Scientist (Water Ecology), Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

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 the operating conditions of engineered systems such as cooling towers, water tanks, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems to prevent associated risks.

About the role

Reporting directly to a Field Staff Supervisor on a team of inspectors, you will lead a two-person inspection team conducting cooling tower inspections across all five boroughs of New York City. You will work directly with building operators and engineers to document inspection findings, provide guidance, and issue summons when required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations of building water supply and distribution systems including cooling towers, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems.
• Perform environmental sampling of building water supply and distribution systems for water quality analysis, including collection of water quality measurements.
• Review building maintenance programs and plans for cooling tower systems to ensure compliance.
• Conduct compliance inspections at selected facilities to verify corrective actions and documentation were completed to mitigate potential public health risks.
• Review building cooling tower systems operational records to ensure compliance.
• Prepare reports on field investigation findings, including electronic inspection reports using BWSO software to implement inspection protocols.
• Educate building owners and managers on best practices for managing cooling towers, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems.
• Counsel facility owners, operators, or managers regarding regulations and remedial measures when necessary.
• Issue Notice of Violations and Tribunal summons for non-compliance with NYC Health Code and NYS Sanitary Code.
• Participate in developing standard operating procedures for the field and conduct field surveys related to building water supply and distribution systems.
• Review plans, drawings, and specifications for building water supply and distribution systems.
• Provide recommendations and take corrective actions based on field investigation findings as needed or directed by a supervisor.
• Assist ESE in related Public Health Engineering tasks, including water and sewage complaints, beach inspections and sampling, and pool inspections and sampling as needed.

Requirements

• Must be able to climb ladders and work in confined spaces, as well as at high altitudes (e.g., building roofs) to perform field inspections and water testing.
• Pass medical clearance and FIT testing for wearing proper PPE respirators.
• Complete and pass agency-required trainings and maintain compliance with position-related certificates and licenses.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access).
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.

Qualifications

A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following areas of study: environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science; or

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the areas of study listed above, at least 12 of which must be in one of these areas, and at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience (not part of graduate or undergraduate coursework) in water quality planning, management, research, environmental laboratory analyses, or environmental field sampling of water; or

An associate degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the areas of study listed above, at least 12 of which must be in one of these areas, and at least three years of satisfactory full-time experience as described above.

Additional Requirements: To be assigned to Assignment Levels II or III, candidates must have a baccalaureate degree as described above and one additional year of the required experience (totaling two years). A master’s degree in one of the specified areas may substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Preferred Skills

• Academic background in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science.
• Preference for fieldwork, including travel throughout the five boroughs.

Benefits

• Premium-free health insurance plan saving employees over $10K annually (per 2024 assessment).
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• Public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Robust Worksite Wellness Program offering resources and opportunities to maintain health while serving New Yorkers.
• Potential eligibility for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs (see U.S. Department of Education's website for details).
• Option to work up to two days per week from home, depending on the position.
• Enhanced job security compared to private sector employment.