Inspector, Bureau of Veterinary and Pest Control Services

About the role

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. 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 Pest Control program coordinates with other city agencies, improves environmental conditions in impacted neighborhoods, and assures compliance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations governing rat infestations.

Responsibilities

• Inspect private properties, parks, green streets, business establishments, multi-family housing campuses, stores, schools, catch basins, sidewalks, tree pits and any other applicable city areas for rat infestations and/or environmental issues conducive to rodent infestation.
• Investigate complaints regarding rodent infestations and sightings, unsanitary conditions.
• Collect field data and make notes and electronically transfer data for further processing.
• Conduct special studies and surveys as directed by the supervisor.
• Issue violations and tribunal summonses for non-compliance with the NYC Health Code and the NYS Sanitary Code.
• Evaluate the presence of contracted pest control service and equipment.
• Attend and testify at administrative court hearings.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 30 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences (e.g., biology, botany, chemistry, geology, physics, physiology, zoology), of which not more than 12 credit hours may be in the applied sciences (e.g., 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 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. 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.

Preferred Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and oral, as well as the ability to manage high-stress interactions with tact and courtesy.
• Proficiency in typing for documenting findings in formal reports and using data management software for reporting.
• Flexibility, adaptability, customer focus, and self-motivation with a commitment to high standards of excellence.
• Ability to perform field work in various environments and weather conditions, including walking, standing, carrying equipment and traveling between sites.

Benefits

• A premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually (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

Enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.