The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system’s 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.
New York City has approximately 140,000 catch basins, 114,000 hydrants, 90,000 valves, 14 gatehouses, 3 reservoirs, 68 groundwater wells, a 100 million gallon underground storage tank and 7,000 miles each of both sanitary sewers and water mains. The responsibility of maintaining these vast networks falls under the Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations (BWSO).
The primary responsibilities of the Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations are: the operation, maintenance and protection of the City’s drinking water and wastewater collection (sewer) systems; the protection of adjacent waterways; and the development and protection of the Department’s Capital Water and Sewer Design Program. The Bureau also approves and inspects water and sewer connections performed by licensed plumbers and/or authorized contractors. In addition, the Bureau has overall responsibility for the approval and inspection of all public and private construction projects which could impact on the City’s water or sewer systems.
The Bureau is also responsible for the operation of the Staten Island Bluebelt. This is an ecologically sound, cost effective natural alternative to storm sewers, which occupies approximately 15 square miles of land in the South Richmond area of Staten Island. This project preserves streams, ponds and other wetland ("bluebelt") areas, allowing them to perform their natural function of conveying, storing and filtering storm water. These areas also provide important community open spaces and a diverse wildlife habitat.
The City Research Scientist III is responsible for assisting the Bureau of Water & Sewer Operations’ Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Division in the development, maintenance, and improvement of effective and comprehensive environmental, health and safety initiatives. The EHS division strives to ensure long term environmental health and safety compliance and fully integrate the understanding of effective EHS policies and practices at all levels of the organization. Assignments will include identifying worker and environmental risks by performing EHS inspections, assessments and audits, conducting research, and educating personnel on safe work practices. Activities will include a mix of office and field work at various locations throughout the City of New York.
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Manage the Bureau’s EHS audit and assessment program.
- Perform EHS audits/assessments and inspections covering the implementation of worker safety and environmental programs in Bureau facilities and field sites.
- Recognize hazards and determine if they pose a risk to workers and/or the environment.
- Identify and record findings and observations during the performance of EHS audits and assessments.
- Analyze and evaluate conditions discovered during EHS audits/assessments and propose corrective actions.
- Implement corrective actions associated with safety and environmental assessments, inspections, incidents, and regulatory deficiencies.
- Analyze and evaluate audit results and recognize trends to identify areas of improvement.
- Assist Bureau facilities with EHS compliance efforts.
- Perform research and interpret Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and other regulations and Agency EHS policies.
- Perform field work at the various locations across the City of New York; interact with field personnel, intra-agency personnel, and regulatory agencies.
- Manage and update existing systems to support research, data analysis, and regulatory compliance.
- Manage non-compliance event follow up activities and closure actions.
- Manage facility permits related to fire safety, chemical storage, and air pollution regulations.
- Interact with external agencies in relation to permits and non-compliance events.
- Prepare and submit accurate reports and figures.
- Maintain various environmental health and safety records.
Minimum Qualifications
1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.
Preferred Skills
Advanced knowledge of Occupational Safety & Health and Environmental Laws and Regulations:
- Federal - 29 CFR 1910 & 1926 (OSHA) 40 CFR (EPA) RCRA, CERCLA/SARA, TSCA
- New York State – PESH, DEC
- New York City Administrative Code and Rules of the City of New York
Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems - ISO 45001
Environmental Management Systems - 14001
Computer Skills and Knowledge: MS Office including Excel and/or Access
Skills and Knowledge:
- Communication Skills and Organization skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Time Management
- Analytical ability
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
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