Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Water & Sewer Operations - Deputy Commissioner M7

City of New York•Queens, NY

About The Position

The Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations (BWSO) directs the operation, maintenance, and capital planning of New York City’s water and sewer distribution systems. Reporting under the executive direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Deputy Commissioner oversees the Operations, Engineering & Planning, Environmental Health & Safety, and Business Operations, Core Services, and Digital Transformation divisions. The role leads the Bureau’s mission to provide high-quality drinking water and reliable water supply, sewer, and drainage collection systems for New York City residents. The Deputy Commissioner oversees a Bureau responsible for extensive water and sewer infrastructure, including repairs and maintenance, capital project development, water distribution, sewer systems, house connections, plan review, and inspections. The position also guides long-range infrastructure policy and capital planning, ensures environmental, health, and safety compliance, represents the Bureau with external stakeholders, and leads digital transformation initiatives to improve operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and four years of satisfactory experience relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
At least 18 months of the required experience must be in an administrative, managerial, consultative, or executive capacity, or in supervising personnel performing related activities.
A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to the stated education and experience requirements is acceptable, but candidates must still have the specified 18 months of administrative, managerial, executive, consultative, or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Direct the operation, maintenance, and capital planning of New York City’s water and sewer distribution systems.
Oversee the Bureau’s Operations, Engineering & Planning, Environmental Health & Safety, and Business Operations, Core Services, and Digital Transformation divisions.
Manage water and sewer repairs and maintenance throughout New York City.
Develop capital budget projects for in-City water main replacement, new sewer projects, and distribution appurtenances.
Plan and develop new sewer systems, water mains, and related infrastructure within New York City.
Oversee operation of the downstate distribution system, reservoirs, and pumping stations.
Ensure proper treatment of the city’s drinking water supply and adequate pressure throughout the distribution system.
Oversee maintenance and repair of the in-City water supply distribution system and sewer and drainage system.
Manage investigations of water and sewer complaints and related work, including leak and infrastructure repairs, water main shutdowns, sewer backup resolution, and catch basin cleaning.
Manage review, approval, and inspection of private connections to city-owned water mains and sewer systems, including private service lines, cross connections, house connections, and developer sewer plans.
Manage the Bureau’s Environmental Health and Safety Program and ensure Bureau operations comply with applicable federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations.
Develop long-range policy for New York City water and sewer infrastructure.
Ensure the Bureau’s capital commitment plan is realized, plan long-range capital needs, and maximize infrastructure dependability.
Represent the agency in meetings with government agencies, community organizations, and private-sector partners, advocating for the Bureau’s needs and interests.
Oversee digital transformation initiatives and advocate for and implement digital tools that improve operational efficiency, workflow automation, and data-driven decision-making.