Public Health Engineering Consultant, Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

About the role

The Office of Building Water System Oversight (BWSO) within the Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) is responsible for conducting inspections to ensure compliance with various rules and regulations aimed at improving the operating conditions of various engineered systems such as cooling towers, water tanks, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems in order to prevent risks associated with these systems. The candidate will support the BWSO's mission to prevent waterborne illness caused by poorly maintained or improperly managed systems in the built environment. As a Public Health Consultant, the candidate will provide subject matter expertise and coordination across a range of building systems including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment and premise plumbing. A primary responsibility of this role will be supervising a technical group that will collaborate with mechanical engineers, water treatment specialists, and community stakeholders to strengthen hazard identification and risk mitigation in the built environment. This work is critical to preventing waterborne diseases, including Legionnaires' disease. The candidate will exercise significant latitude in decision-making and will play a key role in shaping program strategies and operational priorities. DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: Supervise engineering and scientist staff providing technical expertise on building water systems related to water safety and public health. Identify and troubleshoot complex factors that contribute to waterborne disease risks in the built environment. Review and interpret blueprints, engineering plans and technical specifications for building systems. Research and evaluate federal, state, and local regulations and industry standards related to building, construction, and safety codes that impact waterborne disease prevention. Provide leadership and mentoring to scientific and engineering staff in plan review, construction inspections, and operations and maintenance assessments. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, quality checklists, and scopes of work for technical services and contracts. PREFERRED SKILLS: At least ten (10) years of full-time, satisfactory experience in engineering consulting, technical or supervisory role working with multidisciplinary teams. Experience working with government agencies, regulatory programs, or public health initiatives. Experience reviewing and approving engineering plans and technical specifications. Master's or PhD degree in Engineering from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Knowledge of HVAC systems, cooling towers, and premise plumbing design Preference given to licensed Professional Engineers (PE) with a background in Environmental, Civil, or Chemical Engineering. Why you should work for us: - Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as: o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment. o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund. o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement. o a tax-deferred savings program and o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers. - Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home. - 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! The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reason