Assistant Commissioner, Construction Safety

Department of Building; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYC Department of Buildings seeks an Assistant Commissioner to lead the Construction Safety division, overseeing safety standards, compliance, and enforcement units while aligning division activities with agency policies.

The role requires senior leadership, strong communication, and the ability to coordinate with Law, NYCEM, NYCHA and other agencies; remote work up to 2 days weekly under pilot program; residency requirements apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; 18 months in managerial/supervisory roles preferred.
• 4+ years of operational experience in large, complex organizations (government or equivalent).
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to manage multiple divisions and personnel.

Responsibilities

• Plans and coordinates the implementation and reporting on construction safety initiatives.
• Oversees the Construction Safety division units: Safety Standards & Guidance, Compliance, and Enforcement.
• Represents the Commissioner to external stakeholders and liaises with multiple city and state agencies.
• Assists with emergency preparedness and disaster response, ensuring proper resource allocation and communication.

Skills

Strong communication

Analytical thinking

Long-range planning

Time management

Computer proficiency

Construction experience (public sector

CIMS knowledge

NIMS knowledge

IRC knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CIMS

NIMS

IRC

Job description

The NYC Department of Buildings is responsible for ensuring the safe and lawful use of buildings and properties by enforcing the NYC Construction Codes, Energy Code and Zoning Resolution. We facilitate compliant development with integrity, efficiency and professionalism. We are a premier municipal building organization, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers and making our city safer. We are committed to improving our performance and developing procedures that are streamlined, understandable and transparent.

Under direction of the Associate Commissioner, with full latitude for the exercise of independent initiative and judgment, the Assistant Commissioner oversees the activities of a major division of the Department of Buildings focused on construction safety and performs related work.

• Plans and coordinates the implementation and reporting on the Agency’s construction safety initiatives, including compliance with NYC Construction Codes and related laws and rules.
• Oversees the Construction Safety division, which includes Safety Standards & Guidance, Construction Safety Compliance, and Construction Safety Enforcement units.
• Participates in the formulation and implementation of the policies of the Agency, division or bureau and recommends changes in policies and procedures as deemed necessary.
• Develops targeted plans to address deficiencies in law, rules, and operational weaknesses and tracking the progress of Agency safety initiatives.
• Develops project plans that identify schedules, costs, resources and necessary roles and responsibilities of units and employees, and implements division strategic plans, ensuring consistency with the Agency's mission.
• Provides a framework for the effective management of and utilizes organizational and planning skills to execute projects effectively and on time; directs the work of managerial, professional, technical and support staff responsible for the operations of the division, including the establishment of short and long term plans, setting goals, objective and priorities; allocates resources, including personnel, for the most effective utilization; and establishes and maintains organizational controls. Coordinates the activities of organizational units within a bureau in the Agency as necessary.
• Represents the Commissioner of Buildings, First Deputy Commissioner or Associate Commissioner to external stakeholders on matters concerning construction safety. Liaises with Law Department, New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), NYC Landmarks, MTA, NYCHA, NYC Parks Department, DOT, DDC, NYPD, FDNY, FD Marshals, NYPD, Federal and State agencies relating to the operations of the Agency.
• Prepares or ensures preparation of legally mandated reports regarding the area of responsibility, and their submission to government agencies.
• Coordinates special inspections projects with Enforcement inspection units and borough offices.
• Works with the Department Command Team to ensure the Department's emergency preparedness through the most effective use of resources for disaster response and maintenance of communications of emergency protocols with their respective units.
• Depending on enforcement portfolio responsibilities, may be required to act as the agency liaison with NYCEM on large emergencies.
• Manages the efforts of new code/rules/bulletins related to construction safety.
• Tracks and performs Q/A of incidents and accidents.
• Assists with construction accident technical investigations.
• Provides reports and updates to senior management regarding construction safety.
• Represents the Agency with the construction industry and conducts outreach presentations. on matters related to enforcement portfolio responsibilities.
• Testifies before the City Council on construction safety issues.
• Is required to be on call 24/7 and work nights/weekends/holidays as needed to respond to emergencies throughout the city and take a leading role.
• Briefs senior management on situational status during incidents.
• Manages other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. 1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four years of satisfactory experience in inspections of building construction; providing site safety oversight during construction or demolition work; or in architecture or engineering performing work in building design or building construction. At least 18 months of this experience must have been in an administrative, managerial, executive or consultative capacity or supervising personnel performing activities related to the duties of the position; or
2. 2. A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to “1” above. However, all candidates must have the 18 months of administrative, managerial, executive, consultative or supervisory experience as described in “1” above.

Candidates must have at least 4 years of operational experience managing teams in large, complex organizations, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, or corporations.

REMOTE WORK:

This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program.

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (BUILDI - 95507

Preferred Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical thinking, organizational, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to develop, design and implement long range plans, goals, and objectives.
• Time management and work prioritization skills - ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Computer proficiency.
• 5 years of construction experience, preferably in the public sector.
• Knowledge of CIMS, NIMS, and IRC.
• Demonstration of progressive management and leadership experience, with a minimum of 10 years of supervisory/management experience in the area of construction inspection, safety and compliance.

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.