PROGRAM AND JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) has a staff of over 100 that focuses on identifying and minimizing the risks of environmental and engineered hazards in NYC from water systems in the natural and built environments and radiation control. ESE has broad oversight of a variety of systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, building premise plumbing, the NYC drinking water supply treatment and distribution, recreational water facilities (beaches, pools and spas), non-portable and water reuse systems, radioactive materials, and x-ray and radiological equipment.
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- Conduct scientific research/investigations and data analysis for the development and coordination of initiatives aimed at reducing risks associated with Legionella.
- Inspect and analyzes a wide variety of engineered systems such as premise plumbing systems, cooling towers, evaporative condensers, drinking water tanks, water reuse and waste water systems to address health hazards and enhance safety.
- Independently research best industry practices to enhance scientific and technical expertise.
- Oversee the implementation of remediation techniques by environmental consultants and building facility owners to address health safety issues, including emerging remediation technologies and evaluation of the effectiveness of water treatment strategies.
- Provide technical knowledge on the identification of hazard conditions under which engineered water systems present health risks.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary projects within Tech Team including planning, designing, developing, and implementing projects designed to improve program functions.
- Assist with day-to-day management of multidisciplinary, program projects including generating status deliverables to assess regulatory compliance, program monitoring and evaluation, quality control reviews and managing timely completion of tasks within project deadlines.
- Assist with the managing and coordination of emergency response activities in response to waterborne disease such as Legionnaires' disease based on epidemiological surveillance signals and other imminent public health risks.
- Effectively provide education and outreach for the regulated community, other government agencies and industry representatives to improve regulatory compliance.
- Contribute to the preparation of the public speaking engagements such as preparing PowerPoint presentations and developing talking points.
- Work cooperatively across program teams to develop, formulate, coordinate, manage and evaluate all the program policies, procedures and operations.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Academic or professional background in mechanical engineering, plumbing systems, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science or environmental health.
- Experience in regulatory enforcement, environmental investigation and assessment related to water and/or wastewater treatment.
- Possess strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to interact at all levels in addition to exceptional written and communication skills.
- Ability to prepare and present scientific and technical materials and correspondences to various audiences.
- Demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Experience in water safety plan development and implementation
- Experience in project management
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Access)
- Easily adaptable to a dynamic work environment.
Why you should work for us:
- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
- Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.
Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.
Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!
The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at [email protected] or 347-396-6549.
1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.
NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.
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.