Job Description JOB DESCRIPTION The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) protects public health and the environment by supplying clean drinking water, collecting and treating wastewater, 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. We deliver 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water per day to 9 million New York City residents and more than 1 million people in Upstate New York, and we collect and treat an average of 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater per day. This position is under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations, which oversees the operation, maintenance, and protection of New York City’s drinking water distribution, wastewater and stormwater collection systems, as well as the preservation of adjacent waterways and natural drainage (wetlands). Additionally, the Bureau is responsible for the development of the Department’s Capital Water and Sewer Infrastructure Program. We are currently seeking qualified, motivated candidates to join the Bluebelt section within our Capital Program Management group. DEP’s Bluebelt Program is an innovative approach to stormwater management. Bluebelts are a series of ecologically rich stormwater best management practices that work with traditional gray infrastructure. They incorporate natural and engineering water features such as streams, ponds, and wetlands to convey, store, filter and attenuate stormwater to prevent and alleviate flooding. Co-benefits of Bluebelts include open spaces with native vegetation that reduce runoff, pollution and provide wildlife habitat. DEP has developed a successful Bluebelt Program in Staten Island and is currently expanding this program citywide. In this role, the selected candidate will supervise and lead our ecological resources team in the Bluebelt program. They will actively participate in researching and developing Bluebelt stormwater management projects. This opportunity offers candidates the chance to utilize their expertise in environmental science to address complex challenges in urban water management and drainage infrastructure. By contributing to the development of the citywide sewer collection model and the implementation of sustainable stormwater management practices, the selected candidate will play a vital role in enhancing the health and resilience of New York City's water resources and surrounding ecosystems. The Bureau of Water & Sewer Operations (BWSO) is currently in search of a City Research Scientist to join its team, focusing on environmental science within the Bluebelt group. JOB FUNCTIONS INCLUDE The City Research Scientist position entails a range of responsibilities crucial to the enhancement and development of the citywide Bluebelt expansion effort: - Supervise and manage ecological unit within Bluebelt Program - Develop and conduct comprehensive research and analysis to strengthen the citywide Bluebelt expansion initiative. This includes collecting and interpreting data on environmental factors like precipitation patterns, land use changes, and water quality indicators. Active participation in the Bluebelt group's water quality monitoring program is also essential. - Utilizing advanced statistical and modeling techniques to assess the impact of various environmental stressors on the city's sewer systems and drainage infrastructure. - Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams to integrate environmental science principles into the design and execution of Bluebelt best management strategies. This involves evaluating retention methods to mitigate runoff and improve water quality. - Planning and executing field studies to monitor environmental conditions and evaluate the efficacy of stormwater management practices. Tasks may include collecting water samples, conducting biodiversity surveys, and measuring pollutant levels in urban waterways. - Analyzing and interpreting research findings to inform policy decisions and recommend evidence-based solutions for managing stormwater runoff and safeguarding water resources. In addition to these core responsibilities, essential job functions for the City Research Scientist include: - Participating in Bluebelt feasibility studies alongside staff and consultants to develop stormwater management projects. - Conducting quantitative research to support the expansion of the Bluebelt program into the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. - Reviewing design submittals of Bluebelts from consultants, DEP staff, and other governmental agencies. - Oversee the preparing and tracking various permit applications to regulatory agencies such as the, United States Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). - Reviewing forested wetland mitigation and vegetative management plans in accordance with NYSDEC and ACOE guidelines, ensuring the incorporation of integrated control techniques for invasive vegetation removal on Bluebelt properties. - Tracking the acquisition of land and associated assets, and preparing maps and cost estimates using GIS software to support acquisitions based on research findings. - Preparing quarterly reports on contract status, permit approvals, and property acquisitions. 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. 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. 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.