Assistant Commissioner, Emergency Services

City of New York; New York (NY); Remote; USD 84,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New York is seeking an Assistant Commissioner to lead the Emergency Services division within the Department of Buildings. You will oversee disaster response, coordinate with NYC agencies, and ensure readiness across the command team.

The role requires extensive experience in emergency management, strong governance knowledge, and the ability to work across multiple city agencies. Remote work up to 2 days/week may be available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years of emergency management or related building experience; 18 months in admin/managerial role or supervising personnel.
• Alternative: combination of education and/or experience with 18 months of admin/management experience.
• Candidates must have at least 4 years of operational experience managing teams in large, complex organizations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Emergency Services division and manage the Command Team for disaster response.
• Develop project plans identifying schedules, costs, resources and roles; implement division plans.
• Coordinate with external agencies and internal units for emergency operations.
• Prepare legally mandated reports regarding emergency services and submit to government agencies.
• Be on call 24/7 and respond to emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Planning

Time management

Construction experience

Public sector experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

4 years related experience

Tools

CIMS

NIMS

IC

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 emergency services and performs related work. Oversees the activities of the Emergency Services division, managing the Department’s 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 unit.
• 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 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 emergency services. Liaises with Law Department, the 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 emergency services, and their submission to government agencies.
• Coordinates special inspections projects with Enforcement inspection units and borough offices.
• Acts as the agency liaison with NYCEM on large emergencies.
• Manages the efforts of new code/rules/bulletins related to construction related emergency concerns.
• Tracks and performs Q/A of incidents and accidents.
• Assists with construction accident technical investigations.
• Provides reports and updates to senior management regarding emergency services.
• Represents the Agency with the construction industry and conducts outreach presentations on matters related to emergency services portfolio responsibilities.
• Testifies before the City Council on non-construction related emergency 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.
• Managing other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four years of satisfactory experience in emergency management; inspections of buildings construction; or in architecture or engineering performing work in building design or building construction. At least 18 months of such 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
• 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. - Extensive knowledge of CIMS, NIMS, and IC. - Demonstration of progressive management and leadership experience, with a minimum of 10 years of supervisory/management experience in the area of building and construction-related emergency inspection services, crisis coordination, and disaster response. - Knowledge of NYC Construction Codes and inspection requirements.

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.

, $83,718.00 – $212,463.00