Inspector, Bureau of Veterinary and Pest Control Services

City of New York • New York, NY

23h

About The Position

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Division of Environmental Health seeks an Inspector for its Bureau of Veterinary and Pest Control Services. The Division works to prevent and control illness and injury related to environmental and occupational health risks through outreach, education, surveillance, and enforcement. Its Pest Control program works to reduce New York City’s rat population by coordinating with other city agencies, improving environmental conditions in affected neighborhoods, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations concerning rat infestations.

The Inspector conducts field inspections and investigates complaints related to rodent infestations and unsanitary conditions. The role includes collecting and transmitting field data, conducting assigned studies and surveys, issuing violations and summonses for non-compliance, and potentially evaluating pest-control services and equipment or testifying at administrative court hearings.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated qualification pathways: a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 30 semester credits in physical and/or biological sciences (with no more than 12 credits in applied sciences); or an associate degree from an accredited college, with 15 semester credits in physical and/or biological sciences (with no more than 6 credits in applied sciences), and five years of experience as a public health technician assisting sanitarians and engineers in public-health prevention and control programs.
• Be able to perform the essential functions of the Public Health Sanitarian position, as determined through a medical examination.

Nice To Haves

• Strong written and oral interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to manage high-stress interactions with tact and courtesy.
• Typing proficiency for documenting findings in formal reports and experience using data-management software for reporting.
• Flexibility, adaptability, a customer-focused approach, self-motivation, and a commitment to high standards of excellence.
• Ability to perform field work in varied environments and weather conditions, including walking, standing, carrying equipment, and traveling between sites.

Responsibilities

• Inspect private properties, parks, green streets, business establishments, multi-family housing campuses, stores, schools, catch basins, sidewalks, tree pits, and other applicable city areas for rat infestations or environmental conditions conducive to rodent infestation.
• Investigate complaints regarding rodent infestations, sightings, and unsanitary conditions.
• Collect field data, make notes, and electronically transfer data for further processing.
• Conduct special studies and surveys as directed by the APHS.
• Issue violations and Tribunal summonses for non-compliance with the NYC Health Code and the NYS Sanitary Code.
• Evaluate the presence of contracted pest-control services and equipment, as needed.
• Attend and testify at administrative court hearings, as needed.

Benefits

• Premium-free health insurance plan; the posting states it saves employees over $10,000 annually based on a 2024 assessment.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available depending on the position’s union or benefit fund.
• Public-sector defined-benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Worksite Wellness Program with health resources and opportunities.
• Depending on the position, the possibility of working from home up to two days during the week.
• Job security compared with private-sector employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level