The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) protects public health and the environment by supplying clean drinking water, collecting and treating wastewater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. We deliver 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water per day to 8.5 million New York City residents and more than 1 million people in Upstate New York, and we collect and treat an average of 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater per day.
New York City has approximately 151,000 catch basins, 114,000 hydrants, 90,000 valves, 14 gatehouses, 3 reservoirs, 68 groundwater wells, a 100 million gallon underground storage tank and 7,000 miles each of both sanitary sewers and water mains. The responsibility of maintaining these vast networks falls under the Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations (BWSO).
Working within the Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations (BWSO), the selected candidate will serve as an Environmental Engineering Intern within the Division of Capital Program Management. The Environmental Engineering Intern will work under direct supervision within the Bluebelt unit, engaging in entry-level environmental engineering tasks. This comprehensive entry-level environmental engineering position offers a hands-on learning experience, allowing interns to develop practical skills, gain industry knowledge, and contribute to meaningful environmental projects aimed at enhancing community resilience and sustainability. The tasks will require experience and training across diverse engineering disciplines. The engineer will gain exposure to a range of activities, including:
- Assisting in the planning and conceptualization of Bluebelt BMP projects, including feasibility studies and site assessments.
- Collaborating on the design of BMPs, stormwater management systems, and sustainable landscaping solutions.
- Supporting construction activities by monitoring project progress, ensuring compliance with design specifications, and participating in site inspections.
- Conducting field inspections to assess the performance and functionality of installed BMPs, stormwater facilities, and erosion control measures.
- Collecting, organizing, and analyzing environmental data to support research initiatives, regulatory compliance, and program evaluation.
- Assisting with permit applications, compliance reporting, and liaising with regulatory agencies such as the EPA, ACOE, and DEC.
Key Responsibilities:
Data Collection and Analysis:
- Gather and organize data to support quantitative research for the expansion of the Bluebelt program citywide.
- Maintain GIS database of land holdings, wetlands, and other spatially-based data.
- Prepare maps using GIS software and analyze research findings.
Design and Review:
- Organize and assist in the review of design submittals of Bluebelt BMPs from consultants, DEP staff, and other governmental agencies.
- Research and identify sustainable and environmentally sensitive landscaping and stormwater detention practices to inform Bluebelt designs.
Permitting and Regulatory Compliance:
- Organize and assist with permit applications to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and other regulatory agencies.
Reporting:
- Assist with regular reporting on design contract status, permit approval schedules, property acquisition, and other program aspects.
Physical Activities and Environmental Conditions:
- Walking to and from inspection sites.
- Wearing personal protective equipment (hard hat, gas mask, goggles) for inspections.
- Working outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions.
1. A Baccalaureate degree in environmental, chemical, mechanical, petroleum, aeronautical, or materials engineering from an accredited college.
A Baccalaureate degree in engineering technology is not acceptable.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
