Environmental Unit Director

POSSIBLE HYBRID WORKPLACE OPPORTUNITY New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. This position is with HCR’s Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC). This is not a civil service position, and a civil service exam is not required. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered. NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) 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. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency. HCR’s Design, Construction & Environmental Unit is responsible for the architectural, environmental, and construction oversight of projects funded through various HCR financing programs. This oversight involves environmental and architectural reviews of projects seeking funding from, and subsequently funded by HCR, as well as the implementation of HCR Design Guidelines to ensure affordable housing projects financed by HCR address appropriate standards of safety, functionality, efficiency, and durability. The unit also monitors construction to ensure that all construction schedules and approved plans are properly executed on funded projects. Additionally, the unit provides support to projects who want to make capital improvements within HCR’s Office of Housing Preservation portfolio. Position Summary The Environmental Unit Director is responsible for managing and directing the activities of the Environmental Unit which encompasses environmental review and oversight on HCR projects statewide. The position includes coordination of the various funding programs overseen by HCR and consultation with multiple offices in HCR and other state agencies to ensure that all applicable environmental laws and regulations are met. The Environmental Unit Director also provides guidance and direction on HCR’s environmental goals, objectives and priorities. Duties and Responsibilities Manages and directs the activities of the Environmental Unit, encompassing environmental reviews and oversight on projects statewide in multiple programs overseen by the Agency. Establishes the Bureau's mission and sets goals, objectives and priorities in keeping with Agency policy and assures that these goals, objectives and priorities are met. Coordinates the efforts in the various funding programs to ensure all activities necessary for the effective management of statewide environmental review, clearance and oversight are carried out. Prepares long-range plans for Environmental Unit activities and priorities, in consultation with the VP of Design, Construction & Environmental and SVP of Office of Finance & Development. Ensures that resources are adequate for effect implementation of the Unit's environmental oversight. Coordinates and consults with staff in other agencies, such as the Department of Public Service, the Department of State, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure Unit policies and procedures are current. Responds to high-level requests for information and/or resolution of problems by the Agency executives, legislators, congressional representatives, local government officials, and recreation organizations, groups and associations. WHO YOU ARE: Bachelor’s degree plus ten years relevant experience. Comprehensive, working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental legislation, rules, and regulations, as well as the principles and practices of environmental analysis and planning. Working knowledge of the effects of environmental projects on human and natural resources and ecological relationships. This job description is not intended to be all inclusive, and employee will also perform reasonable related business duties as assigned. The primary working location will be Albany, but occasional travel to other locations in New York State will be required WHAT WE OFFER AT NYS HCR: Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System. Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals. Work life balance benefits include a 37.5-hour work week and paid time off benefits including vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays. Opportunity for compressed scheduling. 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave. Paid Family Leave. Opportunity for compressed/flextime scheduling. As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for an eligible employer. Additional SONYMA/HFA/AHC Benefits: Cash in for Wellness! This program provides you with the option of buying or renewing a health club membership of your choice or enrolling in a weight loss and or smoking cessation program, using your sick leave accruals. Tuition reimbursement program – for job related and non-job-related courses. Vacation Leave Buy-Back program – Subject to approval, every year eligible employees may exchange previously earned and accrued vacation time in return for cash compensation (at employee’s daily rate of pay at time of exchange). Access to Plum Benefits – savings on movie tickets, theme parks, hotels, tours, Broadway shows and more! Optical reimbursement program – Employees are eligible for optical, hearing aid, and podiatric expenses not otherwise covered by insurance, with a maximum aggregate amount of $650 per year, per family. Unused yearly balances may be carried over to next year for a maximum of $1,300. ABOUT NEW YORK STATE HOMES AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL: Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low- and moderate-income families. Our mission is far reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders. Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction, finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies. New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)