Director, Forensic Engineering

About the position

Under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner, Existing Buildings Compliance, the Director, Forensic Engineering is responsible for managing and supervising the Forensic Engineering staff. This role involves close coordination with various city agencies regarding the safety of compromised structures, overseeing the Proactive Inspection buildings program, and preparing reports for executive staff. The Director will also respond to emergencies, perform in-depth reviews of structural plans, and make recommendations for technical initiatives. Additionally, the position requires participation in industry outreach meetings and collaboration with other professionals to ensure compliance with modern construction practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise the Forensic Engineering staff.
• Work in close coordination with Borough Office management, the Emergency Response Team (ERT), NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM), Inspectors and other specialized units within the Department and often other city agencies regarding the safety of compromised structures.
• Oversee the Proactive Inspection buildings program portfolio and prepare reports for executive staff.
• Assign, coordinate, and manage workload of technical and inspectorial staff.
• Work closely with analytics team on establishing criteria for Proactive Inspection program, track audit and inspection results, identify trends as it relates to existing buildings.
• Respond to emergencies/incidents as needed: 24/7.
• Perform in depth review of structural plans and advising on engineering issues during the construction of large or small, technically complex projects and existing buildings.
• Prepare a list of objections in accordance with Construction Code, Zoning Resolution and other rules, regulations and legislation.
• Make recommendations for implementing technical initiatives.
• Perform plan review for a wide variety of building projects and temporary construction equipment.
• Meet with owners, Engineer of Record, and permitted licensed General Contractors to review project status and compliance with building codes.
• Coordinate with other federal, state and local regulatory agencies and other New York City agencies.
• Represent the Department as expert and fact witness on technical and policy related matters in various legal proceedings.
• Participate in industry outreach meetings and presentations.
• Work with the Executive Engineer and Assistant Commissioner of Existing Buildings Compliance.
• Perform audits of design documents, operations at construction sites and test reports submitted by Special Inspectors.
• Act as a technical resource on historic construction, concrete, steel, wood, masonry and temporary support systems.
• Provide interpretations of the NYC Construction Codes and other applicable laws.
• Assist the Office of Technical Affairs and Code Development with NYC Construction Code revisions.
• Prepare reports for the EBC executive staff to assist in enforcement actions.
• Issue violations and commissioners orders to design consultants, licensed professionals, special inspectors, owners, laboratories and active construction sites.
• Assist with the resolution of Vacates, Stop Work Orders (SWO's), design errors, construction errors, deficient engineering designs.
• Attend work hours and off hours training seminars.
• Assist with data analysis and determining trends as it relates to existing buildings.
• Support Existing Buildings Compliance cross training, incident support, special assignments and project management.

Requirements

• A valid New York State License as a Professional Engineer.
• Six (6) years of full-time satisfactory experience in chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, or plan examining work.
• At least two (2) years of experience in an executive, managerial, or administrative capacity.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong managerial skills and previous managerial experience.
• Strong background and experience in design and construction.
• Strong working knowledge of the current and previous NYC construction codes, rules, local laws, bulletins and memorandums.
• Formal training or education in architecture, engineering or site safety.
• Experience in reading and interpreting construction plans.
• Knowledge of low, mid and high-rise construction or demolition operations.
• Strong computer skills including the use of Microsoft applications.

Benefits

• Eligibility for remote work up to 2 days per week.
• Potential eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs.