City Planner

The NYC Board of Standards and Appeals is a critical component of the City’s comprehensive system for regulation of land use, development and construction. The Board is an independent, administrative review body, with the power to grant relief to land owners whose property is deemed unduly restricted by the City’s zoning resolution and building code. Such authority allows the Board to make important decisions that affect development throughout all five boroughs.

The Board’s mandate includes providing expert review of zoning variance and special permit applications; appeals to determinations made by the Department of Buildings and Fire Department based on legal doctrine; revocations or modifications of certificates of occupancy; and waivers from other laws, including the Multiple Dwelling Law and the General City Law.

Responsibilities

The Planner 1 will be involved in a wide range of development proposals throughout the City that encompass complex zoning, environmental, financial, real estate, neighborhood character, and urban design issues. Under supervision, the Planner I will:

• Project manage applications for variances and special permits and coordinate with applicants, Board staff, other city agencies, community boards and the public;
• Analyze environmental review documents to determine compliance with City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR);
• Interface with other agencies on the review of technical documents including transportation, air-quality, noise, hazardous materials, historic resources etc.;
• Provide and obtain technical information and assist applicants in the preparation of required documents;
• Conduct land use, finance and real estate research and analysis, and prepare written and graphic information as requested by the Board Chair.
• Represent the Board at meetings of civic and community groups, community boards, and public agencies;
• Perform other related tasks.
  
  

CITY PLANNER - 22122

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Skills

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and at least two years of full-time experience in urban planning. Graduate work leading to an advanced degree in architecture, city planning or related fields may be substituted for up to two years of experience on a year-for-year basis - Excellent presentation and written communication skills - Experience conducting zoning studies and writing technical reports - Familiarity with zoning practices and building plans - Ability to work independently and project manage multiple assignments simultaneously - Good interpersonal skills - Familiarity with the city's land use review process and procedures - Competence in GIS software and computer-based drawing and graphics programs a plus.
  
  

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 https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

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.

Additional Information

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.