Urban Planner-Project Manager/Senior Planner-Project Manager

SCENIC HUDSON INC•City of Poughkeepsie, NY

6d•$75,000 - $92,000•Onsite

About The Position

Scenic Hudson's River Cities Program is seeking an Urban Planner-Project Manager/Senior Planner-Project Manager to join their small and nimble team. This role is crucial for managing urban greening, park development, and environmental justice initiatives. The position requires an innovative and thoughtful approach to community-based planning and project management, focusing on climate resilience and nature access for vulnerable residents in small cities. The successful candidate will manage complex projects centered on equitable access to nature, cultivate relationships with diverse stakeholders, conduct site analyses, develop plans, and engage communities through creative methods that promote environmental justice. Data and policy analysis related to equitable access to open space, climate resilience, and urban ecosystem conservation are also key aspects of this role. The position works collaboratively with the Director and other River Cities Program staff. The final title and level will be determined by the candidate's experience and expertise.

Requirements

Master's degree in urban planning, geography, urban design, environmental design, or landscape architecture; or 3-5 years of professional work experience in a related field.
Minimum of 6 to 7 years of relevant professional experience required for Senior Project Manager designation.
Fundamental knowledge in physical planning and land use.
A passion for community-led planning.
Experience engaging people through diverse community engagement methods.
Familiarity with community development and physical planning processes.
A commitment to social, ecological, and racial justice.
Three years experience working in culturally and socioeconomically diverse urban communities.
Effective communication skills including writing, facilitation, and visual communication skills.
Fundamental skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Basic skills in geographic information systems (GIS).
Must be able to travel regularly to assigned work locations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with parks and open space planning.
Community organizing experience.
Landscape architecture and/or urban design experience.
Knowledge of New York State climate and environmental justice policy.
Experience in food systems, community science and/or placemaking.
Strong analytical and organizational skills with demonstrated experience in prioritizing and executing multiple tasks, initiatives, and projects with excellent attention to detail.
Project leadership skills with a record of effective collaboration and negotiation with diverse partners and stakeholders.
Knowledge of northeastern North America natural history.
Intermediate to advanced GIS and/or design skills.
Experience with project management systems and software.
Spanish-speaking and writing a plus.

Responsibilities

Contribute to planning and design strategies for urban greening and conservation projects on multiple scales that advance environmental justice and ecological resilience.
Coordinate urban design, ecological restoration and park development projects with various professional contractors and community stakeholders.
Provide qualitative and quantitative research and analysis of socio-demographic, environmental and cultural factors to drive data-informed decision making.
Identify and engage stakeholders and project partners including the general public, community leaders, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and private sector entities.
Review, analyze, and apply local codes, plans and policies to Scenic Hudson projects.
Utilize GIS and other research platforms to inform project and programmatic strategy.
Supervise and manage occasional interns.
Create maps and visual diagrams to communicate planning and design concepts.
Provide technical assistance to community partners and municipal agencies.
Develop surveys and participatory research methods.
Manage field research and participatory science initiatives that advance urban planning and conservation outcomes.
Manage contracts, schedules, and deliverables of consultants and strategic partners.
As needed, review private development proposals, provide analysis and alternate concepts that reflect contemporary urban design principles, environmental justice and climate resilience.
Provide reporting of program activities and outcomes for board committees, funders and external communications.
Assist with managing the River Cities Program budget and grant proposals.
Represent Scenic Hudson in a variety of capacities including public meetings, formal hearings and social/community gatherings.
Secure local and state approvals and permits for projects.
Available for occasional night and weekend meetings.
Other duties as assigned to achieve programmatic and organizational goals.