Urban Designer

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) provides for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in the City of New York (NYC) and maintains and enhances the public right-of-way and transportation infrastructure crucial to the economic vitality and quality of life of NYC residents.

DOT is an equal opportunity employer, committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse workforce in an open and inclusive environment.

DOT is seeking an Associate Urban Designer to serve in the Urban Design Unit (UD) within the Office of Cityscape & Franchises.

UD’s overarching mission is to enhance and uphold agency design standards and quality for the public right-of-way with a focus on place-making, environmental stewardship, social equity and economic viability.

The unit’s responsibilities are threefold : agency design coordination and representation; design policy and standards development;

and design and planning project management and research. Serving as the agency’s liaison to the New York City Public Design Commission (PDC) and New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), the unit manages a diverse portfolio of planning and design projects subject to interagency approvals.

Steward of the Street Design Manual, UD develops design standards and initiates programs that advance DOT’s mission and design principles of fostering safety, mobility, access, neighborhood context, sustainability and equity.

UD manages a host of capital projects and pursues in-house design and planning efforts as well as research and geospatial modelling.

Select accomplishments range from the establishment of the citywide landscape maintenance program to the design and management of the $ million Downtown Far Rockaway Urban Design and Streetscape Project, comprising the redesign of the transit network and facilities, creation of sustainable streets and open spaces, and the development of affordable housing.

The Associate Urban Designer will review, coordinate, and execute urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, streetscape, planning and transportation infrastructure projects of varying scales and complexity.

In particular, the Associate Urban Designer will be responsible for reviewing and coordinating projects subject to the PDC and LPC design and review processes including distinctive sidewalks, distinctive lighting, revocable consents, bridges, signage, and public art.

Within a collaborative design studio environment, the Associate Urban Designer will also track, review, and develop proposals and plans for streetscape and other landscape architecture projects.

• Further, the Associate Urban Designer will be responsible for investigating and proposing solutions for specific site conditions and designs;
• preparing detailed site plans and contract drawings utilizing various computer-aided design and graphics software; developing specifications and conceptual cost estimates;

conducting site inspections with construction and maintenance personnel; and presenting projects to other divisions and governmental agencies, consultants, community organizations and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree in architecture from an accredited college or university and two years of full-time experience in planning, design, research, investigations and / or studies related to urban design development programs; or

2. A satisfactory combination of education and / or experience which is equivalent to ""1"" above. However, a baccalaureate degree in architecture is required of all candidates. Graduate work

leading to an advanced degree in architecture, urban design or city planning maybe substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Skills

Preference given to candidate with a first professional degree in landscape architecture and a graduate degree in urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, city and regional planning or environmental planning at least one year within the last three years of experience as a significant contributor or a project leader on a project requiring specific expertise in design and construction proven design ability demonstrated through a varied design portfolio proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and PowerPoint excellent graphic communication, writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills strong knowledge of sustainability and universal design principles.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at class "jobad-residencyRequirement">

Residency RequirementNew York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.

To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.