Environmental Health & Safety Specialist - Scientist (Water Ecology) III

NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a forward-thinking government agency focused on environmental health and safety. As a Scientist (Water Ecology) III, you will play a crucial role in developing and implementing comprehensive EHS initiatives that ensure compliance and protect public health. Your responsibilities will include conducting inspections, performing risk assessments, and educating personnel on safe practices. This position offers a unique blend of office and fieldwork, allowing you to make a tangible impact on the community. If you are passionate about environmental science and public safety, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or relevant experience in environmental science or related fields.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct EHS inspections and assessments to ensure compliance.
• Develop and conduct training on EHS regulations and practices.
• Manage and update systems for regulatory compliance and data analysis.

Skills

Environmental Health and Safety Compliance

Risk Assessment

Research Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Ability

Time Management

Education

Master's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Bachelor's degree with relevant credits

Associate degree with relevant credits and experience

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Access)

Job description

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 Environmental Health & Safety division within the Bureau of Water & Sewer Operations is looking to hire a Scientist (Water Ecology) III. The candidate will be 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.

Some of the tasks the employee will be responsible for includes:

1. Recognizing hazards and determining if they pose a risk to workers and/or the environment.
2. Performing EHS assessments and inspections covering the implementation of worker safety and environmental programs in Bureau facilities and field sites.
3. Implementing corrective actions associated with safety and environmental assessments, inspections, incidents, and regulatory deficiencies.
4. Performing field work at the various locations across the City of New York; interacts with field personnel, intra-agency personnel, and regulatory agencies.
5. Researching and interpreting 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.
6. Participating in the research and development of EHS policies and training programs.
7. Developing and conducting training on Agency, Federal, State, and local government EHS regulations.
8. Identifying training needs based on assessments and inspections.
9. Managing and updating existing systems to support research, data analysis, and regulatory compliance.
10. Assisting with management of regulated wastes (e.g., waste characterization, coordinating hazardous shipments, and emergency environmental release response).
11. Implementing programs related to EHS/OSHA regulation.
12. Assisting in planning and executing special projects.
13. Preparing and submitting accurate reports and figures.
14. Maintaining various environmental, health and safety records.

NOTE: IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AN INTERVIEW, YOU MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE SCIENTIST (WATER ECOLOGY) TITLE OR HAVE FILED FOR THE MOST RECENT CIVIL SERVICE EXAM.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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.

Additional Requirements:

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.

Special Note:

A master's degree from an accredited college in one of the areas described in "1" above may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience.

Preferred Skills:

1. Computer Skills and Knowledge: MS Office including Excel and/or Access
2. Knowledge of Occupational Safety & Health and Environmental Laws and Regulations: Federal - 29 CFR 1910 & 1926 (OSHA) 40 CFR (EPA) RCRA, CERCLA/SARA, TSC
3. New York State – PESH, DEC
4. New York City Administrative Code and Rules of the City of New York
5. Skills and Knowledge:
1. Communication Skills and Organization skills
2. Interpersonal Skills
3. Time Management
4. Analytical ability

Residency Requirement:

New York City (NYC) residency is required for this position. If you are the selected candidate for the position and you reside outside of New York City, you have 90 days after your start date to establish NYC residency.

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.