Unit Lead

***IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates selected to fill an Assoc. Public Health Sanitarian position from this posting will be appointed on a provisional basis. As a provisional employee, you will be required to take and pass the next Assoc. Public Health Sanitarian civil service examination and be given a list number by the NYC Dept. of Citywide Administrative Services in order to be considered for probable permanent employment in this title. Anyone who does not take and pass this examination, or who is not reached on the established list, will be terminated as a provisional Assoc. Public Health Sanitarian.***

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) protects public health and the environment by supplying clean drinking water, collecting and treating wastewater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6, employees. We deliver 1.1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water per day to 8.5 million New York City residents and more than 1 million people in Upstate New York, and we collect and treat an average of 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater per day.

The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment’s (BWT) Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) directorate ensures that employees are knowledgeable of EHS regulations that affect them so that they can work in a safe and environmentally compliant operation.

The EHS Performance Improvement Support Unit Lead is responsible for leading, guiding and providing support concerning EHS operational aspects. This entails ensuring that potential and existing safety conditions are addressed and that a programmatic improvement model is embraced to exceed our EHS compliance obligations and strengthen overall performance.

Job Purpose: The Associate Public Health Sanitarian Level II is responsible for providing support and guidance concerning operations’ EHS issues to ensure workers’ concerns are addressed and that the work environment remains or is put into EHS compliance. The selected candidate will be intimately involved in ensuring the purpose and job duties are met to the highest standards.

Responsibilities

• Coaching, mentoring, and providing guidance to approximately 6-8 Facility EHS (FEHSs) covering assigned Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs), in the administration of the core FEHS duties, to ensure continuous compliance with applicable EHS rules and regulations.
• Providing support to the Division of EHS Performance Improvement Support, and EHS Directorate, by working closely with the Division Chief to assist with sustaining and advancing EHS program across assigned WRRFs, through proactive EHS risk management approaches and performance improvement initiatives.
• Leading and/or participating in the development, preparation, support, and review of assigned WRRF EHS Performance Reports, including setting objectives, targets and deliverable metric reports, following best industry standards and formal Management System approach (i.e., EHSMS, QMS, Lean Management).
• Leading and/or participating in incident investigations, supporting Agency (e.g., OEHS, BLA) initiatives including EHS policy development, Agency level assessments, action item extensions, and finding closeout.
• Actively utilizing enterprise-wide systems and computer-based programs for assigned EHS program management, audit findings, violations, and facility assets (e.g., SIRS, AIT; AIIMS, NOVs, CMMS, etc.).
• Participate and represent Division in internal/external enforcement and other inspections and site visits by regulatory entities and other entities having jurisdiction to visit and inspect WRRFs (e.g., PESH, NYSDEC, OEHS Assessments, BWT internal Programmatic Assessments, and various levels of site investigations).
• Interfacing with Federal, State and Agency level representatives to coordinate the Bureau's approach to compliance and provide appropriate level feedback regarding BWT's efforts at meeting its compliance obligations and management system initiatives.
• Working collaboratively with Office of Development and Human Resources Training Section to support and conduct relevant EHS training for assigned FEHS and/or operations staff.
• Working closely with DEP Bureau of Legal Affairs (BLA) and other stakeholders to communicate and resolve high risk discoveries as well as close out actions, pertaining to EHS aspects of operation.
• Proactively working to provide implementation support, oversight, and effective communication on EHS aspects of construction activities, throughout the lifecycle of the contract activities {e.g. BEDC, JOCs, etc.), Prevention through Design (PTO), Deep Dives, Pre-construction work, E-HASP reviews.
• Occasionally performing duties of Acting BWT EHS Division Chief, when required.
• Providing technical support and staff management during high-level emergencies and recovery, with 24/7 availability.
• Participate and represent Division in internal/external enforcement and other inspections and site visits by regulatory entities and other entities having jurisdiction to visit and inspect WRRFs.

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 30 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, i.e., biology, botany, chemistry, geology, physics, physiology, and zoology; of which not more than 12 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, i.e., environmental technology, sanitation technology, medical technology, public health, infection control or food service; and at least two years of satisfactory full-time experience performing inspections to assure compliance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations governing the areas of food, drugs and general environmental conditions.
• An associate degree from an accredited college, with 15 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, of which not more than 6 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, and 4 years of satisfactory full-time experience as described above.
• Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” or “2” above. All candidates must have at least 60 semester credits from an accredited college, including at least 15 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences. Additionally, all candidates must have at least 2 years of experience as a public health sanitarian as described in “1” above.
• In order to be eligible for promotion to a supervisory level, candidates must have 2 years of experience as a public health sanitarian, pursuant to Section 11 of the Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR) – Title 10 (Health).

Preferred Skills

• Work experience researching and interpreting environmental, health and safety regulations and policies.
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Work experience researching and interpreting FDNY and DOB codes and rules.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with PowerPoint and Microsoft Access a plus but not needed.
• Maintains good work habits and meets general assignments.
• Preferred: Working Instruments – Office computers and other office equipment; Field – four-gas air monitors, sound level meters, mercury and ammonia gas meters, dosimetry equipment; others. Carrier safety: positions at DEP facilities are often under construction – proper precaution, including required PPE, is necessary to safely access the location.
• Health and Safety/Working Conditions: Environment and Physical – Duties include both field activities and office activities. Office activities include using computers and other office equipment. Field activities occur in Wastewater Treatment plants and sewage pump stations. Transportation to facilities is by Agency vehicle, provided on an as-needed basis. This position may occasionally be required to work off hours, including early morning, evening, and weekends.

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.

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 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.