Scientist; Water Ecology Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Building Water System Oversight Inspector

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 various rules and regulations aimed at improving the operating conditions of engineered systems such as cooling towers, water tanks, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems to prevent risks associated with these systems.

Duties will include (but not be limited to):

• Under supervision, field inspections will include review of water management plans, equipment operation records, physical inspection of mechanical and chemical treatment equipment, water sample collection and water quality analysis.
• Under supervision, generate and submit field inspection reports according to the Bureau's inspection protocols and conduct follow up compliance inspections, as needed, to mitigate potential risks.
• Under supervision, assist with customer service to our regulated community including building owners, facility maintenance personnel, superintendents, and any other responsible parties.
• Assist in providing recommendations to improve regulatory compliance and corrective actions to eliminate environmental health hazards promptly in accordance with the NYC and NYS regulations.
• Review inspection findings and prepare necessary evidence used by the Department at the Office of Administrative Tribunal Hearings convened to adjudicate notice of violations and summonses.
• Assist with rapid response to signals triggered by the Department's Legionnaires' disease surveillance system and implement our response protocol.
• Prepare water samples for drop off or shipping to analytical laboratories including completion of all necessary laboratory forms and documents.
• Conduct field surveys associated with identifying potential risks for Legionella exposure. Review 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.
• Prefer to work in the field including travel throughout the five boroughs.
• Must be able to climb ladders and work in tight spaces, and work in high altitudes (building roofs) to perform field inspections and water testing.
• Knowledge or study in hazard mitigation, risk assessment, environmental investigations, or public health.
• Pass medical clearance and FIT testing for wearing proper PPE respirators. Must complete and pass Agency required trainings and be in compliance with the position related certificates and licenses.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to perform data entry and navigate inspection programs on a portable device (iPhone or Tablet).
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access).

• Premium‑free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10,000 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 – more job security compared to private sector employment and the opportunity to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Minimum Qualifications

• A masters degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following areas of study: environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the areas of…