Maintenance Assistant

Maintenance Assistant

Responsibilities include : operating equipment in the process of maintaining and rehabilitating the Department's infrastructure in the Catskill Forest Preserve. This includes building and maintaining trail systems, creating access points, maintaining public fishing rights areas, and building and maintaining ADA infrastructure. This position will require traversing steep and uneven terrain while carrying equipment and tools. Incumbent should be capable of long hikes to remote work locations. Maintenance Assistants also may perform routine maintenance, installation, and repair tasks in one or a combination of the mechanical, building construction, motor equipment, and electrical trades. Incumbents may operate heavy equipment such as trucks, tractors, front end loaders, etc.; operate light self-propelled equipment such as power mowers, chain saws, power saws, etc.; perform a variety of tasks utilizing power and manual hand tools including but not limited to saws, hammers, drills, sanders, etc; possess ability to perform a variety of construction trades including but not limited to masonry, carpentry, and electrical.

Two years of full-time experience in maintenance or mechanical work under the supervision of a skilled tradesperson; OR completion of an appropriate two-year technical school course at a school, institute, or branch of the Armed Services, such as the New York State Civil Service Employees Association-Partnership (NYS CSEA-P) Applied Skilled Trades Certificate Program

• ; or an equivalent combination of experience and training gained by completion of appropriate technical courses at a school, institute, or branch of the Armed Services. Successful completion of the NYS CSEA-P Applied Skilled Trades Certificate Program includes a total of 288 hours of trade-specific classroom instruction, 45 hours of technical math course work, 45 hours of technical communications course work, and 15 hours of blueprint / schematic reading course work. It does not include 4,000 hours of on-the-job training, as required for the NYS CSEA-P Applied Skilled Trades Traineeship. When required to operate motor vehicles, candidates must possess a valid New York State driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle to be operated.

This is a hourly appointment currently funded through 3 / 31 / 2026, with a likelihood of continuing beyond that date. Program needs and funding will determine actual termination date. Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required. Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain. Must be able to work in remote areas. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions. Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) 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. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which 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. Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).