Sustainability Enforcement Attorney

Join the fight against climate change and take advantage of a unique opportunity on the cutting edge of climate policy at the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). DOB has an essential role in implementing and enforcing New York City’s ground-breaking climate policies, including Local Law 97, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the city’s largest buildings. In a city where buildings contribute nearly three-quarters of our greenhouse gas emissions, a focus on efficiency, building energy usage, and decarbonization is critical.

DOB is committed to becoming the nation’s premier municipal building organization, enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers, and making our city a safer and healthier place to live. Become a member of DOB’s Bureau of Sustainability team and make a real difference.

Under supervision, with some latitude for independent and unreviewed action and decision, the Enforcement Attorney will support enforcement actions and projects in collaboration with Sustainability Bureau staff and other agency units.

• Supporting enforcement initiatives, including the development and execution of Notices of Deficiency, administrative enforcement proceedings, and related actions.
• Preparing reports and related analyses on noncompliance and enforcement actions, to inform enforcement strategies and priorities.
• Working with Sustainability Bureau teams (auditors, data analytics, policy researchers) to align enforcement actions with system capabilities and program goals.
• Supporting collection of penalties and fines assessed.
• Drafting and reviewing enforcement communications to building owners, representatives, and stakeholders.
• Working with Sustainability Bureau staff to promote effective enforcement and compliance.
• Conducting legal research and writing legal memoranda.
• Completing special projects and assignments.
• Any other duties as assigned.

This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program.

AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087

Incumbents must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements:
To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

• Excellent writing, legal research, critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team on multiple assignments with minimal supervision.
• Experience with City agency enforcement.
• Experience with Building Code and laws related to sustainable buildings.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, in particular Excel.

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 not required for this position.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal‑offering 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.