DEC employee credits PEF in obtaining career goalD

By DEBORAH A. MILES
In June, PEF member Matt Franklin became a licensed professional engineer after passing Part B of the professional engineering exam on the first shot.

He may not be alone in this accomplishment, but he tips his hat to PEF staff for removing the roadblocks to his career advancement.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the help I received from PEF,” Franklin said.

His quest began in 1994 when Franklin inquired about the academic qualifications he needed to acquire an engineering position with the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

An employee in DEC’s personnel office told Franklin he could pursue a master’s degree in environmental engineering to achieve his goal.

He did. It took six years, and when he graduated, the same person said his master’s degree was basically useless and he was denied the exam.

Turns to PEF
Franklin, frustrated with the process, contacted a PEF field representative.

“Allan Lahoff (now a trainer) worked as a field representative then, and when I told him my story, he jumped on it immediately,” Franklin said.

They attended a meeting with the personnel staff, who reluctantly admitted an error was made, according to Franklin.

“That was the first mistake, saying my master’s degree didn’t cut the ice. Then she told me I lacked specific college courses. They were right there in black and white on my transcript.

“They were grasping at straws and trying to save face. They made a mistake and were totally wrong,” Franklin said. “It was Allan Lahoff who had a voice of reason and got them to admit their mistake.”

More PEF help
PEF’s Civil Service Enforcement department intervened and wrote a letter to the Civil Service Department on Franklin’s behalf.

“The letter was tremendous,” Franklin said. “It brought about immediate action. The personnel department was trying to hamstring me by not allowing me to take the exam.”

Franklin was finally allowed to take Part A of the professional engineering exam and passed. There was a waiting period of four years to take Part B. And, today, he works as a licensed engineer in the Division of Environmental Remediation and oversees the clean up and removal of petroleum and chemical spills that occur in the state.

“I started as a grade 8 technician, and now I’m a grade 20 engineer,” he said. “That’s a huge jump. PEF’s assistance was life-changing for me. I was able to buy a house, and allow my wife to be a stay-at-home mom to our two children.

“Had it not been for the union, I never would have made it past the first hurdle. I am convinced PEF’s intervention had a direct effect on my career and personal life. That may sound a bit dramatic, but it’s true.”