The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a national search to identify a new Deputy Commissioner of Climate Change, Air Resources, and Energy. The Deputy Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of the State’s programs to monitor, protect, and improve air quality through DEC’s Division of Air Resources and the implementation of New York’s efforts to reduce climate-altering emissions, ramp up renewable energy sources, and help communities adapt to climate change to achieve the goals of the State’s ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The announcement was made during Climate Week 2022. The incoming Deputy Commissioner will replace Jared Snyder, who is retiring in December after 15 years with DEC.

“New York is launching a national search to find someone with the experience, expertise, energy, and vision to meet the moment and help us combat climate change, maximize the economic benefits of our transition to cleaner energy sources, and ensure all communities benefit from our actions,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “This is a critical time in our global fight against climate change and we can’t afford to skip a beat, and DEC’s new Deputy Commissioner for Climate Change, Air Resources, and Energy has massive shoes to fill. I want to thank Jared Snyder who has served in this important role for 15 years as a nationally recognized and respected leader on climate and clean air.”

The Deputy Commissioner will lead DEC’s development and implementation of regulations and strategies to implement and achieve the nation-leading emissions reduction targets of the CLCPA. The Deputy Commissioner will oversee the implementation of strategies to achieve clean and healthy air quality for all New Yorkers, coordinate with other agencies and authorities on clean energy and climate matters, and represent the Commissioner and DEC on energy planning processes. The Deputy Commissioner will also advise the Commissioner on federal regulatory and legislative actions regarding climate change and air quality. Visit DEC’s website to learn more about the Office of Climate Change and Division of Air Resources and visit climate.ny.gov to learn about New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.  

For more information, see the full listing on the StateJobsNY website here: https://statejobs.ny.gov/public/vacancyDetailsView.cfm?id=112803

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree and nine years of experience in a field related to environmental conservation, protection, or natural resources. At least four years of managerial experience, including responsibility for implementation of program goals and objectives within established budgets, and supervision or coordination of staff to achieve specific objectives. A Master’s degree may be substituted for one year of the non-managerial experience and a Ph.D. may be substituted for two years of the non-managerial experience.