Highland Planning is a city planning consultancy specializing in planning, urban design and public engagement. We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer to manage the consulting practice and support our growing team in Rochester, NY and Albany, NY. This is a professional position that requires organization, vision, and the ability to develop, build and maintain working relationships with firm colleagues and clients. We are a creative and collaborative team, and we are seeking someone who matches our firm culture. The firm's core values are trust, excellence and flexibility.

For full details, and to apply, click here.

The Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) is seeking qualified applicants for one to two positions. The SMTC is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Onondaga County and small portions of Madison and Oswego Counties. 

Desirable Skills and Abilities 

These positions require an experienced (mid-level position) and motivated transportation and/or planning professional with an ability to interpret data and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. The major work areas for the position(s) include participating in transportation planning studies, meeting the needs of the SMTC’s member agencies, and fulfilling requirements of the MPO process. The position(s) require knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of transportation and land use planning and the municipal planning process. Documented knowledge of current planning trends and strong writing skills are expected. Experience with and understanding of MPO operations and processes is a plus. For full details and to apply, please click here.

Monroe County Department of Planning and Development is hiring for a Planner II position.This is a professional-level planning position responsible for administering the development review process for Monroe County. Work involves the interpretation and application of laws, rules and regulations governing land use controls. Work may also involve field visits, including nights and weekends. The employee reports directly to and works under the general supervision of an administrative-level planner. Supervision of subordinate staff is not a responsibility of this class. Does related work as required. For full details and to apply, click here.

Belmont Housing Resources for WNY is a highly respected nonprofit organization in the Western New York community. WE are currently hiring for a Development Project Manager. For full details and to apply, please click here.

Application deadline is February 15th.

The Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council (SMTC) is seeking qualified applicants for one to two positions. The SMTC is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Onondaga County and small portions of Madison and Oswego Counties. 

Desirable Skills and Abilities: 

These positions require an experienced (mid-level position) and motivated transportation and/or planning professional with an ability to interpret data and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 

The major work areas for the position(s) include participating in transportation planning studies, meeting the needs of the SMTC’s member agencies, and fulfilling requirements of the MPO process. The position(s) require knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of transportation and land use planning and the municipal planning process. Documented knowledge of current planning trends and strong writing skills are expected. Experience with and understanding of MPO operations and processes is a plus. 

For full posting and to apply, click here.

ALBANY COUNTY LAND BANK

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Albany County Land Bank (ACLB) is seeking its next Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for leading ACLB to further its mission and public purpose. In consultation with ACLB’s Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of ACLB’s policies, programs, and operations.  

The Albany County Land Bank Corporation was established in 2014 by Albany County to facilitate the process of acquiring, improving, and redistributing tax-foreclosed, vacant, or abandoned properties. ACLB is a nonprofit organization committed to revitalizing neighborhoods and strengthening communities throughout Albany County.  ACLB works closely with state and local government, non-profits, residents, community groups, and responsible developers and investors to return properties to productive use and support community development. ACLB has grown to become one of the largest and most active land banks in New York State.

To learn more about this opportunity, go to: https://www.albanycountylandbank.org/employment-opportunities

The Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB) is seeking qualified applicants for the role of Senior Planner. This position is in office in Lake George, NY with travel throughout Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Warren, and Clinton Counties.

LCLGRPB is the federally designated Economic Development District (EDD) for the region, assisting communities with economic development, community planning and development, accessing federal and state funding, among other things. 

For full details and to apply, click here.

Intermunicipal Regional Energy Coordinator

The Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) has an immediate opening for an energetic and knowledgeable individual to continue leading our Intermunicipal Regional Energy Coordinator (IREC) program. This position has been funded annually by seven communities in our region for the last 3 years, and is an excellent opportunity to actually change energy use at the town level. Starting salary is $65,000, accompanied by an outstanding benefits package that raises the effective pay considerably.

This position involves diverse energy-related tasks, including grant writing to accomplish these and subsequent management of projects, including writing RFPs and managing consultants and construction projects. 

This position is very self-directed but also requires constant communication with participating towns to showcase IREC efforts and results. 

Please visit https://www.trorc.org/about/employment-opportunities/ for the full job ad. Position open until filled. TRORC is an equal opportunity employer.

The Finger Lakes Regional Land Bank Corporation (FLRLBC) is pleased to invite qualified firms to submit Professional Qualifications for consideration to provide development services for engineering/architectural services and environmental services. 

Application packets can be obtained via the New York State Contract Reporter posting or online at www.flrlandbank.org/rfp/2024/rfq-for-development-services, or contacting the Seneca County Planning Department at 315-539-1730. Email inquiries may be sent to jmcgrath@co.seneca.ny.us. 

Interested firms must submit via mail or email a qualifying resume, client references, potential conflicts of interest, proposed fee structure, and affirmation no later than 3:00p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024, to:

Finger Lakes Regional Land Bank Corporation Attn: Joe McGrath, CEO/President One DiPronio Drive Waterloo, NY 13165

 PLANNER 

ROCKLAND COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING 

Rockland County Department of Planning is seeking a candidate to perform professional and technical planning work of a complex nature which involves the responsibility for assisting with a variety of planning activities and projects, including conducting physical planning studies. Supervision is received from a higher-level Administrator. Evening work is frequently required in this class. Does related work as required. 

Candidates must possess good knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of municipal and county planning; working knowledge of subdivision design and site planning; ability to read and interpret land-use zoning ordinances; ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to prepare technical reports; ability to use computer software used for various planning activities*. 

Job description: The individual will review site plans, comprehensive plans, subdivisions, variances, zone changes, special permits and other land use, zoning and environmental actions as mandated under the New York State General Municipal Law (GML) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to determine the impacts of proposed actions on local, county, state, national and regional resources and makes recommendations; Plans and executes field assignments; Prepares technical reports for general planning activities; Reviews land use, housing, and population data in the preparation of planning studies, statistical reports and the production of annual reports; Meets with local planning agencies, officials, professionals and the public to discuss land use related changes, projects and studies; May participate in a variety of sustainability activities (i.e., research, analysis, reporting); May assist in the preparation of zoning code ordinance updates and prepares local laws related to the updates; May conduct studies and draft revisions of zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations and related planning controls; May assist with the coordination of seminars, workshops, educational sessions, certification courses, and annual events. 

For full job posting and to apply, click here.

ZONING TECHNICIAN NEEDED IN THE TOWN OF LAKE GEORGE 

The Town of Lake George is actively seeking a new staff member to join the busy Planning and Zoning Office as a "Zoning Technician". The job is a part time position that would primarily focus on assisting the office with zoning matters, including but not limited to plan and permit review, assisting with zoning inquiries, writing compliance letters and other general office duties related to Zoning. Those wishing to be considered for the position should submit an application for employment along with a resume and any other supporting documentation to the Town Clerk's office and the Planning and Zoning Office. Call 668-5722 (x5) or visit LakeGeorgeTown.org for additional information.

For full job posting, click here.

Great Lakes Resilience Specialist

New York Sea Grant

Lockport, Albion, Watertown, or Erie County New York

New York Sea Grant is a cooperative program between the State University of New York and Cornell University. Established in 1971, Sea Grant implements educational problem-solving programs for coastal resource users, businesses, and agencies. Sea Grant supports research and provides extension education to coastal resource agencies, users, businesses, and residents and is patterned after the land-grand concept; programs include coastal zone management, tourism and small business development, coastal environmental quality, and seafood processing.

What You Will Do

Serve as a primary resource for New York’s Great Lakes area local governments, environmental justice communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, and agencies on natural phenomena that include community resilience and the management strategies and other best practices that can be implemented to increase resilience. Develop extension, outreach, educational materials, training programs to support a resilient coastal environment and communities, and a related research plan for New York State. Other responsibilities include:

· Providing coastal resilience planning, management, and policy programming initiatives based on clientele needs.

· Facilitating information exchange and collaboration among stakeholder groups and researchers to promote resilience through planning and other management practices.

· Developing networks of volunteers to assist in extension outreach program development.

· Developing significant new subject matter materials such as curricula and extension education publications.

· Planning and conducting extension education programs.

· Collaborating on the design, execution, and analysis of extension/outreach program evaluations.

· Disseminating and translating science-based research generated about resilience practices.

· Actively pursue outside grants and contracts to support the program area.

What We Need

We are looking for an individual who excels at building relationships with multiple stakeholders, businesses, non-profit organizations, and environmental justice communities. We need someone who is self-motivated and has strong customer service skills with a focus on excellence. Additionally, we need someone who has:

· Master’s degree in planning, watershed management, natural resource management, sustainability management, environmental policy, or other related fields.

· 2+ years of experience conducting extension or outreach or similar public education programming.

· Knowledge of principles, theory, research, extension methods, and educational materials in the subject matter field related to coastal resilience and/or planning.

· Computer skills and the ability to use a computer and long-distance education technologies in this area of extension programming expertise.

· Demonstrated ability to develop adult education programs.

· Effectively participate in professional team efforts.

· Communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels.

· Ability to work effectively independently or within groups.

· Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

· Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you!  There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

· Experience bringing successful educational programs to underserved or marginalized communities.

· American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Certification.

· Experience in applying for external resources to support applied research and outreach programming.

This position is full-time and will be located in Lockport, Albion, Watertown, or Erie County New York. There is the opportunity to work remotely within New York State two days a week; an on-site presence is required three days a week.

This is a three-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

· Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the following range: $71,000.00 to $77,000.00.

· Cornell has a comprehensive total rewards program that offers several benefits options to meet your needs. More information on our wonderful programs can be found at https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26857).

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study,” via the website. 

Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2024.

For a full position description, go to https://seagrant.sunysb.edu/articles/r/23703 or contact Norma Gunn (nlg43@cornell.edu or 607-255-2832).

Wayne County Planning Department is hiring for an Assistant Planner. For full details, click here. Applications are due by 5pm Tuesday, January 17, 2024.

Parks & Trails New York is hiring for a Data & Mapping Coordinator. The Data and Mapping Coordinator will report directly to the Director of Policy and Planning and be charged with using data and mapping analysis to communicate the use and value of New York’s network of parks, trails and public lands. This exciting opportunity will allow a dynamic candidate to fill a newly created position, helping to shape the future of PTNY’s work and use data and mapping to influence statewide policy and funding decisions.

For full job posting and to apply, please click here.

Rockland County Department of Planning is seeking a candidate to work in their fast-paced GIS (Geographic Information System) unit. The work is specialized, diverse and can be complex in nature. The work is performed under the general supervision of a higher-level GIS administrator and work guidance (e.g., lead work) may be provided to others.

Candidates must possess good knowledge of the general principles, practices and techniques of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as applicable to County, municipal and regional government; good knowledge of software (ArcGIS); good knowledge land and other spatial data, aerial photography, remote sensing, GPS, desktop mapping, publishing, web and database applications; good knowledge of GIS fundamentals, including geocoding, address matching, topology, interpolation of linear and non-linear data and relational databases; working knowledge of GIS programming languages; ability to gather, develop, maintain and analyze vector and raster data as well as non-spatial data; ability to analyze departmental needs and to customize computer mapping and graphics applications; ability to understand and interpret complex written materials; ability to prepare reports, including those related to GIS; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others.

For more information or to apply, please visit our website:

https://www.rocklandcountyny.gov/departments/personnel/job-opportunities/-npage-2

 Full details can also be viewed here.

The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, on behalf of the Lake Erie Watershed Protection Alliance, is actively seeking a full-time Urban Planning Intern for our downtown Buffalo office. The internship is expected to last 19 weeks starting in February 2024. Salary is $18.212 per hour.

Work will be focused on conducting local law and regulation review around water quality and environmental sustainability including reviewing the zoning codes, comprehensive plans, and other regulations in place for municipalities in the Niagara River/Lake Erie Watershed. The review will analyze existing regulations, highlight the gaps, and make recommendations for adjustments that can be made to protect water quality, encourage ecosystem sustainability, and increase resilience to flooding. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.

The Intern will work closely with the Environmental Compliance Services Division and the Planning Division to perform tasks related to local regulation review including:

• Working as a team member on projects under direct supervision and mentorship

• Working independently on projects

• Researching various assessment tools

• Researching local laws and regulations

• Developing summaries of findings

• Making recommendations

• Assisting with data organization and analysis

• Drafting reports, checklists, or other resources for municipalities

• Assisting with meetings and presentations to municipalities

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Recently graduated from or currently enrolled in good academic standing in a Masters’ Degree program in Urban Planning or related field at a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and a minimum of four (4) years of coursework completed.

2. Two (2) years of experience with planning concepts in course labs or projects. Experience with environmental planning, land-use planning, or physical zoning courses, projects, practicums, or internships are a plus. 

3. Must be capable of the basic operation of a Windows-based personal computer and have a basic familiarity of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel. 

4. Must effectively communicate orally and in writing.

To apply for this position please e-mail your cover letter and resume to Joanna.Panasiewicz@erie.gov by January 19, 2024 or mail your cover letter and resume to:

Joanna Panasiewicz
Watershed Coordinator
Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
95 Franklin Street, Room 1077
Buffalo, New York 14202

You can also find this information on our website. Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. is seeking a full-time (temporary) Project Manager to lead our broadband planning initiatives. The Project Manager will be responsible for the management, planning, and execution of the Broadband Planning Initiative including county outreach, researching grant opportunities, and offering technical assistance.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support and assist counties with the NYS broadband challenge process and support County FCC Map challenges

• Lead the Broadband Infrastructure Coalition. Coordinate efforts in connecting county leaders with internet providers to understand challenges each face with expanding broadband

• Lead the Broadband Digital Equity Coalition. Coordinate efforts in identifying and creating programming to assist households and individuals with broadband connectivity, device connectivity, and digital education

• Give technical assistance in reading and comprehending the BEAD programming

• Coordinate project development and grant funding assistance with counties. Assist counties with researching, identifying, and applying for broadband infrastructure funding

• Track county requests for FCC fabric data

• Further develop planning related broadband projects

• Manage grant funded broadband projects, including reporting. Ensuring all deliverables and timelines are met.

• Complete all semi-annual, annual, and final reporting for broadband projects

Job Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Master’s Degree (preferred) or Bachelor’s Degree in planning, public policy, business, or related field

• A minimum of 3-5 years in managing projects

• A minimum of 3-5 years working to promote, and enhance economic development, preferably in the Mohawk Valley

• Experience using ESRI ArcGIS software or equivalent preferred

• Effective written and verbal communication skills including public speaking

• Basic math functions such as add, subtract, divide, and multiply

Other Skills:

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

• Strong knowledge of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and/or Google Meet

• Self-motivated, excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Highly organized, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities

Work Hours:

• Full time (35 hours/week; 8:00 am - 4:00 pm including 1 hour lunch)

• Position will include regional travel and evening meetings

• Position is not remote eligible

Salary:

• $55,000 - $60,000

• Company offered health, vision and dental

• Company paid retirement, and holidays

• Vacation, personal, and sick time

To apply for this position please e-mail your cover letter and resume to ssmith@mvedd.org, or mail your cover letter and resume to:

Steve Smith
Executive Director
Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc.
PO Box 69 Mohawk, New York 13407

You can also find this information and apply on our website.

SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR 

ROCKLAND COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING 

Rockland County Department of Planning is seeking a candidate to perform technical-professional work of a difficult nature involving the development, management, and oversight of the Rockland County Sustainability program. The individual will be responsible for administering and advancing sustainability initiatives, policies, and programs and tracking and managing statewide certification programs. The work is performed under the general supervision of a Principal Planner and/or higher-level administrator and supervision is provided to others involved with sustainability activities. Does related work as required. 

Candidates must possess thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of sustainability initiatives related to climate change, energy conservation, renewable energy systems, and greenhouse gas emissions; good knowledge of grant funding sources and grant application processes; ability to conduct research studies, as they relate to sustainability; ability to supervise the work of others; ability to analyze, compile and present information; ability to educate and interact with others; ability to prepare written reports; ability to understand and interpret complex written material; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relations with others including the general public, government officials, committee members, etc.; ability to use computer software and applications in the completion of assignments.

For full details and to apply, click here.

Buffalo Place Is Hiring!

Buffalo Place is the not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the economic health and quality of life in the Downtown Buffalo business improvement district. We strive to manage public and private sector resources to create the best possible environment in which to live, work and play. Buffalo Place is looking for a Project Planner with a passion for Downtown Buffalo. Please send your letter of interest and resume to dchernoff@buffaloplace.com.

For details and to apply, click here.