Scientist Water Ecology, II -Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Overview

The Office of Building Water System Oversight (BWSO) within the Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) is responsible for conducting inspections to ensure compliance with rules and regulations aimed at improving operating conditions of engineered systems such as cooling towers, water tanks, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems in order to prevent risks associated with these systems.

• Lead field inspections that include travel through the five boroughs to various building types for building water supply and distribution systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, building plumbing, and wastewater systems.
• Review water management plans and equipment operation records; physically inspect mechanical and chemical treatment equipment; collect water samples and conduct water quality analysis.
• Generate and check field inspection reports for accuracy in accordance with the Bureau’s inspection protocols; conduct follow-up compliance inspections as needed to mitigate potential risks to the public.
• Provide customer service to our regulated community including building owners, facility maintenance personnel, superintendents, and other responsible parties.
• Issue recommendations to improve regulatory compliance and corrective actions to eliminate environmental health hazards promptly in accordance with NYC and NYS regulations.
• Review and summarize inspection findings and prepare evidence used by the Department at the Office of Administrative Tribunal Hearings convened to adjudicate notices of violations and summonses.
• Lead rapid response to signals triggered by the Department’s Legionnaires’ disease surveillance system and implement the response protocol.
• Prepare and train others to collect water samples for drop off or shipping to analytical laboratories, including completion of all necessary laboratory forms and documents.
• Conduct field surveys to identify potential risks for Legionella exposure.
• Provide technical assessment of process schematics, engineering plans, drawings and specifications for cooling tower systems and building water supply and distribution systems.

• Academic background in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science.
• Willingness to work in the field including travel throughout the five boroughs.
• Ability to climb ladders and work in tight spaces and high altitudes (building roofs) to perform field inspections and water testing.
• Knowledge or study in hazard mitigation, risk assessment, environmental investigations, or public health.
• Experience with or interest in team leadership.
• Pass medical clearance and FIT testing for wearing proper PPE respirators; complete and pass agency-required trainings and maintain position-related certificates and licenses.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to perform data entry and navigate inspection programs on portable devices (iPhone or Tablet).
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access).

• 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.
• 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 and the opportunity 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…