Scientist; Water Ecology), Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Scientist (Water Ecology), Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Join the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to work as a Scientist in Water Ecology within the Office of Building Water System Oversight (BWSO). The BWSO is responsible for inspecting and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations that improve the operating conditions of engineered systems such as cooling towers, water tanks, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems to prevent public health risks.

• Conduct investigations of building water supply and distribution systems including cooling towers, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems.
• Perform environmental sampling of building water supply and distribution systems for water quality analysis, including collection of water quality measurements.
• Review building maintenance programs and plans for cooling tower systems to ensure compliance.
• Conduct compliance inspections at selected facilities to verify corrective actions and documentation mitigate potential risks to the public.
• Review building cooling tower systems operational records for compliance.
• Prepare reports on field investigation findings, including electronic inspection reports using BWSO software.
• Educate building owners, managers, and staff in best practices for managing cooling towers, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems.
• Counsel facilities, premises, owners, and operators regarding regulations and remedial measures when necessary.
• Issue Notice of Violations and tribunal summons for non‑compliance with NYC Health Code and NYS Sanitary Code.
• Assist with the development of standard operating procedures and conduct field surveys related to building water supply and distribution systems.
• Review plans, drawings, and specifications for building water supply and distribution systems.
• Provide recommendations and take corrective actions based on field investigation findings as needed or directed by the supervisor.
• Support ESE in related public health engineering tasks such as water and sewage complaints, beach inspections and sampling, and pool inspections and sampling as needed.

• Academic background in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science.
• Experience working in the field, including travel throughout the five boroughs.
• Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and work at high altitudes (building roofs) for inspections and testing.
• Medical clearance and FIT testing for wearing PPE respirators; completion of required Agency trainings and compliance with related certificates and licenses.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access).

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science; _or_
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with 24 semester credits in or across the aforementioned areas, at least 12 of which are in one of those areas, and at least one year of satisfactory full‑time experience in water quality planning, management, or environmental laboratory analyses and/or environmental field sampling of water; _or_
• Associate degree with 24 semester credits in the same areas, at least 12 of which are in one, and at least three years of satisfactory full‑time experience as described above.

To be assigned to Assignment Levels II or III, all candidates must have a bachelor’s degree as described above and at least two years of the experience outlined. A master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of required experience.

Special

Note:

A master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of required experience.

55‑a Program: This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55‑a Program. Indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered.

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