Scientist; Water Ecology Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Job Description

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 associated risks.

• Conduct field inspections under supervision, including 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, equipment operation records, and perform physical inspection of mechanical and chemical treatment equipment; collect water samples and conduct water quality analysis.
• Generate and submit field inspection reports according to Bureau protocols and conduct follow‑up compliance inspections as needed.
• Assist with customer service to regulated community including building owners, facility maintenance personnel, superintendents, and other responsible parties.
• Provide recommendations to improve regulatory compliance and corrective actions to eliminate environmental health hazards in accordance with NYC and NYS regulations.
• Prepare inspection findings and necessary evidence for the Office of Administrative Tribunal Hearings related to notice of violations and summonses.
• Respond rapidly to signals from the Department’s Legionnaires’ disease surveillance system and implement response protocols.
• Prepare water samples for drop‑off or shipping to analytical laboratories and complete all laboratory documentation.
• Conduct field surveys to identify potential Legionella exposure risks and 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.
• Preference for field work including travel throughout the five boroughs.
• Ability to climb ladders and work in tight spaces, including high altitudes such as building roofs, for inspections and water testing.
• Knowledge or study in hazard mitigation, risk assessment, environmental investigations, or public health.
• Medical clearance and FIT testing for proper PPE respirators; complete required training and maintain required certificates and licenses.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Data entry proficiency and navigation of inspection programs on portable devices (iPhone or Tablet).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access).

• City employees are entitled to 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 offering resources and opportunities to stay healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Work‑from‑home policy:
  Depending on the position, up to two days per week may be worked from home.

• A master’s 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 study described above, at least 12 of which must have been in one of these areas of study; and at least one year of satisfactory full‑time experience, not part of graduate or undergraduate coursework, working in the field of water quality planning, management, research, environmental laboratory analyses, and/or environmental field sampling of water;
  
  or
• An associate degree from an accredited college or university with 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the areas of study described above, at least 12 of which must have been in one of these areas of study; and at least three years of satisfactory full‑time experience as described above.

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 characteristic, including but not limited to sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.