Listing Summary

Urban Planner III

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 Office of Design of the Department of City Planning provides leadership for the physical design of the city. It accomplishes this through the design of physical plans for the logical organization of our future city, the creation of vibrant public spaces that cultivate public life, and architectural guidance, including preservation, of high-quality buildings that contribute to a cohesive public realm. This work is framed by Atlanta City Design and driven by the desire to design a city for everyone in the most inclusive way possible.

The Atlanta City Studio is the pop-up urban design studio within the City of Atlanta’s Department of City Planning Office of Design. The studio’s mission is to provide leadership in the design of our city with the goal of creating an exceptional public realm and ultimately, a city that all Atlantans can be proud of. The studio accomplishes this through project-specific design leadership and collaboration, educational programming, and inclusive community engagement. The studio moves to different locations throughout the city to make its work as publicly accessible as possible so that residents have an opportunity to play an integral role in the design of our city.

The Urban Designer III is a senior-level designer responsible for supporting the successful operation of the Atlanta City Studio’s pop-up location and leading the design and production of urban design projects that ultimately create an exceptional public realm for the city. These projects range from more tactical to more permanent public space improvements. This work is done in close collaboration with the Office of Design’s other functional units – the Planning Studio and the Historic Preservation Studio – as well as 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 position may at times include supervising the work of less experienced designers and must be capable and willing to mentor in this capacity. 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

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.

• Champion the need to create exceptional public spaces and experiences in our city using Atlanta City Design as the basis for the projects undertaken

• Work with a team of planners, designers, and other professionals to lead the design of public space projects, both in-house and with consultant teams

• Assist in developing new processes and methodologies by which the Atlanta City Studio undertakes, designs, manages, and implements project work

• 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 projects we undertake adhere to the City’s plans and priorities and have a pathway towards long-term, permanent implementation

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

• Define, analyze, and illustrate project issues and 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)

• Provide excellent customer service to all Design Studio visitors

• Collaborate with the design team (and others from DCP) to develop and lead public programs and engagement activities hosted at the Atlanta City Studio

• Promote the Atlanta City Studio space, team, and skillsets as a resource to other DCP offices and other City Departments

• Support co-sponsored meetings, events, activities, etc by preparing, cleaning, setting up, etc the Atlanta City Studio space

• Coordinate requests for information to the correct DCP office or other City department(s)

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 designers, 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.

• Comprehensive understanding of urban design (building, street, and public space types and relationships)
• Demonstrated creative ability, including urban, architectural, landscape architectural and/or graphic design
• Strong sense of graphic design in layout, color palette, organization, and communication of design ideas
• Strong ability to communicate verbally, in writing, and through drawings
• Adeptness at hand drawing and sketching
• Community engagement capabilities
• Knowledge of design and communication software (Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, ESRI ArcGIS, Microsoft Office, Sketchup, etc)

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications for Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, environmental design, or related field. Five (5) years of related experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications for Education & Experience

Master’s degree in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, environmental design, or related field and three to five (5-7) 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 be 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)

Essential Capabilities & Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job. Candidates must be willing to work flexible schedules – including some nights and weekend days – to support Studio functions.