Coordinator (SWPPP)

As a Coordinator (SWPPP) with the NYC Department of Design and Construction, you'll undertake key responsibilities, including providing critical technical assistance, navigating permit applications, and ensuring compliance with the Unified Storm Water Rule. You'll work closely with the Chief Engineer and other project teams, reviewing and approving Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, performing hydrology calculations, and maintaining crucial project records.

To qualify for the Coordinator (SWPPP) position at the NYC Department of Design and Construction, you must possess a valid New York State Professional Engineer License, along with four years of full-time experience in environmental engineering. If you have a master's degree in environmental engineering from an accredited institution, it may count as equivalent to one year of the required experience.

The Coordinator (SWPPP) at the NYC Department of Design and Construction plays a crucial role in supporting environmental projects by ensuring that all constructions are compliant with stormwater regulations. This role helps in the approval process of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans and acts as a bridge between project teams and the Department of Environmental Protection, facilitating smoother project execution and compliance.

Technical skills required for the Coordinator (SWPPP) position include a solid understanding of hydrology, hydraulics, and soil mechanics. You'll perform mathematical calculations and ensure that stormwater pollution prevention designs follow city regulations. Familiarity with environmental planning and the ability to assess and interpret engineering plans will greatly enhance your effectiveness in this role.

The Coordinator (SWPPP) position at the NYC Department of Design and Construction is an in-person role, based in New York City. You’ll be engaged in collaborative team efforts, attending meetings, inspecting plans, and supporting environmental engineering tasks, which necessitate your presence at the office in Queens.

In preparing for this question, highlight specific projects where you have developed or reviewed Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans. Discuss your understanding of compliance requirements, the challenges you faced, and how you addressed them. Providing concrete examples will demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills relevant to the Coordinator (SWPPP) position.

Demonstrating your knowledge about the Unified Storm Water Rule will show your preparedness for the role. Explain the rule's objectives, how it seeks to mitigate stormwater runoff during construction, and its implications for developers. Discuss recent changes and how they affect project management and compliance practices.

When answering this question, outline a step-by-step approach you would take. Discuss analyzing the plan’s adherence to regulatory requirements, evaluating hydrology calculations, and ensuring adequate measures are in place to prevent pollution. Mention the importance of clear communication with project teams throughout the review process.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Discuss a specific project that required innovative solutions or faced regulatory hurdles. Focus on your role, the actions you took, and the positive outcomes that resulted from your contributions, emphasizing skills relevant to the Coordinator (SWPPP) role.

Discuss your strategies for maintaining open lines of communication, such as regular meetings, timely updates, and clear documentation. Provide examples of how you have successfully facilitated discussions or resolved conflicts between teams and regulatory parties in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills in building collaborative relationships.

Share your background in reviewing engineering drawings and your ability to identify compliance issues or areas needing clarification. Include specific instances where your skills allowed you to catch critical details that impacted project approval or implementation, underscoring your attention to detail and expertise.

Emphasize your understanding of local environmental regulations, including the specifics of the MS4 Permit and relevant NYC codes. Mention any training or certifications you hold that relate to New York City’s environmental standards and how your experience aligns with ensuring compliance in urban construction projects.

Data analysis is critical in stormwater management. Discuss how you utilize data to assess runoff patterns, evaluate site conditions, and make informed decisions about design and compliance. Mention any software or tools you use for analysis, and how data supports your overall project objectives.

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning, such as attending workshops, webinars, joining professional organizations, or engaging with online forums. Highlight specific resources you use to stay informed about industry trends, regulations, and best practices that directly impact your work as a Coordinator (SWPPP).

Outline your project management strategy, including prioritization, time management techniques, and the use of tools to keep track of deadlines and responsibilities. Discuss how you delegate tasks when necessary and ensure that quality standards are upheld even when working under pressure.