Emergency Manager

About the role

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.

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking candidates to serve as Emergency Managers, for the Division of Field Operations, of the Bureau of Water and Sewer Operations (BWSO). BWSO is one of three operating Bureau's in the agency with a total staff of over 1,200.

The bureau is responsible for the operation, maintenance and protection of the city's drinking water and wastewater collection system, protection of the adjacent waterways and development of the capitol water and sewer design program. Field Operations role in the Bureau is to maintain and repair the City's water distribution system and wastewater collection system.

Through the maintenance and repair of these systems, Field Operations ensures the residences and businesses of NYC an adequate supply of water, water for fire protection and a properly functioning wastewater collection system. These systems include about 6,800 miles of water mains, 109,000 fire hydrants, over 200,000 valves, 7,500 miles of sewer mains, and 148,000 catch basins.

Emergency Management serves a critical role in the Division of Field Operations. The main function of the Emergency Management unit is to provide emergency planning, mitigation, response, recovery and special operations support to the Bureau. Typical tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Respond to emergency conditions (water main breaks, sewer breaks, fires, street collapses, building collapses, etc.) and provide emergency management support and interagency coordination at the scene
• Assess impact of emergencies on local community, with emphasis on identifying vulnerable populations and critical facilities
• Plan and coordinate emergency response and recovery activities in support of Field Operation's Emergency Management Program with city, federal and state agencies, utilities, police and fire personnel.
• Conduct surveys and research to develop emergency management action plans, disaster planning and/or provide technical support.
• Participate in the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) designed to prepare BWSO for continuing essential operations and recover from disaster disruptions in normal business operations.
• Responding to emergencies and supporting the District Supervisors and managers with information management, command post support and interagency coordination
• Planning for and coordinating Bureau special operations, such as Hydrant Patrol and Weather Events
• Maintaining and updating the DEP Department Operations Centers
• Maintaining and updating the DEP Desk at the New York City's Emergency Management (NYCEM) Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
• Creating, delivering, and coordinating emergency management training to agency stakeholders
• Drafting of field operations guides and other emergency management related documents used to assist in emergency response
• Training and covering shifts in the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) as needed.
• Serving as municipal representative for various state and countywide emergency management meetings

Qualifications & Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.