Innovation Program Lead

The Resource Recovery Division (RRD) in the Bureau of Solid Waste Management directs waste reduction and diversion programs and develops and administers policies to support the Department’s sustainability goals. RRD is currently seeking an experienced policy researcher with specific experience in applied research & data analysis and an understanding of the application of technology to innovate towards a circular economy. This position will also work with program managers to analyze, report, and improve operational performance.

The successful candidate will be integral to the implementation of the City’s 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan.

• Research waste management policies and programs across the US and internationally to identify new innovations.
• Prepare documentation, statistics, and analyses for reporting and program improvements.
• Manage the execution of waste composition research studies, including field operations potentially in outdoor environments.
• Monitor and provide frequent updates and analyses of local, state, and federal circular economy and resource recovery policies.
• Prepare comprehensive presentations on the status of Bureau programs (including charts, graphs and tables), and the results of research studies.
• Participate in the implementation and tracking of the city’s Solid Waste Management Plan.
• Support other Bureau functions as needed. May require occasional evening or weekend work.

CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744

• For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.

To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:

• A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization.
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization.
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in “2” above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in “1” and “2” above.

Probationary Period:
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

• Strong communications skills ability to tailor complex messages to diverse audiences.
• Strong administrative, organizational, interpersonal, writing, and data management skills.
• Proficiency in use of word processing and data management applications including MS Word and Excel.
• Possession of a New York State Motor Vehicle Driver’s License.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

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

$87,743.00 – $