Leveraging Technology to Modernize Environmental ...

New York City's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is working to roadmap the next 5 years of technology strategy in line with the latest Agency Long-term Vision, and integrate emerging technologies to address operational inefficiencies and improve service delivery. The FUSE Executive Fellow will develop a strategic roadmap that describes the next 5 years of investment, and leverage technologies such as generative AI and predictive analytics to enhance operational efficiency and customer service. Ultimately, this project will modernize DEP's infrastructure, ensuring more equitable and reliable access to environmental services for all New Yorkers, particularly underserved communities. Fellowship Dates: April 28, 2025 - April 24, 2026 Salary: Executive Fellows are FUSE employees and receive an annual base salary of $80,000. Fellows can also access various health, dental, and vision insurance benefits. Compensation for this year of public service is not intended to represent market-rate compensation for the experienced professionals in our program. ABOUT THE FUSE EXECUTIVE FELLOWSHIP FUSE is a national nonprofit working to expand social and economic opportunities, particularly for communities that have been limited by a history of systemic and institutionalized racism. FUSE partners with local governments and communities to more effectively address pressing challenges by placing experienced professionals within city and county agencies. These FUSE Executive Fellows lead strategic projects designed to advance racial equity and accelerate systems change. Since 2012, FUSE has led over 250 projects in 40 governments across 20 states, impacting the lives of 25 million people. When designing each fellowship project, FUSE works closely with government partners and local stakeholders to define a scope of work that will achieve substantive progress toward regional priorities. FUSE then conducts an individualized search for each project to ensure that the selected candidate has at least 15 years of professional experience, the required competencies for the role, and deep connections to the communities being served. They are data-driven and results-oriented and able to effectively manage complex projects by developing actionable roadmaps and monitoring progress to completion. PROJECT CONTEXT New York City's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is tasked with providing water, stormwater management, and pollution control for over 9 million residents, yet it faces growing challenges due to aging infrastructure and climate change. These issues disproportionately affect underserved communities, particularly low-income residents and communities of color, who are more vulnerable to service disruptions, poor water quality, and flooding. As climate impacts intensify, these populations are at heightened risk, further exacerbating existing racial and socioeconomic disparities in access to clean, reliable water and wastewater services. Ensuring that technological advancements are leveraged equitably to address these issues is essential to improving outcomes for all New Yorkers. In recent years, DEP has initiated significant efforts to modernize its operations, improve environmental stewardship, and enhance climate resilience. These efforts include infrastructure upgrades, stormwater management improvements, and initiatives focused on pollution control. Additionally, DEP has increasingly recognized the role of technology in advancing these goals and has begun exploring emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and predictive analytics. However, while these efforts have laid a foundation for progress, DEP has yet to fully harness the potential of these technologies to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and cybersecurity across its complex systems. New York City will partner with FUSE to develop a 5 to 10-Year strategic roadmap for Agency IT investment and implementation. This will cover all areas of IT investment, including infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, business digitization, etc., and will include a special focus on integrating emerging technologies into DEP's operations, enabling the department to better serve its diverse population. PROJECT SUMMARY Beginning in April 2025, the FUSE Executive Fellow will work with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and its centralized IT team to develop a strategic plan and roadmap for the department's core technologies, and the preparation and utilization of emerging technologies over the next five+ years. The Executive Fellow will also focus on identifying and documenting how DEP can leverage technologies such as generative AI, quantum computing, and predictive analytics to enhance operational efficiency, service delivery, and cybersecurity. PROJECT DELIVERABLES By April 2026, the Executive Fellow will have produced the following: Comprehensive Technology Strategic Plan and Roadmap: Developed a five-year+ IT Strategic Plan that outlines how DEP can integrate existing and emerging technologies, including generative AI, quantum computing, and predictive analytics, to improve operational efficiency, customer service, and cybersecurity. Pilot Project Design and Implementation: Designed and executed pilot projects to test the application of selected emerging technologies, such as AI tools for productivity, smart sensors for water management, and enhanced cybersecurity protocols. Stakeholder Engagement and Regular Feedback Loops: Engaged with internal and external stakeholders to gather insights, ensure buy-in, and create a feedback loop for continuous improvement of the technology roadmap and pilot projects. Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Created a robust framework to track the progress and impact of DEP's technology initiatives, ensuring alignment with operational and equity goals. Capacity-Building and Knowledge Transfer: Conducted pilot training sessions and workshops to ensure DEP staff are equipped to manage and sustain the technology initiatives independently. QUALIFICATIONS Synthesizes complex information into clear and concise recommendations and action-oriented implementation plans. Develops and effectively implements both strategic and operational project management plans. Generates innovative, data-driven, and result-oriented solutions to complex challenges. Communicates effectively verbally and in writing and excels in active listening and conversing. Fosters collaboration across multiple constituencies to support more effective decision-making. Establishes and maintains strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, particularly community-based relationships. FUSE is an equal-opportunity employer with core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-01-14