Staff Engineer, Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Job Description

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) has about 100 staff that focuses on identifying and minimizing the risks of environmental and engineered hazards in NYC from water systems in the natural and built environments and radiation control. ESE has broad oversight of a variety of systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, building premise plumbing, the NYC drinking water supply treatment and distribution, recreational water facilities (beaches, pools and spas), nonpotable and water reuse systems, sanitary sewage, radioactive materials, and x-ray and radiological equipment.

POSITION / OFFICE TITLE SUMMARY / JOB DESCRIPTION:
We are looking for a staff engineer within the Office of Public Health Engineering. The position will report to the Director and will work with a team of scientists, engineers, and data analysts. Primary tasks will include engineering support for enforcement of NYC Health Department regulations including review of engineering plans and specifications of permit applications. Permit types include for bathing establishments (swimming pools, spa pools, wading pools, saunas, steam rooms, and spray grounds), bathing beaches, drinking water supply and treatment systems, well water, wastewater disposal projects, and nonportable water reuse systems. The position requires a license and current registration as a professional engineer in New York State.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
Duties will include but not limited to:
- Provide engineering and scientific research on industry principles and practices to support engineered water system oversight.
- Provide technical assistance and customer service to permit applicants and permitted entities, conducting research, literature, and policy review as needed.
- Design, develop, and prepare related internal trainings and protocols and external guidance and informational factsheets through scientific research and literature review.
- Review engineering design plans for installation of engineered water systems and their facilities. Materials are typically submitted as part of a permit application and may include technical specifications, layout plans, plumbing schematics, detail drawings, and engineering calculations. Engineering submissions will be reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with NYC regulations.
- Provide clear written review comments and technical guidance to address design or submission deficiencies and manage multiple reviews, as needed.
- Issue stamped and approved plans for construction and NYC permits for operation.
- Conduct field inspections to verify construction is done in accordance with approved plans.
- Supervise research scientists and engineering staff that assist with the technical review process, related research, and ensure timely and accurate review of all submissions.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
- The position requires a license and current registration as a professional engineer in New York State.
- Academic or professional background in engineering, plumbing systems, environmental science or environmental health.
- Experience in regulatory enforcement, environmental investigation and assessment related to water and/or wastewater treatment.
- Easily adaptable to a dynamic work environment.
- Possess strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Ability to prepare and present scientific and technical materials and correspondences to various audiences.
- 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 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.

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