Project Assistant

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description The Project Assistant for the DEC Business Automation Project will play a pivotal role in modernizing workflows and driving efficiency through automation and collaboration tools. Reporting to the Director of Innovation and Automation Office, this hands-on role involves leveraging Microsoft 365 tools where appropriate, designing tailored solutions, and building internal capacity through training and structured programs. This position focuses on streamlining processes, enhancing productivity, and fostering innovation across DEC’s divisions, regions, and offices.The Project Assistant is essential to modernizing DEC’s IT operations leveraging technology that the New York State Office of Information Technology Services has made available to state agencies. The DEC Business Automation Project will address inefficiencies in current workflows and processes which are heavily paper-based and which require significant staff time for data entry tasks. This position will work closely with divisions, regions, and offices to analyze business needs, develop, and maintain Office 365 solutions—including Power Automate workflows, Power Apps applications, and SharePoint Online customizations—and guide the implementation of scalable systems that replace outdated tools and manual processes. This position provides a critical link between technology and business functions, ensuring that modernization efforts are impactful, sustainable, and improve the agency’s ability to meet its goals efficiently and effectively.Duties Description: •Collaborate with divisions, regions, and offices to analyze current workflows and processes to identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.•Design, develop, and implement solutions using tools such as SharePoint Online, Power Automate, Power Apps, and other Microsoft 365 applications.•Work with stakeholders to gather requirements and deliver scalable, user-friendly solutions that align with best practices.•Lead workshops and training sessions to equip staff with the skills to utilize Microsoft 365 tools effectively.•Develop comprehensive training materials, user guides, and resources to support solution adoption and continuous learning.•Establish structured training programs to build inhouse expertise in automation and collaboration technologies.•Research emerging technologies within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and beyond, recommending strategies to incorporate innovative tools.•Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented solutions, refining them based on feedback and performance metrics.•Ensure the technical implementation of solutions includes scripting or programming where necessary, leveraging languages like PowerShell, JSON, HTML, or JavaScript to extend Microsoft 365 functionality.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications•Education: Bachelor’s degree and three years of specialized experience or associate degree and five years of specialized experience.•Experience: Experience in process analysis, automation, and implementing solutions using tools like Power Automate, Power Apps, or SharePoint Online. Design and delivery of scalable solutions that improve efficiency and collaboration.Preferred Qualifications: •Certifications such as MS-900 (Microsoft 365 Fundamentals) or PL-900 (Power Platform Fundamentals).•Familiarity with integrating Microsoft 365 tools into enterprise workflows and processes.•Experience designing innovative, scalable solutions that align with organizational goals.•Proficiency in leveraging Microsoft 365 tools for automation, workflow design, and process improvement.•Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex workflows and translate them into technical solutions.•Demonstrated ability to train and mentor staff, with experience creating and delivering structured training programs.•Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with diverse stakeholders.•Proficiency in creating user guides, manuals, and other documentation to support adoption of new tools.Additional Comments: This is a temporary 18 month position with potential for additional extensions and possible opportunity for permanent employment.

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.Travel may be required.Overtime may be required. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including: • Holiday & Paid Time Off• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System• Shift & Geographic pay differentials• Affordable Health Care options• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost• NYS Deferred Compensation plan• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds• And many more...For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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