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.

Plan Review is a unit within the Division of Connections and Permitting that evaluates civil engineering plans with a potential impact on the New York City water supply and sewer systems. For example, Plan Review analyzes the proposals for the development of private water and sewer infrastructure, large public and private development projects, climate resiliency, waterfront project, new alternative energy projects, and green infrastructure projects. The selected candidate will be responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and approving the designs to ensure compliance with DEP standards and engineering practices. The Plan Review group ensures that a network of city infrastructure vital to the continued operation is protected and that service interruption is minimized.

The selected candidate will review complex engineering proposals for various types of projects submitted by different City and State Agencies, Private Developer, Transit/MTA, Port Authority, EDC, etc. related to water and sewer facilities within the five boroughs of the City. Review of these submittals is necessary to determine the impact on NYC water and sewer facilities, as well to ensure the proposed facilities will not have an adverse impact on the DEP Infrastructure. This position is also for to review the plans for new sewer and water main works to verify that the design of sewer and water main conform NYC DEP Sewer and Water Main Standards and Specification.

Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Independently utilizes engineering, construction, and other standards and practices related to structural, geotechnical, and hydraulics engineering to analyze complex design plans submitted to the Plan Review unit. This analysis concerns the impact of various types of construction projects throughout the city and the potential impact they may have on the NYC sewer and water supply systems. The staff are responsible to ensure that proposed drainage and water supply facilities will be built and/or maintained in conformance with the latest DEP Standards and requirements.
- Engages in research of new types of standards, construction methods, analysis, modeling, etc. Also involved in research and interpretation of water and sewer records, investigation, or studies to determine the extent of sewer and water infrastructure within the review area.
- Attend and conduct meetings with the representatives from other City and State agencies and private filing professionals to explain Plan Review requirements.
- Coordinates and communicates design standards, comments, and corrections to applicants. Ensures that communications are tracked and followed to ensure projects are closed in a timely manner.
- Prepares written project reports and response letters.

***ALL CANDIDATES MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE CIVIL SERVICE TITLE OF CIVIL ENGINEER TO BE CONSIDERED***

(1) Four (4) years of full-time, satisfactory experience in civil 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 civil engineering from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) may be substituted for one year of the civil 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.

- At least 5 years’ experience of which 3 years of experience with water and/or sewer design. - Experience using functions of AutoCAD, GIS and Microsoft Excel. - Great communication skills and excellent technical writing. - Willingness to improve existing systems and processes - The selected candidate may be required to attend meetings and field visits that are outside of the regular working place. - The selected candidate will be asked to occasionally work on evenings and weekends. - A NYS driver’s license is required

New York City Residency is not required for this position

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.