Associate Rodentologist

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 New York City Department of Health is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Associate Rodentologist to join our Rodent Control team. This role is central to advancing the city's integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, supporting public health, and improving quality of life across all five boroughs ”especially in communities most impacted by rodent-related health risks.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
Assist with ongoing surveillance and mapping of rat populations throughout New York City, contributing to data-driven mitigation strategies.
Assist with designing and implementing community-integrated pest management approaches that are sustainable, equitable, and effective.
Assist with and supports applied research on urban rat ecology, population dynamics, and rodenticide efficacy. Contributes to translating findings into actionable improvements for field operations.
Collaborate with field teams to refine pest control procedures, troubleshoot operational challenges, and enhance service delivery.
Under direction, prepares and conducts presentations to over 170 Bureau of Veterinary and Pest Control team members.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced degree in biology, public health, entomology, urban ecology, or a related field preferred
• Demonstrated experience in rodent ecology, pest management, or environmental health
• Strong communication and teaching skills
• Familiarity with IPM principles and urban pest control technologies
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse communities

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!

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 sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.

CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744