Program policy trends toward protecting the State against litigation, rather than protecting the environment, making working towards the agency's mission difficult. Staff retention for new hires ( last 5-10 years) is poor and can not keep pace with hiring rates. Midlevel promotions are rare. The civil service system makes hiring for new and promotional opportunities difficult. Positions can only be filed based on list generated from civil service tests, some of which have not been given in years. The agency has a 50% telecommuting policy, however each region is allowed to dictate their own policy. Region 3 (New Paltz) has a 40% telecommuting policy which can further be limited by each program manager. This has resulted in each program having different telecommuting policies, with some not being able to telecommute at all. The community atmosphere has changed significantly over the last few years. Staff can not keep up with the current workload, leaving less time for them to participate in office groups that coordinate fun and enriching office events. The civil service system does not encourage staff to continue to do their best.
