Urban Designer Jobs

Summary

This position serves as an Urban Designer in the Office of Capital Programs and is responsible for the planning and urban design component of a wide range of development projects, including feasibility studies, physical, economic and environmental impact of such development projects on specific neighborhoods and the public in general. The office supports and coordinates efforts to encourage affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.

All activities must support the District of Columbia Housing Authority’s strategic goals and objectives and produce results that accomplish the goals of the Office of Capital Programs (OCP).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The below statements describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Leads implementation activities for applicable plans or studies. Responsibilities include: facilitating communication with implementers, developing and executing work plans for specific implementation tasks, and developing materials, reports, graphics, and other documentation to assist in stakeholder communication;
• Prepares draft and final reports, studies and analysis which address various urban design issues and problems which may impact project development;
• Represents the Office of Capital Programs, as instructed, at various community organizations, and interagency working groups or task forces, and inter-governmental meetings;
• Serves as the project lead for advanced planning activities with responsibilities that include:
  • Developing scopes of work, project work plans, and schedules; coordinating all phases of the assigned project’s workflow; and serving as the contracting officer’s technical representative;
• Ensures adherence to public housing regulations as defined by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), District of Columbia building codes and DCHA/OCP design requirements;
• Participates in intra-agency and special project teams to review and comment on projects or proposals; provides input on recommendations, policies, and planning approaches to address important issues or concerns from the neighborhood planning perspective;
• Produces 3-D design concepts, drawings, renderings and other visual tools to articulate urban design project sites utilizing urban design principals and theory;
• Participates in conceptual design and construction documents reviews of design documents developed by professional consultants;
• Serves as liaison between DCHA and public/private sectors, the community and neighborhood groups for urban design and planning activities. Responsibilities include developing community engagement strategies to ensure an inclusive, multi-stakeholder process; evaluating public support for project plans; and developing public relations approaches to galvanize support or address resistance;
• Responsibilities include identifying critical planning issues, conducting detailed analyses of redevelopment and revitalization opportunities, leading a participatory public engagement process, and supporting a team of internal and external consultants;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Executes zoning and land use review and urban design for development project sites in compliance with regulations and other District and regional planning tools;
• Performs professional urban design and planning activities for major multi-phased development projects, which include technical and policy analysis, vision and goal setting, and specific implementation plan development.
  • Responsibilities include identifying critical planning issues, conducting detailed analyses of redevelopment and revitalization opportunities, leading a participatory public engagement process, and supporting a team of internal and external consultants;
• Keeps supervisor informed of work progress and significant issues impacting project development;
• Evaluates development proposals to identify compliance with District of Columbia Zoning Regulations;
• Developing scopes of work, project work plans, and schedules; coordinating all phases of the assigned project’s workflow; and serving as the contracting officer’s technical representative;
• Responds to telephone, e-mail, and written public inquiries concerning urban design activities according to established customer service standards;
• Prepares site layouts as well as land subdivision plans for residential and mix-use developments;
• Coordinates and reviews project team analysis, field work, research, and reports relative to the assigned study/project for consistency with DCHA’s strategic planning objectives, policy, and standards;

Job Requirements

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in urban design, urban planning, architecture, etc.; or other related field; and at least (5) five years of related experience in a professional urban planning and design organization; or the equivalent combination of education and experience which meet the minimum qualifications requirement may be substituted.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be skilled in the use, operation, and application of Microsoft platform (Windows 10), word processing, spread sheet, Power Point, and data base management. Mastery of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software, graphic and presentation software (Adobe Creative Suite), AutoCAD, Revit and rendering software such as Sketch-Up and Podium is greatly preferred.

Due to field responsibility, incumbent must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s permit; and be insurable in accordance with the Authority’s Fleet Management and Procedures Manual.

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) conducts pre-employment screening on specified positions, which may include but is not limited to a criminal background check, drug and alcohol testing, verification of academic credentials, licenses, and certifications, and/or verification of work history.

This position has been designated by the department to require a drug and alcohol screening and background check. Finalist(s) for this position will be subject to drug and alcohol testing and will be required to consent to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment.