DOT is seeking a City Planner IV to serve as Director of Open Restaurants. NYC launched the Open Restaurant Program in 2020 as an emergency program in an effort to implement a citywide multi-phase program to expand outdoor seating options for food establishments to promote open space, enhance social distancing, and help them rebound in these difficult economic times. The City is now working to convert the emergency program into a permanent program.

The Director will lead and oversee the planning, development, and implementation of the program ensuring strict compliance to internal controls and adherence to standardized policies. The Director will be responsible for directly supervising a planning and operational team who will review submissions from restaurant owners, coordinate planning and enforcement with various other DOT units and City agencies, and prepare agreements for and hold public hearings regarding restaurant applications. In addition, the selected candidate will prepare appropriate reports, perform analyses, and make recommendations on policies and procedures.

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and two years of satisfactory full-time experience in city planning; or

2. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to “1"" 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 for one year of experience. However, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree.

Special Qualification Requirements

Assignment Level III
To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level III, individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements, one additional year of professional experience as described in "2" above.

Assignment Level IV
To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level IV, individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements, two additional years of professional experience as described in "2" above.

Excellent communication (oral and written), presentation, and analytical skills experience working with New York City agencies and community groups project management experience the ability to read site plans attention to detail the ability to handle a fast-paced and high-pressure environment and familiarity with contracts, legal documents, rules and regulations, budgeting, and/or City procurement are strongly preferred. Preference also given to candidates possessing database management skills, graphic design skills, and prior supervisory experience. Bilingual is a plus.

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.

New 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.

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.