Borough Planner

City of New York • New York City, NY

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the future of New York City, working to create thriving and dynamic neighborhoods with access to housing and jobs, resilient infrastructure, and a vibrant public realm. The Department engages communities to develop inclusive plans, expands housing access and economic opportunity, and plans for long-term sustainability. DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of hundreds of land use applications. The Department also advises on citywide strategic and capital planning, analyzes data, conducts policy analysis, and creates open data and civic engagement tools. DCP is also the custodian of the official City Map, which designates streets, parks and other public places. Department of City Planning offers staff meaningful opportunities to help shape the future of New York City and address some of its most pressing challenges. The Department values public service, collaboration, and creativity, and supports professional development. The Queens Office is a dynamic work environment responsible for a wide range of planning and design activities, including developing borough-wide and local plans with a focus on affordable housing, resiliency, expanded economic opportunity, and transit-oriented development; reviewing and processing land use applications; leading community outreach; planning for resiliency and climate change; and providing technical and policy guidance and direction on all land use and zoning related matters to the City Planning Commission, local Community Boards, elected officials, and the public at large. The borough’s recent growth is occurring within distinct neighborhood contexts, which vary widely across the borough. Currently, its efforts are focused on directing a range of new housing, economic recovery and equitable planning opportunities in to enliven and support the growth and vitality of Queens neighborhoods. The Queens Office of the Department of City Planning seeks a Borough Planner with a demonstrated background in affordable housing, economic development and community engagement to assist in the implementation of its robust work program focused in the Borough of Queens, one of the busiest planning landscapes in NYC. The position is a unique opportunity to work closely with the Queens team, Department experts and interdivisional teams on planning efforts for significant growth while balancing the existing needs of our diverse borough. The candidate should possess strong communication and facilitation skills to reach a broad range of audiences; an ability to grasp complex policy and disseminate research and data practically; and a desire to contribute to and create an engaging teamwork environment.

Requirements

• Permanent Civil Service status in the City Planner civil service title, or reachable on the City Planner active civil service list (exam #5045), or serving in a comparable civil service title
• Authorization to work in the United States
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in city planning, urban planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, transportation engineering, public administration, economic development or a related field; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and one year of satisfactory full-time experience in city planning such as in the review and development of housing, transportation, environmental, and city-owned land planning projects; or
• A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to the above
• Graduate education in city planning, urban planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, transportation engineering, public administration, economic development or related fields may be substituted for experience on the basis of 30 graduate semester credits from an accredited college or university for one year of experience. However, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree.
• To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level III, individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements, two additional years of professional experience as described in '2' above.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills with proven ability to interact with a diverse range of individuals both in person and over phone, applying tact and discretion as situations demand.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and other specialized design software.
• Must have excellent organizational, time management, and follow-up skills.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze applications submitted to the Department pursuant to the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) and coordinate this work with technical divisions of the Department, other City agencies, community boards, elected officials, and the public
• Research and analyze area land use, economic sector and transportation factors to identify trends and contribute to agency/city planning priorities
• Support neighborhood planning studies and produce written technical reports and presentations
• Assist in the management of the Queens Office’s application pipeline, including helping schedule and manage projects as part of the pre-certification process and ULURP
• Assist in the management of files, applications, and data associated with the e-filing system Zoning Application Portal (ZAP) as well as distribution and management of hard-copy files as needed
• Present land use and zoning proposals to the City Planning Commission, as well as Community Boards, neighborhood groups, and elected officials, and provide expert opinions and recommendations as needed
• Develop technical documents and presentation materials including reports, maps, graphics, memos, and other forms of correspondence
• Provide information to the public and the City Planning Commission through speaking, writing, and graphics
• Play an active role in developing and engaging in comprehensive public outreach campaigns for Queens Office or Department planning initiatives
• Represent the Department and the City at meetings of civic, business and community groups, Community Boards, and public agencies
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of all on-going land use and zoning studies and community initiatives
• Understand and respond to socioeconomic and development trends at the neighborhood, citywide, and regional scales
• Perform other related tasks and projects

Benefits

• Meaningful opportunities to help shape the future of New York City and address some of its most pressing challenges
• Support for professional development
• Eligibility for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level