Contract Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Urban Planner-Project Manager/Senior Planner-Project Manager

Reporting to: Director of Urban Conservation

Location: Poughkeepsie, New York

Our Mission: To sustain and enhance the Hudson Valley's inspirational beauty and health for generations to come.

Mission of Position:

The Urban Planner-Project Manager is a key member of a small and nimble team at Scenic Hudson that manages urban greening, park development and environmental justice initiatives. The role requires an innovative and thoughtful approach to community-based planning and project management that contributes to climate resilience and nature access for the most vulnerable residents in small cities. The Urban Planner-Project Manager/Senior Planner-Project Manager will: manage complex projects that center equitable access to nature in cities; cultivate working relationships with residents, community leaders, non-profit and academic partners, and government officials to advance community-led planning efforts; conduct site analyses, develop concept plans and implementation strategies for green infrastructure projects; engage community members through creative methods that center community ownership of projects and advance environmental justice; and analyze data and policy as they relate to equitable access to open space, climate resilience, and conservation of urban ecosystems. This position works collaboratively with the Director and other River Cities Program staff.The Title and level (Urban Planner or Senior Project Manager) will be determined based on experience and demonstrated expertise.

About Scenic Hudson's River Cities Program:

Scenic Hudson's River Cities Program focuses on improving equitable access to nature and creating systems of climate-resilient green infrastructure in the Mid-Hudson cities of Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and Kingston through meaningful community engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration. We believe that cities should reflect the voices and visions of all their residents while supporting the living natural heritage of the Hudson River Estuary. We focus on key natural assets that provide opportunities for public access to nature, linking neighborhoods, engaging youth leadership, and improving biodiversity and climate resilience in urban ecosystems. We value equity, representation, and justice as critical aspects of our collaborative conservation work. Our practice is rooted in the co-creation of vibrant public spaces that support social and ecological wellbeing.

Responsibilities may include:

• Contribute to planning and design strategies for urban greening and conservation projects on multiple scales that advance environmental justice and ecological resilience.

• Coordinate urban design, ecological restoration and park development projects with various professional contractors and community stakeholders.

• Provide qualitative and quantitative research and analysis of socio-demographic, environmental and cultural factors to drive data-informed decision making.

• Identify and engage stakeholders and project partners including the general public, community leaders, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and private sector entities.

• Review, analyze, and apply local codes, plans and policies to Scenic Hudson projects.

• Utilize GIS and other research platforms to inform project and programmatic strategy.

• Supervise and manage occasional interns.

• Create maps and visual diagrams to communicate planning and design concepts.

• Provide technical assistance to community partners and municipal agencies.

• Develop surveys and participatory research methods.

• Manage field research and participatory science initiatives that advance urban planning and conservation outcomes.

• Manage contracts, schedules, and deliverables of consultants and strategic partners.

• As needed, review private development proposals, provide analysis and alternate concepts that reflect contemporary urban design principles, environmental justice and climate resilience.

• Provide reporting of program activities and outcomes for board committees, funders and external communications. Assist with managing the River Cities Program budget and grant proposals.

• Represent Scenic Hudson in a variety of capacities including public meetings, formal hearings and social/community gatherings.

• Secure local and state approvals and permits for projects.

• Available for occasional night and weekend meetings.

• Other duties as assigned to achieve programmatic and organizational goals.

• Master's degree in urban planning, geography, urban design, environmental design, or landscape architecture; or 3-5 years of professional work experience in a related field.

• Minimum of 6 to 7 years of relevant professional experience required for Senior Project Manager designation.

• Fundamental knowledge in physical planning and land use.

• A passion for community-led planning.  

• Experience engaging people through diverse community engagement methods.  

• Familiarity with community development and physical planning processes.

• A commitment to social, ecological, and racial justice.  

• Three years experience working in culturally and socioeconomically diverse urban communities.  

• Effective communication skills including writing, facilitation, and visual communication skills. 

• Fundamental skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.  

• Basic skills in geographic information systems (GIS). 

• Must be able to travel regularly to assigned work locations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with parks and open space planning.  

• Community organizing experience.  

• Landscape architecture and/or urban design experience.

• Knowledge of New York State climate and environmental justice policy.  

• Experience in food systems, community science and/or placemaking.  

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with demonstrated experience in prioritizing and executing multiple tasks, initiatives, and projects with excellent attention to detail.  

• Project leadership skills with a record of effective collaboration and negotiation with diverse partners and stakeholders.  

• Knowledge of northeastern North America natural history.

• Intermediate to advanced GIS and/or design skills. 

• Experience with project management systems and software.  

• Spanish-speaking and writing a plus.

Compensation:

Full-time position with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Salary range: $75,000 - $92,000, commensurate with experience. Final title (Urban Planner-Project Manager vs Senior Planner-Project Manager) and salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Contact:

Please submit a resume and cover letter as one combined document and a writing sample as part of your application. If you are unable to attach your writing sample due to file size limitations, please send your writing sample via email to jobs@scenichudson.org and reference the position title in your message. Further information can be found on our website: www.scenichudson.org. No phone calls please.

Scenic Hudson provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type.  Decisions related to all terms and conditions of employment are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.