Job Description

The NYC 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. DEP delivers 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water per day to 8.5 million NYC 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.

The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all facilities related to the treatment of sewage(Wastewater Resource Recovery Facilities), including wastewater treatment plants, collections facilities (pumping stations, combined sewer overflow retention facilities, regulators, tide gates), wastewater laboratories, harbor vessels and sludge dewatering facilities.

The BTW Office of Special Projects (OSP) reporting directly to the Assistant Commissioner of Operations, is tasked with spearheading specific projects for the optimization of WWRF operation. OSP engineers perform design work for optimization projects, primarily related to process/mechanical systems within the WRRFs, that can be implemented within a short timeframe and allow for chemicals and energy cost reduction, increased process efficiency, operator’s safety, improved system reliability and operability.

Job Purpose: Under direction, the selected candidate will perform technically complex, unique, and specialized chemical engineering work, related to the design, construction, startup, and optimization of systems and equipment within DEP’s facilities.

Job Tasks/Duties:

The Chemical Engineer III, directly or through a staff of junior engineers, provide analysis, design, coordinates and oversees construction activities for specific projects of small size and moderate to high complexity within the WRRFs. These projects are primarily of a process/mechanical nature such as chemical handling and dosing systems (disinfection, dewatering operation, supplemental carbon addition, alkalinity, struvite control), automation (control valves, PLCs), pumping systems, gravity and mechanical thickening, dewatering operation, mixing, equipment related to Biological Nutrient Removal, etc.

Key responsibility of the Chemical Engineer III include:

• Acquire an in-depth knowledge of all processes and equipment utilized within BWT wastewater treatment plants, and become a subject-matter expert in these processes

• Identify process inefficiencies and communicate with plant operation personnel and senior leadership possible improvements

• Prepare reports, studies, analysis of systems operation and performance

• Design upgrades and modifications to systems and processes to improve performance and reduce costs.

• Produce technical specifications and plans for construction of such upgrades

• Oversee construction of such systems, providing guidance to in-house workforce or outside contractors

• Supervise and mentor junior staff

• Manage equipment and materials acquisition

• Manage large capital and expense contracts for the acquisition of goods and services

• Provide expertise to troubleshoot existing system

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Prepare Standard Operating Procedures, Operation and Maintenance manuals and training for operators on systems and processes.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/ Work Experience:

1. Proficiency in the following computer programs: Microsoft Suite (Project, Excel, Word etc.)

2. Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and equipment

3. Strong technical writing and communication skills

Education and Work Experience:

1. BS in chemical/Environmental/mechanical/civil Engineering

2. Registered as Professional Engineer

3. Work experience: at least 2 years of direct experience with processes and equipment commonly used in WRRFs such as piping, pumps, chemicals, automatic controls.

Appointments are subject to OMB approval.

For additional information about DEP, visit www.nyc.gov/dep.

DEP is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to the diversity of our organization and workforce. Your voluntary response to the NYCAPS on-line application section for referral information will assist us tremendously in our ability to track the success of our outreach and recruitment efforts. Please be sure to indicate your source of referral to this job.

Qualifications

(1) Four (4) years of full-time, satisfactory experience in chemical engineering work; and (2) A valid New York State Professional Engineer's License. Current New York State registration as a Professional Engineer must be maintained for the duration of your employment.

A masters degree in chemical engineering from an accredited college may be substituted for one year of the chemical engineering experience required in "1" above.

Special Note:

In addition to above qualification requirements, to be eligible for placement in Assignment Levels II and III, individuals must have at least one year within the last three years of experience as a major contributor or a project leader on a complex project requiring additional and specific expertise in the disciplines needed to design or construct the project.

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.