Hazardous Materials Specialist

Hazardous Materials Specialist

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the future of New York City, working to create thriving and dynamic neighborhoods with access to housing and jobs, resilient infrastructure, and a vibrant public realm. The Department engages communities to develop inclusive plans, expand housing access and economic opportunity, and plans for long-term sustainability. DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of hundreds of land use applications. The Department also advises on citywide strategic and capital planning, analyzes data, conducts policy analysis, and creates open data and civic engagement tools. The Department of City Planning offers staff meaningful opportunities to help shape the future of New York City and address some of its most pressing challenges. The Department values public service, collaboration, and creativity, and supports professional development. Learn more about DCP at

The Environmental Assessment and Review Division (EARD) is responsible for preparing and reviewing City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) applications for the City Planning Commission. The Division coordinates the review of CEQR applications between DCP and other government agencies and conducts CEQR reviews, including the review and preparation of draft and final Environmental Impact Statements. In addition, the Division prepares final CEQR determinations, letters and memos; and provides technical assistance in the preparation and submission of applications.

The Division is seeking a Hazardous Materials Specialist with expertise in site investigation and remediation to support the preparation, analysis and review of CEQR applications, with a focus on Hazardous Materials analyses. The position is an opportunity to work closely with DCP staff throughout the agency, interagency CEQR teams, and project teams to analyze and disclose potential environmental impacts related to discretionary land use actions. The candidate should possess strong communication and problem-solving skills; an ability to grasp complex policy issues; and a desire to contribute to an engaging, collaborative team environment. Under the supervision of the Deputy Director and Director, with wide latitude for independent judgment, the candidate will be expected to perform work including – but not limited to – the following:

• Review technical reports, such as Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA), Phase II/Subsurface/Remedial Investigations and Hazardous Materials sections of CEQR environmental assessments;
• Discern and design hazardous materials environmental requirements for zoning actions including the (e) designation process;
• Provide clear guidance to EARD staff and CEQR applicants to aid in the preparation and submission of Hazardous Materials analyses to the department;
• Coordinate inter- and intra- agency technical reviews related to the preparation and review of CEQR applications. Liaise with Hazardous Materials technical experts at partner agencies including the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Mayor's Office of Environmental Remediation (OER);
• Conduct meetings to resolve issues and recommend solution strategies aligned with the mission and strategic priorities of the Department;
• Communicate effectively with staff and other stakeholders, as needed;
• Perform related tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

1. 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:

• 1. 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; or
• 2. 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; or
• 3. 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. NOTE: Probationary Period Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Preferred Skills

- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with different personalities and roles and a solution-oriented attitude - Excellent research, analytical and organizational skills. - Demonstrated writing, editing, and oral communication skills. - Proven ability to complete tasks in a timely fashion under minimal supervision and manage multiple projects simultaneously. - Knowledge of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the application of American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) standards - Demonstrated experience with site investigation and remediation or administering brownfield cleanup program or other environmental restriction programs - Familiarity with environmental regulations such as (e) designations, the CEQR Technical Manual, and the New York City Zoning Resolution

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 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.

Additional Information

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.