Scientist; Water Ecology Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Scientist (Water Ecology), I - Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Posted Mar 6
• Full-time
• New York
• Negotiable
• Unknown

The Office of Building Water System Oversight (BWSO) within the Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) conducts inspections to ensure compliance with rules and regulations aimed at improving operating conditions of engineered systems such as cooling towers, water tanks, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems to prevent public health risks.

• Under supervision, conduct field inspections across the five boroughs of NYC for building water supply and distribution systems, including cooling towers, evaporative condensers, building plumbing, and wastewater systems.
• Review water management plans, equipment operation records, and physical inspection of mechanical and chemical treatment equipment; collect water samples and perform water quality analysis.
• Generate and submit field inspection reports according to the Bureau s inspection protocols; conduct follow-up inspections to mitigate potential risks to the public.
• Assist with customer service to regulated entities including building owners, facility maintenance personnel, superintendents, and other responsible parties.
• Provide recommendations to improve regulatory compliance and implement corrective actions to eliminate environmental health hazards in accordance with NYC and NYS regulations.
• Review inspection findings and prepare evidence for use at Office of Administrative Tribunal hearings as needed.
• Assist with rapid response to signals from the Department s Legionnaires  disease surveillance system and implement response protocols.
• Prepare water samples for laboratory analysis, including completion of required forms and documents.
• Conduct field surveys to identify potential Legionella exposure risks; review process schematics, engineering plans, drawings and specifications for cooling tower systems and building water supply and distribution systems.

• A master s degree in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science; OR
• A bachelor s degree with 24 semester credits in one or more of the above areas (at least 12 in the specified area) and at least one year full-time experience in water quality planning/management or related fieldwork; OR
• An associate degree with 24 semester credits in the specified areas (at least 12 in the area) and at least three years of qualifying experience.

• For Assignment Levels II or III, must have a bachelor s degree plus two years of related experience; a master s degree may substitute for up to two years of experience.
• 55a Program: eligible candidates may be considered under the 55-a Program; indicate interest on resume/cover letter.
• Medical clearance and FIT testing for PPE respirators; completion of required trainings and position-related certificates/licenses.

• Benefits include health insurance, pension, and other public-sector programs; some benefits are subject to union/benefit fund eligibility.
• Work From Home policy may allow up to two days per week from home, depending on position.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer. NYC residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment, with possible exceptions. For more information, please discuss with the agency at interview.

About the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:
We protect and improve NYC residents  health and provide programs spanning environmental health, chronic disease prevention, and public health initiatives.

To request accommodations for the application or interview process, contact the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity.

Residency and other program details are as per City policy; for more information, visit official NYC resources.