Listing Summary

Urban Planner II (Job Number: 230470)

Posting:  Open Until Filled

Salary:  Commensurate with experience

General Description & Classification Standards

The City of Atlanta Department of City Planning (DCP) is committed to implementing Atlanta City Design and transforming Atlanta into the best possible version of itself. Adopted into the city charter in December 2017, Atlanta City Design articulates an aspiration for the future city that Atlantans can fall in love with, knowing that if people love their city, they will make better decisions about it. The Urban Planner II for DCP’s Office of Design (OOD) will be a key member of our Planning Studio team responsible for creating and implementing plans that translate Atlanta City Design’s vision into our future city.

The Planning Studio of the Office of Design is responsible for leading the exceptional design of plans at all scales – from the entire city, to districts, neighborhoods, blocks, streets and buildings; these plans will ultimately inform better policies and practices to guide the physical and economic development of our rapidly growing city. These plans must thoughtfully and creatively consider how best to leverage infrastructure improvements to achieve desired patterns and densities of development, support new types and levels for diverse affordable housing options, and create opportunities for parks and other public spaces that reinforce the City’s physical identity while also addressing existing community needs.

The Urban Planner II for the Planning Studio is responsible for providing broad-spectrum, in-house analytical support for city planning efforts.  The Planner II is expected to apply knowledge of geographic information systems, statistical modeling, transportation modeling, and database management principles to guide policy and program development efforts for the Office of Design.  Further, this work will be done in close collaboration with the other offices of the Department of City Planning, other City agencies, community members, and private sector partners.

This is an experienced, professional level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the profession with limited guidance or review. This level would be considered a promotional level and attainable by any incumbents in a work group who demonstrate the necessary knowledge, ability, and performance.

Supervision Received

The direction received is very general, focuses on end results, and is typically collaborative in nature. Candidate should be extremely self-motivated and willing to take initiative.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties shall be performed as assigned.

• Support and engage in plan-making as a design process by developing spatial models aimed at intentionally guiding land use and the physical form of our city using Atlanta City Design as the foundational concept for the design

• Develop program evaluation methodologies and techniques using analytical tools that will enable the Office of Design and Department of City Planning to measure success

• Serve as a liaison between the Office of Design and GIS staff for the purpose of integrating project-related analytics into GIS based applications for the Department of City Planning

• Perform research related to the nexus between Atlanta City Design, provision of public mass transit and affordable housing by understanding spatial mismatch and jobs-housing balance

• Develop legible maps by applying knowledge of the principles of cartography and coordinate with urban design staff to enhance graphic representations as needed

• Coordinate tracking of development activity and infrastructure projects to identify coordinated project implementation opportunities

• Collect relevant data, research case studies, and survey best practices and organize this information in a clear, concise format

• Investigate, evaluate, and recommend innovative design and technical solutions that best meet project needs

• Develop planning and design concepts, technical solutions, graphics, and reports for projects including final project deliverables (reports, presentations, exhibits, etc.)

• Collaborate closely with team members in other offices of the Department of City Planning as well as other departments within the City to ensure the City’s values, priorities, and interested and represented and reconciled in the plans we create

• Engage communities and neighborhoods in the design process in a meaningful way that productively informs design decisions including presentations, workshops, design charrettes, etc.

Decision Making

Selects from multiple procedures and methods to accomplish tasks. Understands resources available and uses resources wisely.

Leadership Provided

Provides guidance and training as required to less experienced employees, interns, temporary employees, etc.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of urban design and planning, design principles, and innovative design practices
• Knowledge of the application of zoning practices and related laws, regulations, and codes
• Demonstrated creative ability, including urban, architectural, landscape architectural and/or graphic design
• Strong understanding of cartographic principles, graphic design in layout, color palette, organization, and communication of design ideas
• Strong ability to communicate complex concepts verbally, in writing and using graphic design, and/or GIS
• Ability to work collaboratively to arrive at constructive solutions.

Minimum Qualifications for Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in urban design, city and regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental design, or related field. Three (3) years of related experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications for Education & Experience

Master’s degree in urban design, city and regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental design, or related field and three to five (3-5) years of experience in the private sector or municipal urban design preferred.

Equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis.

Licensures & Certifications

The position would be expected to hold, or currently in pursuit of, licensure or professional certifications appropriate to the position.

Required: Valid Georgia driver’s license

Preferred: American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)