Director, Bureau Of Environmental Sciences And Engineering

City Research Scientist - 21744

The Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) is a team of over 100 professionals committed to reducing environmental and engineered hazards in NYC. We oversee water systems in both natural and built environments, as well as radiological materials and equipment. The Office of Public Health Engineering (PHE) promotes water safety and prevention of waterborne diseases by monitoring NYC drinking water supply treatment and distribution, recreational water facilities (beaches, pools and spas), nonpotable water reuse, and stormwater and sanitary sewage discharges. Duties will include but not be limited to: lead and supervise a team of about 25 scientists, engineers, and analysts to manage day to day operations for PHE, including program management, resource allocation. Key program activities include regulatory inspections, issuance of commissioner's orders, bathing establishments engineering and safety reviews, and drinking water system projects and data surveillance. Guide strategic direction of research on advancements in water safety, water reuse, and waterborne disease prevention to align with industry standards and best practices to improve routine and emergency operations. Coordinate efforts to successfully meet all mandates of the NYC drinking water supply oversight program and requirements under the State Safe Drinking Water Enhancements Grant, including review and assistance regarding the City's Lead and Copper Program, distribution water quality sampling and compliance, Filtration Avoidance Determination (FAD) compliance, and capital projects engineering and construction review and approval. Provide principal regulatory oversight and sanitary survey for the NYC drinking water supply system, including the Croton Water Filtration Plant, Croton Watershed, and in-city distribution system operations. Conduct environmental investigations and drowning investigations. Lead efforts to successfully implement the beach monitoring and surveillance program, including beach inspections, beach sampling, public water quality notification, and all other requirements under the Beach Act Grant, manage and provide guidance on research, assessment, and drafting regulations including amendments and new regulations in the NYC Health Code and NYC Rules. Conduct analysis of new legislation to draft public comments if needed and determine impact to PHE. Liaise with coordinate with other offices and agencies to effectuate PHE's goals and mission, including US EPA, New York State Department of Health, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, NYC Parks, and other governmental agencies. Oversee PHE's data management and reporting, including annual and fiscal year performance metrics, data sharing and publications, and progress reporting including compliance with regulatory mandates. Represent the agency on issues and concerns relative to PHE at public forms, inter and intra agency meetings, conferences, and other venues. Implement agency initiatives in recruitment, staff evaluation, workplace wellness, and equity efforts, while supporting racial equity initiatives. Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities for public health crises. Preferred skills: academic or professional background in engineering, environmental science, marine science, environmental health, or public health. Experience in project management, regulatory enforcement, environmental investigations for water treatment, management of recreational waters, or other water quality monitoring. Strong working knowledge of relevant Federal, State, or Local regulations and policies. Ability to provide legislative analysis and position statements on new and proposed regulations in relevant fields. Possess strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to prepare and present scientific and technical materials to various audiences. Experience with environmental enforcement and research activities. Easily adaptable to a dynamic work environment. 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.

- 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

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!

Commitment to Equity: 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 in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.