Sr. Urban Designer

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a full-time Senior Urban Designer to join the New York, NY office. 

We are seeking a design-oriented, creative, and dynamic team player to join our National Urban Design Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges. You will work within multi-disciplinary teams in the planning and design of a variety of complex and transformative urban redevelopment projects across the United States. 
 
Candidates for this position must have between 5-10 years of experience. The ideal candidate for this position will be at ease managing a variety of projects concurrently, leading the urban design tasks, fostering client relationships, producing high-quality graphic and report work products, mentoring junior staff, and traveling when required. 

Check links below for some recent projects of the group: 

• JTA U2C TOD Study: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/657074596/

• Equitable TOD Guidebook: https://raleighnc.gov/equitable-transit-development

• Dallas Convention Center Master Plan: https://www.dallasccmasterplan.com/

Your Impact

• Lead or participate in the preparation of conceptual master plans, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) / station area plans, urban design studies, development feasibility analysis, and public realm design. 

• Design leadership in producing urban design concepts, graphics, presentations, and planning reports of urban design and master planning projects.

• Write for, and assembly of project approaches, reports, proposals, and other documents.

• Interface with clients, sub-consultants, and other professionals as needed during all stages of project development. 

• Lead or participate in a full range of business development activities including development of project scoping and approaches, preparation of proposals, and presentations at client interviews.

• Lead and facilitate public and stakeholder engagement, table facilitation, and community workshops.

• Be available and able to travel nationally (usually 2 to 3-day segments)

• Prepare, coordinate, and facilitate public involvement and consensus-building meetings in support of client project work, answering public questions on behalf of the client, and assisting with long-range planning efforts on medium-sized projects.

• Prepare drafts of technical memos, meeting minutes, transmittals, presentations, and other written materials summarizing research with findings and conclusions.

• Read, interpret, compose, and review Planning Reports, Categorical Exclusions, EA’s, EIRs, and other technical documents.

• Provide analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of facts and data obtained during field and site investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level threat mitigation and development activities to minimize impacts to the health of the community, population, local economy, and environment.

• Assist with overseeing and working with cross-functional teams in executing project work.

• Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.

• Conduct research as appropriate and assist with proposal development.

• Remain current in latest land/urban planning subject matter, practices, regulations, and techniques.

• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.

• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or a related field (or equivalent experience.)
• 5 to 7 years of experience working in the land/urban planning field, actively engaging in general plans, specific/master plans, zoning code updates, public involvement, and regulatory compliance for a variety of client projects relating to development, construction, infrastructure, transportation, environment, resiliency, revitalization, and/or adaptation. 
• Advanced knowledge of urban design principles, zoning regulations, building typologies, open space requirements, and other design and planning fundamentals. 
• Proficiency in writing of project approach, design concept description, planning report, technical memorandum documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to lead and support project presentations, project coordination, and client communications
• Excellent graphic skills. Proficiency in graphic software, including but not limited to AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino and/or SketchUp. 3D rendering and grasshopper capabilities are a plus.
• Project management experience with small to mid-level projects including tracking hours and expenses for project work.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Experience with discipline-specific software (i.e., CAD, ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch-Up).
• Proficiency with technical business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective solutions to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Essential Professional Licensure/Certification.
• Knowledge and experience of complete streets, resiliency planning, and sustainable design.
• Essential Professional Licensure/Certification. AICP credential preferred.
  
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