ALBANY – The State Department of Environmental Conservation and Civil Service have announced a $15,000 geographic pay differential for environmental conservation officers and forest rangers in the Hudson Valley. The measure is designed to help the agency recruit and retain law enforcement officers in the region.
“ECOs, investigators, and forest rangers are on the front lines of our comprehensive efforts to protect the environment and public safety and we must continue to attract the best and brightest to our ranks,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.
The increase would boost the starting salary for environmental conservation Police officers from $66,140 to $81,140, and for forest rangers from $63,034 to $78,034, effective July 21, 2022. The raise will help address a disparity in compensation between the state and competing employers in lower-Hudson and downstate areas, officials said.
Individuals who are contemplating a career with the DEC can apply for New York State’s entry-level law enforcement civil service exam by August 10, 2022. People interested in being considered for entry-level law enforcement positions within state government must first meet the minimum qualifications for the title or titles of interest and register for the civil service exam by submitting all the required information here. The exam, a multiple-choice test, will be offered during the fall.
