Division Counsel, Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy

Job Description

The Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy (BESP) in EH works to ground Health Department programs and policy in science and law to support a healthy and equitable natural, built, and occupational environment for all New Yorkers. We promote environmental health through legal and data‑driven program support, using innovative methods to track environmental determinants of health with a focus on New Yorkers disproportionately impacted by environmental risk.

We share data and research findings to encourage evidence‑based decision‑making, and partner with communities in community science and outreach to address stakeholder concerns and empower residents.

Under supervision, the candidate will support the Bureau of Child Care on all legal matters, including but not limited to representing the Department at enforcement hearings, assisting in drafting summons and Orders, and providing trainings to inspectional staff.

• Support the Bureau of Child Care on all legal matters.
• Represent the Department in hearings before the OATH Hearings Division. Draft and file appeals of OATH Hearings Division decisions and respond to respondents’ appeals.
• Advise the Bureau of Child Care on enforcing all applicable laws and regulations. Draft policies, procedures and guidance documents. Train program staff as needed.
• Review and analyze OATH Hearings Division decisions and appellate rulings; develop and recommend strategies to improve adjudication outcome.
• Draft, revise and review agency regulations or legal guidance documents and legal documents, including orders, as needed to promote public health working collaboratively with unit, program, division, Office of General Counsel and Law Department staff.
• Represent agency in negotiations with regulated people or entities. Draft summons, orders, settlement agreements and other legal documents issued to regulated people or entities.
• Train inspectors and staff to appear effectively at hearings; support use remote participation at OATH hearings; identify successful training and appearance models and replicate across the Division as appropriate.

• Excellent research, writing, and oral skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Current working knowledge of NYC City or Health Department procedures, policies and practices is a plus.
• Passed all sections of the New York Bar Exam. Admitted to New York Bar preferred.

• Benefits:
  City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
  • a premium‑free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
  • additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
  • a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
  • a tax‑deferred savings program and
  • 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…