Senior Inspector, Bureau of Veterinary and Pest Control Services

Open to candidates who filed for PROMOTION TO ASSOCIATE PUBLIC HEALTH SANITARIAN Exam No. 6513 or the Open-Competitive Exam No. 6122 within the filing period from March 4, 2026 to March 24, 2026. Multiple-choice testing is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

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. With a staff of 1,000, 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 Office of Vector Surveillance and Control (OVSC) is responsible for field and laboratory activities to detect vector-borne pathogens such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Lyme disease in mosquitoes and ticks, and to prevent their transmission to humans and other hosts. The program also conducts research to understand transmission cycles within the city and to develop strategies for reducing the impact of these diseases on residents. With climate change increasing the risk and geographic range of vector-borne diseases, OVSC's role is becoming increasingly critical. In addition, the office conducts public education and outreach to raise awareness about preventing mosquito and tick bites and encourages reporting or eliminating potential vector breeding sites.

An Associate Public Health Sanitarian (APHS) is a supervisory professional who directs, inspects, and enforces environmental health and safety regulations. They typically manage a team of inspectors, review reports, and ensure compliance with pertinent laws, rules, and regulations, general environmental conditions, safety, and health standards. The Division of Environmental Health seeks a Senior Inspector for its Bureau of Veterinary and Pest Control Services.

Responsibilities

• Train and supervise Public Health Sanitarians on new procedures and job skills.
• Review and approve inspectional reports submitted by inspection staff.
• Conduct quality assurance inspections to evaluate work performance of inspection staff.
• Assist inspectors on troubleshooting issues on tablets and system software.
• Respond via written reports and documentation to complaints from Community Boards, Legislators, and City Council Officials.
• Develop written reports summarizing work completed in high rat burden areas.
• Attend Community Board and community meetings in assigned areas and report on activities.
• Coordinate follow-up in assigned areas with the Senior Exterminating/Stoppage team.
• Organize and lead walk-throughs and Rat Academies in assigned areas.
• Coordinate follow-up with other City Agencies as needed.

Preferred Skills

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Experience using database systems and Microsoft Office.
• Flexible, adaptable, customer-focused, and goal-oriented with a commitment to high standards of excellence.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, strategic thinking, and quantitative/qualitative skills.

Qualifications

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, and 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); and at least two years of satisfactory full-time experience performing inspections to assure compliance with pertinent laws, rules, and regulations governing the areas of food, drugs, and general environmental conditions.

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 four years of satisfactory full-time experience as described above.

OR

Education and/or experience equivalent to the above. However, all candidates must have at least 60 semester credits from an accredited college, including at least 15 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences. Furthermore, all candidates must have at least two years of experience as a public health sanitarian as described above.

In order to be eligible for promotion to a supervisory level, candidates must have two years of experience as a public health sanitarian, pursuant to Section 11.112 of the Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (NYCRR) – Title 10 (Health).

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 if you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for two continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, or Westchester counties.

Benefits

• 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.
• Public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Potential eligibility for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
• Job security compared to private sector employment.
• Work-from-home policy allowing up to two days per week from home, depending on the position.