Assistant Commissioner, Engineering Services

Department of Building; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYC Department of Buildings seeks an Assistant Commissioner to lead engineering services across four critical units, shaping construction safety and code development. The role commands expert oversight of audits, policy formulation, and high-stakes incident response, with strong leadership over diverse technical teams.

Candidates must possess a NYS PE license and a track record of managing large teams in government or equivalent settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering and four years of engineering experience.
• At least 18 months in administrative, managerial or supervisory capacity.
• 4 years of operational experience managing teams in large, complex organizations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee long-term planning and strategic development of multiple units (Cranes & Derricks, Construction Safety Engineering, Concrete Enforcement Engineering, Sidewalk Shed Construction).
• Analyze engineering protocols and supervise training of technical staff.
• Develop policies, code revisions, and enforcement strategies with internal and external partners.
• Audit construction documents for compliance with codes and engage with design professionals and inspection agencies.
• Lead project planning with schedules, costs, resources and responsibilities; allocate personnel and ensure timely delivery.
• Represent the Commissioner at meetings with agencies and stakeholders; provide technical guidance and incident responses.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Strategic planning

Time management

Computer proficiency

CIMS

NIMS

IC knowledge

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Construction codes knowledge

Engineering principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

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 engineering services and performs related work.

• Provides oversight as well as develop, plan, and implement the long-term planning/strategic development of four units: Cranes & Derricks, Construction Safety Engineering, Concrete Enforcement Engineering, and Sidewalk Shed Construction Progress Monitoring.
• Analyzes engineering protocol and oversees the training of highly technical staff within the Department.
• Works closely with unit managers on all aspects of Enforcement and Code Development, including developing code and rule revisions pertaining to construction safety and cranes & derricks.
• Oversees the auditing of construction documents prepared by registered design professionals and special inspections agencies, among others, and ensures compliance with various construction codes.
• 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, objectives 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 or Deputy Commissioner or Associate Commissioner at meetings and conferences concerning policy and operational issues and Agency activities. 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.
• Responds to major incidents as the Department’s engineer in charge and works closely with other DOB Command Teams to ensure regular communications.
• Depending on engineering portfolio responsibilities, may be required to act as the agency liaison with NYCEM on large emergencies.
• Provides recommendations to multiple agencies such as NYCEM, Mayor’s Office, FDNY, and NYPD in order to ensure public safety of major incidents.
• Provides technical analysis and guidance for Department staff, inter-agency staff, and the public.
• 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.
• Testifies before the City Council as a subject matter expert.
• 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. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four years of satisfactory experience in engineering performing work in building design, building construction, or building equipment systems design, at least 18 months of which 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. 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.

LICENSE REQUIREMENT

A valid New York State License as a Professional Engineer is required. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment in this position.

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.
• 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 design, building construction, or building equipment systems design.
• Knowledge of NYC Construction Codes and inspection requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of engineering principles regarding construction and demolition.

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.