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

Position Overview

Scientific Water Ecology Scientist in the Office of Building Water System Oversight (BWSO) under the Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) will conduct inspections and enforce compliance with rules that protect public health by ensuring proper operation of engineered water systems.

• Full‑time position.
• Agency:
  Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
• Job Category:
  Public Safety, Inspections, & Enforcement.
• Salary Band: $70,000 to $80,000 (USD 61,510 – 70,737).

• Direct and plan activities to meet annual field inspection targets, including scheduling, logistical support, assignment of field staff, and troubleshooting on site.
• Supervise and lead a team of Scientist Water Ecologists II, I, and Trainees, organizing workflows and ensuring staff understand duties.
• Oversee program projects related to new registrations, decommissioning, compliance follow‑up, monitoring of field visits, and professional development of the field team.
• Set performance goals, mentor staff individually and within teams, and provide performance evaluations.
• Manage and coordinate rapid‑response activities during community investigations and building evaluations in support of the Department’s Legionnaires’ disease surveillance system.
• Utilize technical writing and analysis skills to assess water management programs, plans, and operating records, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Serve as primary customer‑service liaison for the Bureau, communicating with building owners and managers to address questions and provide education.
• Lead field inspections across the five boroughs for cooling towers, evaporative condensers, building plumbing, and wastewater systems.
• Perform quality control on inspections, manage follow‑up compliance inspections, and maintain case documentation in the inspection database.
• Represent the Department in enforcement activities, serving violations, preparing evidence, and attending tribunal hearings.

Minimum qualifications are:

• 1. Master’s degree in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science; OR
• 2. Baccalaureate degree with 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the areas above, at least 12 of which in these areas, plus at least one year of full‑time experience in water quality planning, management, research, laboratory analysis, or environmental field sampling of water; OR
• 3. Associate degree with 24 semester credits, at least 12 in the required areas, plus at least three years of full‑time experience as described in (2).
• To be assigned to Assignment Levels II or III, a baccalaureate degree and an additional year of experience is required.
• A master’s degree may substitute up to two years of required experience.

• Experience in environmental sciences, water testing, supervising field staff, and designing drinking or wastewater plans.
• Knowledge of hazard mitigation, risk assessment, environmental investigations, or public health.
• Ability to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and at high altitudes for water testing.
• Pass medical clearance and fit testing for proper PPE respirators.
• Complete and pass agency‑required trainings and maintain position‑related certificates and licenses.
• Strong interpersonal and customer‑service skills, with adept written and communication abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Data‑entry proficiency and navigation of inspection programs on portable devices (iPhone or Tablet).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access).

• Premium‑free health insurance that saves over $10,000 annually.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits available through the union/benefit fund.
• Public‑sector defined‑benefit pension plan.
• Tax‑deferred savings program.
• Robust Worksite Wellness Program.
• Work‑from‑home policy: up to two days per week, depending on the position.
• Job security in the public sector.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is an inclusive equal‑opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on legally protected status or characteristics.