Location: New York,NY, USA
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.
BWSO's Division of Distribution Operations is responsible for ensuring that potable water is delivered at the appropriate pressure and volume to consumers throughout the five boroughs. The Division of Distribution Operations seeks to hire Environmental Engineering Interns for Distribution Engineering (DE).
DE staff work closely with Bureau Field Operations, Bureau of Water Supply (BWS) Water Quality and Bureau of Engineering Design and Construction (BEDC) providing engineering direction. The DE Section is responsible for the initiation of capital projects needed to maintain and improve the distribution system and coordinate trunk main shutdowns/activations. DE is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of valves and pressure regulators associated with the trunk main network and for response to large water main breaks, fires, and other emergencies.
A Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York is required for this position. Employees must maintain this license for the duration of their employment.
Minimum Qualifications
1. A Baccalaureate degree in environmental, chemical, mechanical, petroleum, aeronautical, or materials engineering from an accredited college.
A Baccalaureate degree in engineering technology is not acceptable.
55a Program
This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at
Residency Requirement
New York City Residency is not required for this position
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.