The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking a landscape architect 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: (1) agency design coordination and representation; (2) design policy and standards development; and (3) 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 $130 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.

As Design Review Manager, the landscape architect will manage the division’s varied design and review activities including appraising and executing urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, streetscape, planning and transportation infrastructure projects of varying scales and complexity. In particular, the Design Review Manager will be responsible for coordinating projects subject to the PDC and LPC and other intra- and inter-agency design and review processes, including the review of agency capital projects. Within a collaborative design studio environment, the Design Review Manager will be called upon to perform and manage expert design services in support of major agency initiatives and priority projects in collaboration with the Executive and Borough Commissioners offices as well as external organizations such as the NYC Economic Development Corporation. In conjunction with the division’s evolving work on the successive editions of the Street Design Manual and management of its online resources, the Design Review Manager will also be responsible for investigating and establishing “best practices” in street design and sustainability including the refinement and development of design policies, practices, standards, and specifications.

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.

1. A valid New York State Registration as a Landscape Architect; and

A master’s degree in landscape architecture (which must be obtained by January 31, 2015) from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and three (3) years of full-time, satisfactory experience in landscape architectural work; or

NOTE: Current New York State Registration as a Landscape Architect must be maintained for the duration of your employment.

2. A valid New York State Registration as a Landscape Architect; and
Four (4) years full-time, satisfactory experience in landscape architectural work.

NOTE: Current New York State Registration as a Landscape Architect must be maintained for the duration of your employment.
SPECIAL NOTE:
In addition to above qualification requirements, to be eligible for placement in Assignment Levels II and III, individuals must have at least one year within the last three years of experience as a major contributor or a project leader on a complex project requiring additional and specific expertise in the disciplines needed to design or construct the project.

Preference given to candidates with a graduate degree in landscape architecture, urban design, architecture, city and regional planning or environmental planning experience and expertise in design and construction demonstrated through a varied design portfolio proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and PowerPoint excellent graphic communication, writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills involvement in pedagogy and professional mentorship and strong knowledge of commitment to sustainability and universal design principles.

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.

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 https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

New York City Residency is not required for this position

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.