Call for proposals! NY Upstate Chapter Conference

The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA), Southern Tier APA Section is proud to announce that the 2024 Annual Chapter Conference will be held in Ithaca, New York at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, from Wednesday, October 9 through Friday, October 11.  The Planning Committee is now seeking proposals for presentations from those willing to share their talents to make this year’s program memorable.

The conference theme “Planning for Protopia: Designing with Empathy in Upstate New York” will bring together urban planners, designers, and community stakeholders to envision and create a future for Upstate New York that is prosperous, equitable, and sustainable. This year's conference emphasizes the importance of designing with empathy – understanding and incorporating the lived experiences and needs of diverse residents into the planning process. This Conference is an opportunity for planners and allied professionals, planning students, and community advocates to learn and share successful strategies for revitalization in their communities and the Upstate region.

The 2024 Conference Planning Committee is developing a conference program to bring various planning, design and other allied professionals together to learn from each other, as well as acquire new skills. We are seeking presentations that present cutting edge skills and/or highlight current issues relevant to planners throughout Upstate New York. We are also developing ideas for mobile workshops and ways to encourage involvement of graduate students and citizen planners. Sessions are also sought on Law, Ethics, Equity, and Sustainability & Resilience that would fulfill the 1.0 hours (each) of AICP Certification Maintenance (CM).

If you have a presentation that you would like to share at the conference, please submit your session proposal by 4:30 pm on July 22, 2024 through this short online form .

If you have questions about sessions, submittal requirements or related topics, please contact Ray Burger at rburger@dryden.ny.us or 607-844-8888 ext 213. Questions about the conference can also be directed to the Southern Tier Section Director, Greg Hutnik at planner@danby.ny.gov.

Job Opening: Planning Manager for Toole Design Group Boston, MA

Toole Design Group in Boston, MA is looking to hire an experienced and talented full-time Planning Manager. Do you have a strong planning background with a successful track record of project management for multimodal transportation planning and design projects? Do you feel passionate about providing safe, comfortable, and connected options to help people of all ages and abilities get where they need to go? Would you like to lead a team in advancing cutting-edge transportation projects that center social and environmental equity, implementing Vision Zero principles, and improving quality of life? Do you love mentoring other planners and bringing out the best in them? If so, please consider joining our Boston Planning team.

This Planning Manager position earns a competitive salary and great benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, a health savings account (HSA), and a flexible spending account (FSA). We practice what we preach and ensure that our employees also have access to transportation by providing them with financial incentives to bike, walk, or use transit for a better quality of life.

About Toole Design

Toole Design is the leading planning, engineering, and landscape architecture firm specializing in multimodal transportation. Since our start in 2003 as a single office in Maryland, we have expanded throughout the United States and Canada. Our talented team of planners, landscape architects and engineers are committed to delivering quality work that meets the needs of all people, regardless of age, ability, race, or gender. We have been named a "best firm to work for" and have one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the industry.

Every project our employees deliver directly and positively affects our communities. We are industry-leading experts, and we work hard to encourage a collaborative and team-oriented environment.

A Day in the Life of a Planning Manager

As a Planning Manager, you will lead a team of planners delivering multimodal transportation plans and projects at all scales for cities, counties, MPOs, and state DOTs. You will manage and mentor staff at all levels: coordinating workloads, supporting team morale, professional development, and ensuring high-caliber work products. You will tap into your technical expertise in multimodal planning to troubleshoot and coach team members on client and project management challenges. As a project manager yourself, you will also lead and support multimodal transportation projects throughout the Northeast region and across North America. You will partner with staff from a variety of disciplines: integrating input from a broad range of stakeholders to create award-winning plans and programs that build momentum toward positive change in communities.

Our projects are at all different scales, from national pedestrian and bicycle research and design guidance for the Federal Highway Administration to plans and studies for states, cities, and counties. We work on multimodal corridor studies, Vision Zero projects, transit plans and studies, active transportation plans, new mobility and curbside management, trails and greenways, Complete Streets, design guidelines, and more. We push ourselves and our clients to proactively think about equity every step of the way. You'll be recruiting staff in consultation with Directors and senior leadership and helping establish and maintain company culture that creates a desirable and inclusive place to work. You'll also lead and support proposals, business development initiatives, and strategy/negotiations, while keeping abreast of new methods, developments, and opportunities that emerge in the industry.

Qualifications of a Planning Manager:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, urban design, or a related field

• 10+ years of experience

• 2+ years of consulting experience

• 5+ years of project management experience, including success managing larger ($200K or more) complex transportation projects; overseeing parallel tracks of work by staff teams, consultants, and subconsultants; maintaining high levels of client satisfaction on challenging projects; and managing schedules and budgets

• Experience or interest in supervising a team including involvement in hiring, personnel matters, performance reviews, and staff mentorship

• Experience delivering community transportation plans, corridor studies, safety studies, or other types of multimodal transportation projects

• The drive to identify and pursue business development opportunities for a growing office

• A willingness to develop new techniques, lead projects in new practice areas, or oversee the use of new tools

• The ability to facilitate training for other employees, clients, agency staff, and professional organizations

You'll be great here if:

• You have strong leadership skills and enjoy supervising planners who are passionate about and great at what they do

• You enjoy and excel at mentoring and coaching staff toward shared goals

• You are internally motivated by a mission-driven approach to safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation planning

• You enjoy producing high-quality work products and seeing your projects get built

• You have strong communication skills, whether written, verbal, or through graphics

• You can build relationships, bring inspiration and enthusiasm to projects, and are detail oriented with strong problem-solving skills

Work Schedule for a Planning Manager:

This position typically works a flexible full-time schedule. We also provide employees with the flexibility and necessary equipment to work from home 3 days per week. The Boston office of Toole Design is conveniently located just outside of Post Office Square in downtown Boston, blocks from multiple MBTA subway lines and walking distance from both North and South Stations. The office is easily accessed on foot, by bicycle, and via transit. Our team is a dynamic mix of engineers, planners, landscape architects, and administrative professionals. Our projects range from city-wide plans to street transformations throughout the United States.

Ready to Join our Boston Planning Team? We understand your time is valuable, so we have a quick and easy application process. If you feel that you would be right for this Planning Manager position, please fill out our application by clicking on the link on this page.

At Toole Design, diversity is a necessity, not a nice-to-have. We have a collaborative culture where people of all backgrounds come together to share ideas and build better, more inclusive communities. We encourage those who identify as women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and people at all the intersections in between these and other underrepresented groups to apply. Even if you don't think your current skill set checks every box, but this role seems to align with your strengths, we want to hear from you.

We're proud that about half of our managers are women and we are committed to achieving racial diversity in our leadership as well. Toole Design is a woman-owned business and an equal opportunity employer (EO/AA/VEV/Disabled employer).

Individuals may request accommodations or assistance with the application process by contacting 301-927-1900 and asking for Human Resources or emailing HR@tooledesign.com.

For more information about Toole Design, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.

Job Opening: HUD Grant Program Administrator for the Executive Director's Office for the City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning

The Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning for the City of buffalo is hiring for an HUD Grant Program Administrator for their Executive Director’s Office.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An incumbent to a position in this class is responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating all program procedures for federal HUD grants that will affect policies within city departments, sub-recipients, and contractors. Work involves the responsibility for developing procedures for City departments to follow that will ensure compliance with all HUD regulations.   This includes being responsible for assisting in the creation of the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan as well as detailing all programs objectives. The HUD Grants Program Administrator collects all required information for the CAPER and submits the CAPER.   Immediate supervision is received from the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and independent judgment is exercised in the planning and organizing of work, based on HUD regulations and City policy.  Supervision is exercised over personnel assigned.

RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW. 

FEE: WHERE INDICATED, A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION VIA CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDER   (If using check for payment, your check must clear to complete processing.) 

Check with Civil Service office for fee waiver info.

Examples of work (Illustration Only)

Reviews and implements all program regulations per HUD directives for all HUD grants received by the City;

Develops, reviews, updates and implements written program procedures for all City departments, sub-recipients, and contractors to follow to ensure program compliance with all HUD regulations;

Establish appropriate program reporting mechanisms for all grant programs;
 Responsible for the federal Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS), related HUD systems;
 Develops new systems and updates existing systems and procedures as required;
 Conducts special field audits of public/private books and records in which the City has an interest by virtue of agreements;
 Monitors and oversees the monitoring of  sub-recipients for compliance with grant regulations, policies and procedures;

Coordinates with the Department of Administration, Finance, Policy and Urban Affairs and the City Comptroller’s Office on fiscal compliance, procedures, and timely drawdown of HUD funds;

Collects required fiscal information from the Department of Administration, Finance, Policy and Urban Affairs and City Comptroller’s Office for inclusion in the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and CAPER;
 Prepares reports for monthly/quarterly program performance and related functions;

Plans and delegates work assignments and supervise staff assigned to the function;

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university accredited by a regional, national or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education, in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field, and three years of full-time professional experience in compliance, research, strategic planning or monitoring of grant management or capital programs.

Additional Information

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of principles and methods of program reporting of federal grants;

Comprehensive knowledge of HUD rules and regulations practices, methods and systems;

Working knowledge of electronic office productivity systems such as Microsoft Office, Adobe etc.;

Working knowledge of enterprise wide program and financial systems and additional software such as MUNIS, HANSEN, etc.;

Ability to develop program standards and procedures;

Ability to prepare, analyze, and organize complex program records and reports 

Ability to understand, interpret and apply federal rules and regulations;

Ability to conduct studies and apply statistical information;

Ability to plan and supervise the work of others;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Good judgement, accuracy, and integrity;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Please Click Here to view/apply

Job Opening: General Planner for Planning and Zoning for the City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning

The Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning for the City of Buffalo is hiring for a General Planning in Planning & Zoning

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Zoning and Land Use Planning, or his/her designee within the Office of Strategic Planning, the General Planner uses urban planning theories and principles to assist Senior Planners and Principal Planners in their review of basic planning studies and development/redevelopment projects, culminating in the development of land use and site development/redevelopment plans. The General Planner does not exercise supervision over any other position within the Office of Strategic Planning.

RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW. 

FEE: WHERE INDICATED, A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION VIA CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDER   (If using check for payment, your check must clear to complete processing.) 

Check with Civil Service office for fee waiver info.

Examples of work (Illustration Only)

Prepares maps as required for projects;
Maintains data in Geographical Information Systems;
Prepares initial drafts of technical reports and graphic illustrations such as site plans, perspectives, and schematic drawings for review by superiors;
Gives oral presentations of plan recommendations to superiors and to the public, when the Director so requests;
Reviews submittals from the public regarding physical designs of urban development plans, including, but not limited to, information concerning vehicle and pedestrian usage, parking and site access, structural locations, open space design, landscaping elements, and infrastructure considerations;
Acts as first point of contact in providing information regarding Planning and Zoning to the public, government officials, refers queries to the appropriate personnel within the Office of Strategic Planning, as necessary, and assists with preparation for, and may attend, intergovernmental and public meetings, as necessary;
Assists superiors in developing comprehensive land use plans;
Assists superiors in developing site development plans, and site development designs;
Assists superiors in monitoring land use and development activities affecting defined study areas through site visits and,
analysis of land use data;
Attends meetings of and serves as staff to the City Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, as necessary.
Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A.Masters Degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university, or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees, or from a school deemed acceptable to the Commissioner of Human Resources in the field of Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field;
OR,
B. Bachelors degree, or higher, or at least one hundred twenty (120) credit hours, from a regionally accredited college or university, or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees, or from a school deemed acceptable to the Commissioner of Human Resources in the field of Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field, and two (2) years of full time experience in building and site design, or design review in an urban area, as deemed acceptable to the Commissioner of Human Resources;
OR,
C. Associates degree, or at least sixty (60) credit hours, from a regionally accredited college or university, or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees, or from a school deemed acceptable to the Commissioner of Human Resources in the field of Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field, and four (4) years of full time experience in building and site design, or design review in an urban area, as deemed acceptable to the Commissioner of Human Resources;
OR,
D. Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma and six (6) years of full time experience in building and site design, or design review in an urban area, as deemed acceptable to the Commissioner of Human Resources;
OR,
E. An equivalent combination as defined within the above limits of A, B, C, and D.

Additional Information

Good knowledge of the general principles of, purposes of, and techniques involved in urban planning;
General knowledge of governmental programs involved in urban planning and development;
Working knowledge of federal, state, and local agency responsibilities pertaining to urban planning and development;
Good Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems;
Good public service related skills;
Skill in oral and written presentation methods;
Ability to use Arcview geographic information software to create maps and analyze data;
Ability to read and understand site plans and interpret the illustration of building elevations;
Ability to use graphic illustrations in presentations;
Ability to do some work independently.
Physical conditions commensurate with demands of position.

Please Click Here to view/apply for the position

Job Opening: Environmental Research Analyst (Provisional) for the City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning

The Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning for the City of Buffalo is hiring for an Environmental Research Analyst

The incumbent is responsible for research and analysis of environmental concerns/ conditions of City-wide properties. S/he may also assist in developing response plans to a variety of environmental disasters. Additionally, the incumbent researches and identifies ways in which human behavior can be changed so as not to damage the environment. Incumbents assist in analyzing data for preparation of various research studies or reports.  Work is performed under direct supervision; however, the Environmental Research Analyst exercises considerable latitude for independent analysis and decision in the presentation of material gathered. This position does not involve supervisory duties.

RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW. 

FEE: WHERE INDICATED, A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION VIA CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDER   (If using check for payment, your check must clear to complete processing.) 

Check with Civil Service office for fee waiver info.

Examples of work (Illustration Only)

Researches and analyzes environmental concerns/conditions of city-wide properties utilizing environmental easements/deed restrictions, federal and state environmental databases/web programs, governmental agency document records/archives, Sanborn Maps, etc.

Reviews and analyzes environmental assessment forms and environmental impact statements, remediation programs, environmental site assessments, and proposed Federal, State or Local environmental regulations or programs;

Reviews project applications, plans or proposals which may have environmental implications in the city and prepare analysis and reports on environmental conditions and/or remediation efforts;

Assists the Buffalo Environmental Management Commission and other city departments/ boards and/or commissions as may be deemed necessary or appropriate regarding environmental conditions/concerns;

Performs necessary inspections permitting review for environmental compliance or reported environmental concerns;

Acts as liaison between the city, private agencies, and the general public regarding environmental concerns;

Collects and disseminates environmental data;

Prepares charts, tables, graphs and maps for statistical analysis;

Prepares reports and studies pertaining to specific program activity and performance regarding environmental concerns;

May operate computer terminal for entering of and obtaining necessary data;

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Open Competitive:

1. Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education, in Environmental Science or Environmental and Urban Planning, plus one year of full-time qualifying experience*

OR

1. Associate’s Degree from a college or university accredited by reginal, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education, in Environmental Technology or a closely related field, plus three years of full-time qualifying experience*

OR

1. An equivalent combination within the limits of A and B above.

*Qualifying experience must be full-time experience in one of the following areas:

1) Environmental impact studies

2) Planning and evaluating research studies in an environmental setting

3) Research/surveying work in compiling, storing, or retrieving of information concerning environmental concerns;

Additional Information

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of general principles, purposes, and techniques in the field of environmental science and/or environmental and urban planning;

Good knowledge of governmental environmental remediation programs, and federal, state and local agency responsibilities and governmental regulations;

Ability to interact with government agencies and the public on environmental review and permitting procedures;

Ability to analyze, interpret and evaluate environmental reports related to environmental impacts of remediation programs and projects undergoing SEQR or NEPA environmental review;

Knowledge of relevant computer software;

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Please Click Here to view more/apply

RFP: Professional Conservation Planning and Facilitation Services for The Columbia Land Conservancy

The Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) seeks the services of a planning consultant with strong facilitation and writing skills. The consultant will design and facilitate a collaborative strategic conservation planning process involving representatives of multiple local communities and work with CLC staff to develop and produce a Countywide Conservation Plan (“Plan”) for Columbia County, New York. The plan will identify, inventory, and analyze both ecological as well as cultural resources present in Columbia County, with public input, to determine the lands and spaces most critical to protect through conservation actions.

Contact Person Sam Calhoun, Conservation Programs Manager sam.calhoun@columbialand.org

Budget Not to exceed $45,000

Timeline September 2024 – September 2025

Please Click Here for full RFP

Job Opening: Planning & Codes Coordinator for the Town of Bolton

The Town of Bolton is seeking a full-time Planning & Codes Coordinator to assist in our Planning Department. The position is responsible for coordination of activities in the office, including contact with the public and professionals (engineers, developers, attorneys). The Planning Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of several town codes and ordinances, which include Zoning, Stormwater Control, and Sanitary Sewage Disposal. Duties will be assigned by the Director of Planning who serves as the Zoning Administrator and Code Enforcement Officer.

The successful candidate must be able to review development plans, maintain relevant computer skills, prepare reports/correspondence, conduct field inspections, and interact with the public. Must be able to work independently and cultivate and maintain working relationships with staff and the public.

Attendance at night meetings may be expected.

Supervision is exercised over a small number of subordinate office clerical employees.

SALARY:

$65,000 - $75,000 (commensurate with experience)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A) Bachelor's degree or higher in planning, landscape architecture, geography, architecture, building science, engineering, public administration, public policy, related field, and one year of experience in municipal, community or regional planning or related field; OR

B) Associate degree in planning, landscape architecture, geography, architecture, building science, engineering, public administration, public policy or related field, and three years of experience in municipal, community or regional planning or related field;

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License at the time of appointment or demonstrate an ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position.

The position will be filled based upon Civil Service requirements. A provisional appointment will be made with examination to be held at a later date. Candidate must meet Civil Service requirements for appointment following establishment of the Eligible List.

Interested candidates may submit a cover letter and resume by July 31, 2024 to:

Chris Belden, AICP

Director of Planning

4949 Lake Shore Drive, PO Box 355

Bolton Landing, NY 12814

Or email, belden.c@town.bolton.ny.us

The Town of Bolton is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Award Deadline Extended

The award deadline has been extended until June 28.

Information on the award criteria and the submission form are here: https://www.nyupstateplanning.org/about/chapter-awards.