Child Care Inspector, Bureau of Childcare

About the role

The Bureau of Child Care ensures that child care services in New York City operate in compliance with the New York City Health Code and New York State Social Service regulations and are licensed or permitted as required by law. The Bureau routinely monitors child care programs to protect the health and safety of children while in the child care environment and actively works to improve and expand access to high-quality programs which support early childhood development and learning.

Responsibilities

• Carry out periodic inspections of childcare programs involving visual inspection of premises, review of documents and records, field testing, and sample collection
• Prepare detailed reports using a handheld tablet to document inspection findings in a complete, clear, accurate, and timely manner
• Review findings with and instruct operators on regulatory compliance and remedial measures, including proper food handling, sanitation, vermin control, and other areas of environmental health
• Issue court summonses and hearing notices and may close establishments in cases of imminent danger
• Determine site viability related to applications for permits to open a child care program under the NYC Health Code and/or NYS Regulations
• Collect and report data for routine operations and special studies and surveys
• Attend and testify at administrative hearings as representative of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• Travel throughout New York City using mass transit or a personal car and carry approximately 15 pounds of inspection equipment
• Selected candidates will be expected to travel to Albany, NY for training and elsewhere throughout the State for an annual NYS Regulator’s meeting. Expenses paid by the agency.

Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 30 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, i.e., biology, botany, chemistry, geology, physics, physiology, and zoology; of which not more than 12 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, i.e., environmental technology, sanitation technology, medical technology, public health, infection control or food service; or
• An associate degree from an accredited college, with 15 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, of which not more than 6 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, and 5 years of experience as a public health technician assisting sanitarians and engineers in carrying out the various elements of prevention and control programs affecting the public’s health.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Strong communication, analytic, and observational skills
• Ability to deduce potential impacts of conditions or assess risk
• Writing skills including the ability to adequately describe observations in detail
• Computer skills including the use of mobile computing devices

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

Why you should work for us

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.

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.

Public Health Sanitarian - 31215

• Minimum Qualifications: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 30 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, i.e., biology, botany, chemistry, geology, physics, physiology, and zoology; of which not more than 12 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, i.e., environmental technology, sanitation technology, medical technology, public health, infection control or food service; or an associate degree from an accredited college, with 15 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, of which not more than 6 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, and 5 years of experience as a public health technician assisting sanitarians and engineers in carrying out the various elements of prevention and control programs affecting the public’s health.
• Medical Requirement: Medical guidelines have been established for the position of Public Health Sanitarian. Candidates will be examined to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position of Public Health Sanitarian. Where appropriate, a reasonable accommodation will be provided for a person with a disability to enable him or her to take the examination, and /or to perform the essential functions of the job.
• 55a Program: This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Additional Information

• 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.