Staff Engineer, Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) has about 100 staff that focuses on identifying and minimizing the risks of environmental and engineered hazards in NYC from water systems in the natural and built environments and radiation control. ESE has broad oversight of a variety of systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, building premise plumbing, the NYC drinking water supply treatment and distribution, recreational water facilities (beaches, pools and spas), nonpotable and water reuse systems, sanitary sewage, radioactive materials, and x-ray and radiological equipment.

POSITION / OFFICE TITLE SUMMARY / JOB DESCRIPTION:
We are looking for a staff engineer within the Office of Public Health Engineering. The position will report to the Director and will work with a team of scientists, engineers, and data analysts. Primary tasks will include engineering support for enforcement of NYC Health Department regulations including review of engineering plans and specifications of permit applications. Permit types include for bathing establishments (swimming pools, spa pools, wading pools, saunas, steam rooms, and spray grounds), bathing beaches, drinking water supply and treatment systems, well water, wastewater disposal projects, and nonportable water reuse systems. The position requires a license and current registration as a professional engineer in New York State.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
Duties will include but not limited to:
- Provide engineering and scientific research on industry principles and practices to support engineered water system oversight.
- Provide technical assistance and customer service to permit applicants and permitted entities, conducting research, literature, and policy review as needed.
- Design, develop, and prepare related internal trainings and protocols and external guidance and informational factsheets through scientific research and literature review.
- Review engineering design plans for installation of engineered water systems and their facilities. Materials are typically submitted as part of a permit application and may include technical specifications, layout plans, plumbing schematics, detail drawings, and engineering calculations. Engineering submissions will be reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with NYC regulations.
- Provide clear written review comments and technical guidance to address design or submission deficiencies and manage multiple reviews, as needed.
- Issue stamped and approved plans for construction and NYC permits for operation.
- Conduct field inspections to verify construction is done in accordance with approved plans.
- Supervise research scientists and engineering staff that assist with the technical review process, related research, and ensure timely and accurate review of all submissions.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
- The position requires a license and current registration as a professional engineer in New York State.
- Academic or professional background in engineering, plumbing systems, environmental science or environmental health.
- Experience in regulatory enforcement, environmental investigation and assessment related to water and/or wastewater treatment.
- Easily adaptable to a dynamic work environment.
- Possess strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Ability to prepare and present scientific and technical materials and correspondences to various audiences.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Why you should work for us:

- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o 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 - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at [email protected] or 347-396-6549.

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.

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.