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Deputy Section Chief

Job Description

***IMPORTANT NOTE: Only those currently serving as a permanent or probable permanent, i.e. probationary, Associate Staff Analysts will be considered. ***


The NYC 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 6,000 employees. DEP delivers more than 1.1 billion gallons per day of the highest quality drinking water to 8.5 million NYC residents and more than 1 million people in Upstate New York and has a wastewater conveyance and treatment system capable of processing over 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater per day to protect the environment and the city’s surrounding waterways.

The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all facilities related to the treatment of sewage within the five boroughs of the city. This includes 14
wastewater treatment plants, sludge dewatering facilities, collections facilities (pumping stations, combined sewer overflow retention facilities, regulators, tide gates, etc.), wastewater laboratories and harbor vessels.

Job Purpose: Within BWT, the Budget Planning and Management Section is responsible for managing the Bureau’s Capital Budget and the Other Than Personnel Services (OTPS) expense budget. The Bureau’s ten-year capital budget is currently $8.4B and the annual expense budget for the Bureau is almost $300M. The Deputy Section Chief will assist the Section Chief in overseeing and delivering the activities of the Budget Planning and Management Section.

Job Tasks/Duties:
1. Under direction of capital planning & budget management (CPBM) section chief, supervises subordinate staff in all aspects of the bureau’s expense, capital budget, and the procurement practices to meet operational requirements.
2. Plans, monitors, tracks, and reports on the bureaus spending plan to ensure that planned expenditures coincide with actual expenditures.
3. Supervises the performance and coordination of activities necessary for obtaining capital funding including cp requests and matching contracts with appropriate grant revenue sources. matches capital funding actions with capital plan, communicates with CMBO and bureau directorates on an as needed basis.
4. Serves as bureau’s liaison with dep central budget, CMBO, payments & accounting, as well as other bureaus, office and agencies related to budgetary activities.
5. Monitors the financial management system (FMS) interface relating to contracts and a large volume of procurements, to ensure compliance and spending initiatives. review and approves budget modifications and funding requests for all bureau budgetary needs. evaluates and analyzes the state of the budget, ensuring sufficient funds availability in budget codes.
6. Supervises in the development and maintenance of various budgetary reports on a monthly + quarterly basis, as needed for bureau’s senior leadership team.
7. Supervises in the process of the accrual exercise for the bureau, develops spending plans and new needs.
8. Demonstrates knowledge of and support for EEO standards and procedures
9. Become familiar with, and comply with applicable environmental, health & safety ("EH&S”) laws and regulations, and DEP’s EH&S policies and procedures as set out in employee environmental, health and safety handbook.

Qualifications

1. A master's degree from an accredited college in economics, finance, accounting, business or public administration, public health, human resources management, management science, operations research, organizational behavior, industrial psychology, statistics, personnel administration, labor relations, psychology, sociology, human resources development, political science, urban studies or a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, and one year of satisfactory full-time professional experience in one or a combination of the following: working with the budget of a large public or private concern in budget administration, accounting, economic or financial administration, or fiscal or economic research; in management or methods analysis, operations research, organizational research or program evaluation; in personnel or public administration, recruitment, position classification, personnel relations, labor relations, employee benefits, staff development, employment program planning/administration, labor market research, economic planning, social services program planning/evaluation, or fiscal management, or in a related area; or

2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and three years of satisfactory full-time professional experience in the areas described in "1" above.

3.An associate degree or completion of 60 semester credits from an accredited college and five years of satisfactory full-time professional experience as described in “1” above.

4. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State’s department of education or a recognized accrediting organization and seven years of satisfactory full-time professional experience as described in “1” above.

5.A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to “1”, “2”, “3”, or “4” above. College education may be substituted for professional experience at the rate of 30 semester credits from an accredited college for one year of experience. However, all candidates must have a high school diploma and at least one year of experience as described in “1” above.

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.

Average salary estimate

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What You Should Know About Deputy Section Chief, City of New York

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is looking for a passionate individual to join the team as a Deputy Section Chief in Queens, NY. This position holds a pivotal role within the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment, where you will collaborate with talented professionals to manage an impressive budget of $8.4 billion in capital and nearly $300 million in expenses. You're not just crunching numbers; you're ensuring the city's wastewater treatment facilities operate smoothly, all while protecting public health and the environment! Your responsibilities will include supervising staff, tracking spending plans, and acting as a liaison with various departments to coordinate budgetary activities. A solid understanding of environmental policies and procurement practices will elevate your contributions as you develop essential reports for senior leadership. We're looking for dedicated candidates currently serving as Associate Staff Analysts who have the academic qualifications—whether that’s a master's degree or significant related experience. If you're detail-oriented, enjoy financial management, and are eager to support a mission-driven organization making a real difference in the community, we want to hear from you! The culture here celebrates diversity and inclusivity, creating a fantastic workplace for everyone. Embrace the opportunity to impact New York City and help us deliver high-quality drinking water and efficient wastewater treatment services!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Deputy Section Chief Role at City of New York
What are the main responsibilities of the Deputy Section Chief at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection?

As a Deputy Section Chief at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, you will assist the Section Chief in overseeing budget management activities. Your primary responsibilities will include supervising staff within the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment, monitoring and tracking spending plans, coordinating capital funding activities, and serving as a liaison with various bureaus and departments. You will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental laws and generating detailed budgetary reports to support the bureau's senior leadership team.

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What qualifications are required for the Deputy Section Chief position at DEP?

To qualify for the Deputy Section Chief position at the Department of Environmental Protection, candidates must have a master's degree in a relevant field or significant professional experience in budget administration, accounting, or financial management. Candidates with a bachelor's degree and three years of experience, an associate degree with five years of experience, or a high school diploma with seven years of experience in related areas will also be considered. Current service as a permanent Associate Staff Analyst is a requirement.

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How does the Deputy Section Chief contribute to budget management at DEP?

The Deputy Section Chief play a critical role in managing the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment's budgets, ensuring that both capital and operational expenditures align with the overall financial strategy. By supervising staff, planning and tracking budgets, and reviewing funding requests, you will contribute to maintaining compliance and effective use of resources. Your input will directly impact how the Bureau allocates its $8.4 billion capital budget and $300 million expense budget, ensuring funds support crucial operational needs efficiently.

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What is the work environment like for a Deputy Section Chief at DEP?

The work environment for a Deputy Section Chief at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection is dynamic and collaborative. You will work alongside skilled professionals who are dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. The Bureau values diversity and inclusivity, fostering a culture where every employee can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. This mission-driven atmosphere encourages teamwork and provides professional growth opportunities in a significant public sector role.

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What impact does the Deputy Section Chief role have on NYC residents?

The Deputy Section Chief position at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection has a profound impact on the city's residents by overseeing and managing vital budgetary functions that support clean water delivery and effective wastewater treatment. By ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently, you help maintain high standards for public health and environmental protection in New York City, which ultimately benefits millions in the community.

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Common Interview Questions for Deputy Section Chief
Can you describe your experience with budget management?

When answering this question, discuss specific examples of your past experiences that involve managing budgets, detailing your role and the outcomes. Highlight your analytical skills, ability to track spending, and any tools or software you've used in budgeting. Be sure to relate this to the responsibilities you'll have as a Deputy Section Chief at DEP.

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How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple budget reports?

It's vital to show your organizational skills here. Explain your strategy for prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance, and highlight the tools you use to keep track of deadlines and deliverables. Providing an example where your prioritization improved efficiency or outcomes can strengthen your response.

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What knowledge do you have about regulatory compliance in budget management?

Discuss your understanding of relevant regulations and compliance issues related to public finance, especially any specific to environmental services. Highlight how this knowledge has helped you ensure compliance in previous roles, particularly in government or similar organizations.

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Can you give an example of a complex budget issue you resolved?

To answer effectively, use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Detail a specific challenge you encountered in budget management, your analysis, the steps you took to resolve it, and the resulting impact on your team or organization. This demonstrates problem-solving skills relevant to the Deputy Section Chief role.

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How would you handle a situation where spending exceeds the agreed budget?

Discuss your planned approach for addressing budget overruns, emphasizing the need for communication, analysis, and re-prioritization of expenses. Relate this strategy to the requirements of the role and convey confidence in handling financial challenges.

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What strategies do you use to communicate budget information to non-financial staff?

Effective communication is key in this role. Discuss techniques you use, such as simplifying complex financial terms, using visual aids, and ensuring clarity in your messaging. Provide examples from past experiences where effective communication improved collaboration.

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Describe your familiarity with the financial management system (FMS) interface.

Make sure to discuss your experience with FMS or similar systems. Explain how you’ve used these tools to track finances, generate reports, and ensure compliance. If possible, mention specific software or platforms that are relevant to the position at DEP.

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How do you ensure your team stays motivated during demanding budget cycles?

In your answer, emphasize the importance of team morale and collaboration. Discuss methods you use to keep your team engaged, such as setting clear goals, celebrating milestones, and ensuring open lines of communication. Relate this to your leadership style and how it aligns with the DEP’s values.

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How would you assess the success of your budget management practices?

Focus on the metrics and qualitative feedback you would use to evaluate budget management effectiveness. Mention specific KPIs such as adherence to budget, accuracy in financial forecasts, and stakeholder satisfaction. Relate this assessment process to how it can inform future budgeting strategies at DEP.

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What motivates you to work in a role that supports environmental protection?

Share your personal connection to environmental issues and public service. Discuss how your values align with the mission of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and how this motivates you to contribute to the organization’s goals through sound budget management.

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Our Mission To work to eliminate ageism and ensure the dignity and quality-of-life of New York City’s diverse older adults, and for the support of their caregivers through service, advocacy, and education. Strategic Goals To foster independence...

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DATE POSTED
January 9, 2025

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