City of New York
Scientist (Water Ecology), Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
City of New York, New York, New York, us, 10261
Overview
The Office of Building Water System Oversight (BWSO) within the Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) is responsible for conducting inspections to ensure compliance with rules and regulations aimed at improving operating conditions of engineered systems such as cooling towers, water tanks, evaporative condensers, building plumbing, and wastewater systems.
Duties
Under supervision, conduct field inspections in the five boroughs to various building types for building water supply and distribution systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, plumbing, and wastewater systems.
Review water management plans, equipment operation records, physical inspection of mechanical and chemical treatment equipment, water sample collection, and water quality analysis.
Generate and submit field inspection reports according to the Bureau's inspection protocols and conduct follow‑up compliance inspections as needed to mitigate potential risks to the public.
Assist with customer service to regulated community including building owners, facility maintenance personnel, superintendents, and other responsible parties.
Provide recommendations to improve regulatory compliance and corrective actions to eliminate environmental health hazards promptly in accordance with NYC and NYS regulations.
Review inspection findings and prepare necessary evidence used by the Department at the Office of Administrative Tribunal Hearings convened to adjudicate notice of violations and summonses.
Assist with rapid response to signals triggered by the Department's Legionnaires' disease surveillance system and implement response protocol.
Prepare water samples for drop off or shipping to analytical laboratories including completion of all necessary laboratory forms and documents.
Conduct field surveys associated with identifying potential risks for Legionella exposure; review process schematics, engineering plans, drawings and specifications for cooling tower systems and building water supply and distribution systems.
Preferred Skills
Academic background in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science.
Must be able to climb ladders and work in tight spaces, high altitudes (building roofs) to perform field inspections and water testing.
Knowledge or study in hazard mitigation, risk assessment, environmental investigations, or public health.
Pass medical clearance and FIT testing for wearing proper PPE respirators; complete required trainings and be in compliance with position related certificates and licenses.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Ability to perform data entry and navigate inspection programs on a portable device (iPhone or Tablet).
Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access).
Qualifications
A master’s degree in one of the specified fields or a bachelor’s degree with required coursework and at least one year of full‑time experience in water quality planning, management, research, or environmental laboratory field sampling.
Experience in field inspection of water distribution and wastewater systems is preferred.
Knowledge of NYC and NYS regulations relating to building water systems.
Benefits
Premium‑free health insurance plan with savings over $10,000 annually.
Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits available based on union/benefit fund.
Public sector defined benefit pension plan.
Tax‑deferred savings program.
Worksite Wellness Program.
Work‑from‑home policy up to two days per week.
Equal Opportunity New York City is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status.
Residency Requirement New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. Certain titles with 2 continuous years of City employment may also be eligible to reside in designated counties outside NYC.
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Duties
Under supervision, conduct field inspections in the five boroughs to various building types for building water supply and distribution systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, plumbing, and wastewater systems.
Review water management plans, equipment operation records, physical inspection of mechanical and chemical treatment equipment, water sample collection, and water quality analysis.
Generate and submit field inspection reports according to the Bureau's inspection protocols and conduct follow‑up compliance inspections as needed to mitigate potential risks to the public.
Assist with customer service to regulated community including building owners, facility maintenance personnel, superintendents, and other responsible parties.
Provide recommendations to improve regulatory compliance and corrective actions to eliminate environmental health hazards promptly in accordance with NYC and NYS regulations.
Review inspection findings and prepare necessary evidence used by the Department at the Office of Administrative Tribunal Hearings convened to adjudicate notice of violations and summonses.
Assist with rapid response to signals triggered by the Department's Legionnaires' disease surveillance system and implement response protocol.
Prepare water samples for drop off or shipping to analytical laboratories including completion of all necessary laboratory forms and documents.
Conduct field surveys associated with identifying potential risks for Legionella exposure; review process schematics, engineering plans, drawings and specifications for cooling tower systems and building water supply and distribution systems.
Preferred Skills
Academic background in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science.
Must be able to climb ladders and work in tight spaces, high altitudes (building roofs) to perform field inspections and water testing.
Knowledge or study in hazard mitigation, risk assessment, environmental investigations, or public health.
Pass medical clearance and FIT testing for wearing proper PPE respirators; complete required trainings and be in compliance with position related certificates and licenses.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Ability to perform data entry and navigate inspection programs on a portable device (iPhone or Tablet).
Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access).
Qualifications
A master’s degree in one of the specified fields or a bachelor’s degree with required coursework and at least one year of full‑time experience in water quality planning, management, research, or environmental laboratory field sampling.
Experience in field inspection of water distribution and wastewater systems is preferred.
Knowledge of NYC and NYS regulations relating to building water systems.
Benefits
Premium‑free health insurance plan with savings over $10,000 annually.
Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits available based on union/benefit fund.
Public sector defined benefit pension plan.
Tax‑deferred savings program.
Worksite Wellness Program.
Work‑from‑home policy up to two days per week.
Equal Opportunity New York City is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status.
Residency Requirement New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. Certain titles with 2 continuous years of City employment may also be eligible to reside in designated counties outside NYC.
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