Research Scientist, Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; New York (NY); On-site; USD 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a renowned public health department focused on safeguarding NYC's health. This role involves conducting vital research and ensuring compliance with water quality standards, contributing to the safety and well-being of millions. The position offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts public health initiatives. With a commitment to equity and a supportive work environment, you will thrive in a role that values your contributions while enjoying exceptional benefits, job security, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers.

Benefits

Loan Forgiveness Programs

Premium-Free Health Insurance

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Work From Home Policy

Wellness Program

Qualifications

• Master's degree in relevant field required; doctorate preferred.
• Experience in research and regulatory compliance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific research on water quality standards and technologies.
• Assist in regulatory surveillance of NYC drinking water supply.
• Review engineering plans for compliance with regulations.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Customer Service Skills

Scientific Research

Data Analysis

Technical Writing

Adaptability

Education

Master's Degree in Environmental Science

Doctorate Degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Water Quality Testing Equipment

Job description

Hiring Rate -Flat: $72,190.

The Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) has about 100 staff that focuses on identifying and minimizing the risks of environmental and engineered hazards in NYC from water systems in the natural and built environments and radiation control. ESE has broad oversight of a variety of systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, building premise plumbing, the NYC drinking water supply treatment and distribution, recreational water facilities (beaches, pools and spas), nonportable and water reuse systems, sanitary sewage, radioactive materials, and x-ray and radiological equipment.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

1. Provide scientific research and literature review of proposed water quality standards and regulations, emergency preparedness and disease response, new water treatment technologies, analytical methods, surveillance tools, protocols, data systems and/or processes related to PHE programs.
2. Assist in the regulatory water quality surveillance of the New York City drinking water supply program including collection of water quality samples and sampling and operational data analysis and compliance review.
3. Assist in inspection of drinking water facilities (sanitary survey) to verify source water, water treatment, storage, and distribution operations in accordance with the approved plans and for compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations and contribute to reports on inspection findings.
4. Review engineering plans and provide written comments for water treatment and monitoring systems and bathing establishment submissions by outside agencies and/or engineers/architects for regulatory approval and permit construction and operation oversight for compliance with applicable Federal, State and Local regulations.
5. Assist in testing and implementation of software-based data collection and reporting tools.
6. Contribute to scientific reports and research as it relates to the program's compliance and surveillance activities, study findings, and regulatory review of the City's drinking and recreational water quality programs.
7. Assist in development of technical guidance, informational factsheets, and recommendations, under supervision of higher-level research scientists, related to drinking water treatment technologies, emerging contaminants, and recreational water safety.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

1. Academic or professional background in engineering, chemistry, biological sciences, data sciences, environmental science, or environmental health.
2. Experience in engineering plan and specification review, regulatory enforcement, environmental investigations, water treatment, or water quality monitoring.
3. Easily adaptable to a dynamic work environment.
4. Possess strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
5. Ability to prepare and present scientific and technical materials and correspondences to various audiences.
6. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Why you should work for us:

1. Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/).
2. Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
   • a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
   • additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
   • a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
   • a tax-deferred savings program.
   • a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
3. Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
4. Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

Commitment to Equity:

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.

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at [e-mail] or 347-396-6549.

CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744

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.
2. 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.

NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

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.