Scientist (Water Ecology), Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

City of New York • New York, NY

11d

About The Position

The Office of Building Water System Oversight (BWSO) within the Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) is responsible for conducting inspections to ensure compliance with various rules and regulations aimed at improving the operating conditions of various engineered systems such as cooling towers, water tanks, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems in order to prevent risks associated with these systems Working directly under a Scientist Water Ecologist Level II on an inspector team, Scientist Level I will assist in performing field inspections that include regulatory compliance review of Water Maintenance Plans, Operational Records, Chemical Treatment, and Mechanical Equipment for a facility's water systems. Including but not limited to various cooling tower systems and potable water systems. Field inspections include water sample collection and water quality analysis.

Requirements

• A masters degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following areas of study: environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the areas of study described in ""1"" above, at least 12 of which must have been in one of these areas of study; and at least one year of satisfactory full time experience, which may not have been part of graduate or undergraduate course work, working in the field of water quality planning, management or research or performing environmental laboratory analyses, and/or environmental field sampling of water; or
• An associate degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the areas of study described in "1" above, at least 12 of which must have been in one of these areas of study; and at least three years of satisfactory full time experience as described in "2" above.
• To be assigned to Assignment Levels II or III, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university as described in "2" above and must have one additional year of the experience described in "2" above for a total of two years of experience.

Nice To Haves

• Academic background in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science.
• Prefer to work in the field including travel throughout the five boroughs.
• Must be able to climb ladders and work in tight spaces, work in high altitudes (building roofs) in order to perform field inspections and water testing.
• Pass medical clearance and FIT testing for wearing proper PPE respirators.
• Must complete and pass Agency required trainings and be in compliance with the position related certificates and licenses.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access).

Responsibilities

• Assist in performing field inspections that include regulatory compliance review of Water Maintenance Plans, Operational Records, Chemical Treatment, and Mechanical Equipment for a facility's water systems.
• Assist in generating and submitting field inspection reports according to the Bureau's inspection protocols and will assist with customer service to our regulated community including building owners, facility maintenance personnel, superintendents, and any other responsible parties.
• Assist with following protocols in response to signals triggered by the Department's Legionella disease surveillance system.
• Prepare collected water samples for drop off or for shipping to commercial laboratories including completion of all necessary laboratory forms and documents.
• Conduct field surveys associated with identifying potential risks for Legionella exposure.
• Assist in reviewing plans, drawings and specifications for building water supply and distribution systems.
• Assist in providing recommendations to improve regulatory compliance and corrective actions to eliminate environmental health hazards promptly in accordance with the NYC Health Code and NYS Sanitary Code regulations.
• May be trained to review inspection findings and prepare necessary evidence used by the Department at Tribunal hearings convened to adjudicate notice of violations and summonses.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees