Zoning Specialist

DISCLAIMER: Only candidates with permanent Civil Service status in the City Planner title, those reachable on the City Planner active list (exam #5045), or those serving in a comparable civil service title can be considered for this position.

THE AGENCY

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide and by sharing its perspectives on growth and community needs with sister agencies in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The New York City Department of City Planning is a great place to work – cultivating intellectual inspiration, professional development and creativity. Visit our website at to access the full listing of job opportunities and to learn more about our great agency.

THE DIVISION

The Technical Review Division (TRD) supports the Department’s mission and the City’s goals by reviewing land use applications that facilitate the construction of millions of square feet of housing, commercial space, and open space per year. TRD ensures that land use applications provide complete and correct information to community boards, borough presidents, the City Council, and the general public. Interfacing with the development community and planners across the Agency, Technical Review Planners develop and utilize in-depth expertise in zoning, design, plan review, land use process, and project management. The Division also maintains the official City Map and Zoning Map of New York City, which lays out the streets, parks, and zoning districts.

THE ROLE

TRD seeks an architect or city planner familiar with or eager to learn New York City zoning and land use approval processes to review and process applications to the New York City Planning Commission for development approvals. Each Zoning Specialist is responsible for managing 40-60 projects that facilitate development ranging from single-family homes to 1 million-square-foot towers across the city from Arrochar to Midtown to Williamsburg.

This Role Involves The Following Tasks

• Perform complex zoning analyses on all manner of developments across the city including research into zoning and building code, property histories, legislative histories, and other sources as necessary.
• Review land use applications for completeness, accuracy, and other planning considerations
• Produce and review official Departmental documents including Notices, Sketchmaps, and City Planning Commission Reports.
• Provide technical assistance to developers, architectural and legal professionals, and community planners.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, consistent with Department and City Hall priorities.
• Conduct meetings with city and private-sector professionals to resolve issues and recommend strategies.
• Perform related tasks

The selected candidate will become expert in the NYC zoning resolution and NYC land use approval process. They will also be exposed to many highly varied projects and work with planners across this and other City agencies in a highly collaborative environment.

To Apply

Visit cityjobs.nyc.gov and follow the steps below:

• Search for job ID number: 767078
• Click on the job business title: Zoning Specialist
• Click on “Apply” at the bottom of the posting

IMPORTANT: Only candidates with permanent Civil Service status in the City Planner title, those reachable on the City Planner active list (exam #5045), or those serving in a comparable civil service title can be considered for this position.

Please include a copy of your Notice of Result card or indicate if you are already permanent in this title with your application.

Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position. The NYC Department of City Planning does not offer sponsorship, of any kind, for any type of employment opportunity. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all minimum qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.

Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. Appointments are subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program agreed to between the City and DC37.

NOTE: If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation during your visit or have questions regarding the accessibility of our facilities, please reach out to [email protected] or call 212-720-3508 at least three business days prior to your arrival.

CITY PLANNER - 22122

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and two years of satisfactory full-time experience in city planning; or
• A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to “1"" above. Graduate

education in city planning, urban planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, transportation engineering, public administration, economic development or related fields may be substituted for experience on the basis of 30 graduate semester credits from an accredited college for one year of experience. However, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree.

Special Qualification Requirements

Assignment Level III

To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level III, individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements, one additional year of professional experience as described in "2" above.

Assignment Level IV

To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level IV, individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements, two additional years of professional experience as described in "2" above.

Preferred Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with different personalities and roles, and a solution-oriented attitude. - Experience in drafting or review of architectural drawings - Experience with NYC zoning and land use processes a plus. - Strong written and verbal communication skills - Attention to detail in research, analysis, and review of visual and written material - Ability to monitor and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, meet strict deadlines, and quickly respond to Departmental priorities.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

, $75,777.00 – $87,144.00