Inspector, Bureau of Veterinary and Pest Control Services

Job Description

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 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.

A Public Health Sanitarian, within the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), plays a crucial role in protecting public health and safety. They are primarily involved in community sanitation, conducting inspections, enforcing health regulations, and implementing public health initiatives that protect the health of New Yorkers.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- Inspect private and public properties such as parks, green streets, business establishments, multi-family housing campuses, schools, catch basins, sidewalks, tree pits and any other applicable city areas for standing water and environmental issues conducive to rodent and/or arthropod infestations.
- Investigate complaints regarding standing water, rodent infestations and 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.
- May evaluate the presence of contracted pest control service and equipment.
- Plan and coordinate community service programs to educate the public about West Nile virus and other vector-borne diseases, as well as the reduction of mosquitoes and other vector breeding sites.
- May a tend and testify at administrative court hearings.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
A valid driver's license with a good DMV record.
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.
Be flexible, adaptable, customer-focused, and self-motivated with a commitment to high standards of excellence.
Ability to perform field work in various environments and weather conditions, walking, standing, carrying equipment and traveling between sites

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 retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o 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.

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