Since the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created in 1970, the agency's mission to protect, sustain, and improve our environment is a cause that unites all cultures and heritages. Environmental stewardship is integral to many cultures, and the pursuit of ensuring a clean, healthy environment now and into the future remains DEC's goal on a professional and personal level.
DEC Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights
In 2024, DEC announced the creation of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights. This new office builds on the progress of the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Implementation Plan for Fiscal Years 2021-2026 (PDF), which outlines DEC’s priorities and goals as New York State continues to cultivate and promote a diverse and inclusive culture where employees feel welcomed and motivated to do their best.
DEC’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights (DICR) focuses on four main objectives within the agency:
Ensure compliance with Federal and State Civil Rights requirements and implementation of Commissioner’s Policy 76;
Expand DEC’s language access offerings both in written documents and public meetings;
Ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in DEC operations and implementation of Executive Order 31 to meet internal accessibility goals; and
Oversee strategic planning and initiatives for workplace diversity inclusion and belonging.
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, like other programs within DEC’s Equity and Justice portfolio, helps advise programs agency wide on activities that promote inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility in DEC outreach, education, and program delivery.
These efforts reflect DEC's ongoing commitment to support diversity; promote continuous learning and advancement of diversity and inclusion; recruit qualified candidates of different backgrounds, experiences, and talents; provide internal developmental opportunities; and assess what more we can do to nurture a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Resources and Links
Resources include articles, podcasts, and blogs that present the perspective of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Latino/a, and Latinx, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other identities (LGBTQ+) and their experiences in the outdoors and in nature.
DEI Strategic Plan (PDF)
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Executive Order 187 (PDF): Ensuring Diversity and Inclusion and Combating Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace
- Equal Employment Opportunity in New York State Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (PDF)
Employment
There are many careers available in the environmental field, and DEC offers exciting opportunities for qualified individuals looking to make a difference in environmental protection and natural resource management.
