑Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses.

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