Vector Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Division of Environmental Health works to prevent and control illness and injury related to environmental and occupational health risks through outreach, education, surveillance, and enforcement. With staff of 1,000, the Division covers a broad range of subject matter, including oversight of environmental investigations, lead poisoning, injury prevention, occupational health, food safety, childcare, radiation control, recreational and drinking water quality, air quality, climate health, vector control, veterinary public health and pest control. The Office of Vector Surveillance and Control (OVSC) is responsible for field and laboratory activities to detect vector-borne pathogens such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Lyme disease in mosquitoes and ticks, and to prevent their transmission to humans and other hosts. The program also conducts research to understand transmission cycles within the city and to develop strategies for reducing the impact of these diseases on residents. With climate change increasing the risk and geographic range of vector-borne diseases, OVSC's role is becoming increasingly critical. In addition, the office conducts public education and outreach to raise awareness about preventing mosquito and tick bites and encourages reporting or eliminating potential vector breeding sites.
A Public Health Sanitarian, within the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), plays a crucial role in protecting public health and safety. They are primarily involved in community sanitation, conducting inspections, enforcing health regulations, and implementing public health initiatives that protect the health of New Yorkers.
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- Inspect private and public properties such as parks, green streets, business establishments, multi-family housing campuses, schools, catch basins, sidewalks, tree pits and any other applicable city areas for standing water and environmental issues conducive to rodent and/or arthropod infestations.
- Investigate complaints regarding standing water, rodent infestations and unsanitary conditions.
- Collect field data and make notes and electronically transfer data for further processing.
- Conduct special studies and surveys as directed by the supervisor.
- Issue violations and tribunal summonses for non-compliance with the NYC Health Code and the NYS Sanitary Code.
- May evaluate the presence of contracted pest control service and equipment.
- Plan and coordinate community service programs to educate the public about West Nile virus and other vector-borne diseases, as well as the reduction of mosquitoes and other vector breeding sites.
- May a tend and testify at administrative court hearings.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
A valid driver's license with a good DMV record.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and oral, as well as the ability to manage high-stress interactions with tact and courtesy.
Proficiency in typing for documenting findings in formal reports and using data management software for reporting.
Be flexible, adaptable, customer-focused, and self-motivated with a commitment to high standards of excellence.
Ability to perform field work in various environments and weather conditions, walking, standing, carrying equipment and traveling between sites
Why you should work for us:
- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
- Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.
Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.
Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!
Commitment to Equity:
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.
The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at [email protected] or 347-396-6549.
PUBLIC HEALTH SANITARIAN - 31215

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 30 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, i.e., biology, botany, chemistry, geology, physics, physiology, and zoology; of which not more than 12 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, i.e., environmental technology, sanitation technology, medical technology, public health, infection control or food service; or
2. An associate degree from an accredited college, with 15 semester credits in the physical and/or biological sciences, of which not more than 6 credit hours may be in the applied sciences, and 5 years of experience as a public health technician assisting sanitarians and engineers in carrying out the various elements of prevention and control programs affecting the public's health.
Medical Requirement: Medical guidelines have been established for the position of Public Health Sanitarian. Candidates will be examined to determine whether they can perform the essential functions of the position of Public Health Sanitarian. Where appropriate, a reasonable accommodation will be provided for a person with a disability to enable him or her to take the examination, and /or to perform the essential functions of the job.

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.