What are the responsibilities and job description for the Climate and Sustainability Planner position at NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development?
Note: This position is funded for two years with the possibility of further extension
THE AGENCY
The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the city through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide and sharing its perspectives on growth and community needs with sister agencies in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The New York City Department of City Planning is a great place to work – cultivating intellectual inspiration, professional development and creativity. Visit our website at www.nyc.gov/planning to access the full listing of job opportunities and to learn more about our great agency.
THE DIVISION
The Climate and Sustainability Planning (CSP) team at DCP helps prepare the city for a changing climate and advances initiatives to protect and enhance New York City’s waterfront. Our work promotes an active, accessible and resilient waterfront, and climate ready, carbon neutral, and environmentally sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and residents. Our work involves planning, project review, and policy development in partnership with city, state, and federal agencies, neighborhood residents, and numerous stakeholders.
CSP Staff Work On
New York City’s waterfront is a tremendous asset to the city and one that has the potential to provide recreational and economic opportunities and increase the city's resiliency to climate change and sea level rise. CSP is launching a two-year-long study of waterfront public access requirements in the Zoning Resolution, which have been in place for over 30 years. These regulations mean that many forms of development on the waterfront are required to provide publicly accessible open space to and along the shoreline as a condition of development. The study will assess what is working well and where there is room to improve these regulations to shape the next generation of waterfront open space.
The study is part of City of Yes for Families, a muti-pronged initiative also announced in the 2025 State of the City to help families live and thrive across the boroughs, including by promoting equitable access to public spaces. The study's goals are to foster resiliency strategies and an inviting public realm, promote efficiency and transparency in the processes by which waterfront public access areas are reviewed and constructed, and identify opportunities to expand access to communities that currently cannot access the waterfront.
The Study Will Be Conducted In Partnership With DCP’s Urban Design Division. The Selected Candidate Will Work Closely With An Urban Designer To Complete Shared Tasks And Deliverables. The Selected Candidate Will Perform Individual And Collaborative Work Including – But Not Limited To – The Following
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
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.
THE AGENCY
The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the city through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide and sharing its perspectives on growth and community needs with sister agencies in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The New York City Department of City Planning is a great place to work – cultivating intellectual inspiration, professional development and creativity. Visit our website at www.nyc.gov/planning to access the full listing of job opportunities and to learn more about our great agency.
THE DIVISION
The Climate and Sustainability Planning (CSP) team at DCP helps prepare the city for a changing climate and advances initiatives to protect and enhance New York City’s waterfront. Our work promotes an active, accessible and resilient waterfront, and climate ready, carbon neutral, and environmentally sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and residents. Our work involves planning, project review, and policy development in partnership with city, state, and federal agencies, neighborhood residents, and numerous stakeholders.
CSP Staff Work On
- Preparing citywide reports and plans to address the challenges the city faces, including the ten-year Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, and the City’s sustainability plans
- Administering the Waterfront Revitalization Program, the city’s Coastal Zone Management program, through review of roughly 200 projects annually
- Advising the DCP’s Director and the City Planning Commission on issues related to climate change, resiliency, and sustainability
- Collaborating with other divisions in the agency to advance neighborhood and citywide planning initiatives
- Continuing to expand and improve New Yorkers’ access to the city’s waterfront
- Advancing planning for stormwater resiliency
- Coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies on the planning of coastal protection systems
- Increasing DCP’s understanding of emerging topics including urban heat, clean energy and energy storage, and biodiversity
New York City’s waterfront is a tremendous asset to the city and one that has the potential to provide recreational and economic opportunities and increase the city's resiliency to climate change and sea level rise. CSP is launching a two-year-long study of waterfront public access requirements in the Zoning Resolution, which have been in place for over 30 years. These regulations mean that many forms of development on the waterfront are required to provide publicly accessible open space to and along the shoreline as a condition of development. The study will assess what is working well and where there is room to improve these regulations to shape the next generation of waterfront open space.
The study is part of City of Yes for Families, a muti-pronged initiative also announced in the 2025 State of the City to help families live and thrive across the boroughs, including by promoting equitable access to public spaces. The study's goals are to foster resiliency strategies and an inviting public realm, promote efficiency and transparency in the processes by which waterfront public access areas are reviewed and constructed, and identify opportunities to expand access to communities that currently cannot access the waterfront.
The Study Will Be Conducted In Partnership With DCP’s Urban Design Division. The Selected Candidate Will Work Closely With An Urban Designer To Complete Shared Tasks And Deliverables. The Selected Candidate Will Perform Individual And Collaborative Work Including – But Not Limited To – The Following
- Research zoning, property histories, legislative histories, and other sources as necessary
- Use research, analysis, and metrics to summarize current waterfront public access issues, develop solution options, and refine recommendations
- Prepare written materials and presentations to communicate complex trends
- Lead engagement events with stakeholders and the general public
- Work closely with other divisions within DCP, City Agencies, and Mayor’s Offices
- Develop and maintain a working knowledge of climate planning and policies, including City-led land use and zoning studies and community-led initiatives
- Perform other related tasks and projects
- 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
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
- Familiarity with land use policy and regulatory frameworks related to climate change adaptation, including zoning regulations, coastal management plans, and hazard mitigation strategies - Experience in community coordination and outreach, including managing public meetings and advisory committees ability to lead meetings effectively and inclusively - Experience managing projects and studies strong organizational and project management skills - Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems, Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Suite, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative information familiarity with using vector and raster data sets - Ability to apply independent judgment to resolve complex problems - Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills with ability to interact with a diverse range of individuals both in person and in remote formats, applying tact and discretion as situations demand - Familiarity with urban and landscape design practices 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.
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.
Salary : $73,392
