Director, Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Job Description

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 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. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- 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 reti