Special Officer

Overview

ONLY PERMANENT EMPLOYEES IN THE TITLE OF SPECIAL OFFICER

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Division of Environmental Health works to prevent and control illness and injury related to environmental and occupational health risks through outreach, education, surveillance, and enforcement. With a staff of 1,000, the Division covers a broad range of subject matter, including oversight of environmental investigations, lead poisoning, injury prevention, occupational health, food safety, childcare, radiation control, recreational and drinking water quality, air quality, climate health, vector control, veterinary public health and pest control.

The Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation (BFSCS) protects the public, including New York’s most vulnerable citizens, from hazards related to food safety and other environmental health concerns in places where meals are served to the public (restaurants, school cafeterias, mobile food vending carts, senior centers, soup kitchens) and oversees compliance with regulations in facilities such as tattoo parlors, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters.

BFSCS also investigates environmental health complaints from NYC residents.

• Patrolling Health Department facilities and surrounding areas to maintain order.
• Keeping the peace and safeguarding life and property against fire, vandalism, and theft.
• Preparing detailed reports of incidents.
• Issuing summonses to violators of penal law.
• Other related work as it pertains to the safety of patrons, visitors and property.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills.

• Benefits:
  City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
• a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• a tax-deferred savings program and
• 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, 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 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.

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…