Job Information
Boston Planning and Development Agency Urban Designer II in Boston, Massachusetts
BPDA
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Boston Planning & Development Agency
* BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT *
TITLE: URBAN DESIGNER II
GRADE: 6 STATUS: EXEMPT
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: URBAN DESIGN
The Urban Design department is responsible for crafting and executing a beautiful, human-scale, and inclusive vision for the design of the built environment across Boston. We champion the transformative power of sustainable, walkable communities that support social, mental, and physical health while improving resiliency and promoting equity.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of the Deputy Director for Design, the Urban Designer will contribute to new and ongoing planning and interdepartmental efforts focused on resilience, affordability, and equity. The Urban Designer will be a key contributor to a wide range of urban design and planning projects, producing analysis, conceptual ideas, and planning and urban design scenarios. The Urban Designer may also conduct design review of projects of varying scales, sometimes in collaboration with other urban design and planning staff.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.
Design Review
As the lead design reviewer, review a wide range of large- and small-scale development projects, including signage, by analyzing project documents (plans, sections, elevations, etc.) and understanding the project context
Communicate design feedback in a professional and collaborative manner to external and internal stakeholders
Prepare urban design analyses and alternative scenarios, as appropriate, for large- and small-scale development projects
Urban Design and Planning
Work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams consisting of planners, architects, landscape architects, policymakers, and urban designers
Engage in all aspects of planning and urban design processes including site and existing conditions analysis, conceptual ideas, and scenario development
Lead urban design studies and direct staff, as appropriate
Work across multiple scales and contexts including urban districts and neighborhoods, research and innovation clusters, campuses, etc.
Be responsible for creating 2d and 3d analytical and conceptual drawings, graphics, digital and physical models, and other content that reflects City goals and community priorities, and/or guiding staff on creating 2d and 3d content
Initiate urban design concepts, visual graphics, with guidance from senior staff
Develop urban design guidelines, feasibility studies, and impact analyses for a range of scales, from individual parcels to citywide planning and zoning initiatives
Collaborate with other City departments on design problems and planning projects regarding urban design and the City’s public realm
General
Communicate design and planning ideas and critiques, verbally and graphicly, to both internal and external stakeholders
Represent the BPDA at public meetings and meetings with other City, state, and federal agencies
Present urban design ideas during internal and external meetings
Work with a variety of teams and contribute to a range of project types and geographies
Perform other related duties as required
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The position requires a master’s degree in architecture, urban design, or landscape architecture, or a closely related field, plus 4 years of related professional experience. Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree in architecture, urban design, urban planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field with a minimum of 6 years of experience may also apply.
The work requires the ability to:
Solve complex urban design, planning, and zoning problems across a wide range of scales;
Understand and interpret urban design and architectural drawings, such as plans, sections, and elevations;
Effectively and clearly communicate with a range of stakeholders graphically and verbally;
Work on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously; and
Collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Proficiency with design and office software including AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, and/or equivalent programs is required. Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro or equivalent software is a plus.
Application Requirements:
Applicants are required to submit work samples that illustrate strong graphic and written communication skills, or one graphic work sample and one written work sample. Work samples should be combined as a single PDF with the applicant's cover letter.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Normal office environment. Local travel for site visits and meetings.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Little or no exertion. Occasional handling of full-scale drawing sets, presentation boards/easels/equipment, or models.
SCOPE:
Not applicable.
* BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT *