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Sustainability Analyst 1

NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) United States Added on Aug 4, 2026
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Working within the Bureau of Engineering Design and Construction, you will translate high-level climate objectives into the technical standards that shape New York City’s critical water infrastructure. You will be responsible for monitoring regulatory shifts, tracking key performance indicators for a multi-billion dollar project portfolio, and facilitating LEED and Envision certifications. Your daily work ensures that engineering deliverables remain consistent with the city’s ambitious sustainability commitments.

This role is vital because it bridges the gap between urban climate policy and the physical reality of the city’s water and wastewater systems. By integrating social, economic, and environmental impacts into the design process, you directly contribute to the long-term resilience of the Five Boroughs against climate change. You are not just reporting data; you are ensuring the infrastructure serving nine million people is built to the highest green standards.

This suits someone who possesses a master’s degree in environmental science and thrives in a technical, multi-stakeholder environment where precision and clear communication are paramount.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to support the Bureau of Engineering Design & Construction (BEDC) in integrating sustainable objectives into capital projects. You will be responsible for tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and monitoring regulatory changes to ensure infrastructure investments remain compliant with city-wide environmental policies. Key responsibilities include coordinating with project teams to facilitate LEED and Envision certifications, which serve as the gold standard for sustainable building and infrastructure. You will also organize workshops and presentations to align internal engineering teams with the PlaNYC social, economic, and environmental goals.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep expertise in Envision and LEED certification processes for large-scale municipal infrastructure, a highly specialized niche in the green building sector. The role offers exposure to the complexities of urban climate adaptation and the regulatory framework of a major metropolitan agency. You will also develop technical proficiency in specialized software like AutoCAD and Visio, alongside a robust understanding of how legislative affairs and code enforcement impact environmental design and engineering standards.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in an environmental, physical, or social science field. Technical literacy is essential, particularly a comfort level with data analysis and engineering-adjacent software such as AutoCAD. Strong soft skills are equally important; the agency looks for individuals who can translate technical data into accessible communications for diverse stakeholders. A background or certification in LEED or Envision is highly preferred and will set an applicant apart.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize any experience you have with integrated project delivery or working alongside engineers and architects. Demonstrating a clear understanding of PlaNYC and the unique environmental challenges facing New York City—such as stormwater management and sea-level rise—will show you have done your homework. Since this is a City Research Scientist title, ensure your resume clearly highlights your academic credentials and any specific research experience that meets the city’s strict minimum qualification levels for Assignment Level I.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on sustainable infrastructure and resiliency. You will be working to balance the environmental impacts of wastewater treatment and water supply with social equity and economic feasibility, as outlined in the city's strategic climate plans. A significant portion of your focus will be on material testing and decarbonizing the construction phase of massive capital projects, ensuring that the physical components of the city’s water system have the lowest possible environmental footprint.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

A major challenge is the interdisciplinary coordination required to align diverse stakeholders, from technical engineers to community boards, who may have competing priorities. Navigating the bureaucratic layers of a 6,000-employee agency while maintaining aggressive deadlines for a $35B project portfolio requires high resilience. Additionally, keeping pace with evolving regulations and new sustainability codes in a city as complex as New York requires constant vigilance and an ability to translate complex legal requirements into actionable engineering standards.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a coordination meeting with site civil or structural engineers to review sustainability deliverables for a new pump station. You might spend the afternoon analyzing project data to track progress against PlaNYC targets or drafting a report for the Sustainability Lead. Your time will likely be split between individual technical reviews of construction documents and collaborative workshops where you present sustainability strategies to intra-agency groups or external planners.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This position follows the City Research Scientist career track, which offers a clear path from Level I to Level II and beyond based on experience and doctoral-level education. Advancement often involves taking on more supervisory or administrative responsibility within the sustainability program. Working within the BEDC provides high visibility, as the projects are typically the highest priority for the agency. Success here can lead to roles in strategic planning, environmental policy leadership, or specialized engineering management within NYC government.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the Sustainability Lead and the broader In-House Design directorate, including architects, structural engineers, and CADD technicians. These internal relationships are critical for ensuring designs meet green standards. Externally, you will engage with community boards, urban planners, and other city agencies. You may also liaise with third-party certification bodies for LEED and Envision, acting as the technical bridge between DEP and external evaluators.

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