Scientist (Water Ecology), I - 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. Preferred Skills 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). Benefits 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. Scientist (Water Ecology) – 21538 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 study described in "1" 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 working in the field of water quality planning, management or research or performing environmental laboratory analyses, and/or environmental field sampling of water; or Additional Requirements To be assigned to Assignment Levels II or III, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university as described above and must have one additional year of the experience described above for a total of two years of experience. Special Note A master’s degree from an accredited college in one of the areas described above may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience. Additional Information 55a Program: This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55‑a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55‑a Program. Public Service Loan Forgiveness: 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 Residency Requirement: 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 two 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. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene