Chief of City Mapping

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

City of New York seeks a seasoned leader to head the City Map Team during its formation, shaping workflows and internal processes. The Chief of Mapping will support the Director of DCP as custodian of the City Map, guiding a team of engineers and planners and coordinating with TRD and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities include establishing standards, mentoring staff, and coordinating with City agencies to update and digitize the City Map and related maps, ensuring accuracy and compliance

Qualifications

• Minimum four years in city planning with at least 18 months in a managerial capacity.
• Experience leading complex technical or operational teams.
• Familiarity with city planning and land use review processes is a plus.
• Knowledge of city maps, zoning, and mapping workflows.

Responsibilities

• Establish workflows, procedures, and standards for maintaining or amending the City Map.
• Recruit, coach, and manage a team of up to 6 engineers and planners.
• Coordinate City Map and Zoning Map activities with TRD and other agencies.
• Review work of private surveyors and engineers for City Map maintenance.
• Provide technical assistance and advice on City Map components to stakeholders.
• Liaise with City Agencies and utilities interacting with the City Map.
• Oversee scanning and digitization of paper City Map materials into a digital map.

Skills

People management

Strategic decision making

Project coordination

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team coaching

Land survey techniques

Land use knowledge (NYC)

City Map maintenance

Education

Bachelor's degree in City Planning or related field

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Job Description

DISCLAIMER: Only candidates with permanent Civil Service status in the Administrative City Planner title, those reachable on the Administrative City Planner active list, 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 future of New York City, working to create thriving and dynamic neighborhoods with access to housing and jobs, resilient infrastructure, and a vibrant public realm. The Department engages communities to develop inclusive plans, expands housing access and economic opportunity, and plans for long-term sustainability.

DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of hundreds of land use applications. The Department also advises on citywide strategic and capital planning, analyzes data, conducts policy analysis, and creates open data and civic engagement tools.

The Department of City Planning offers staff meaningful opportunities to help shape the future of New York City and address some of its most pressing challenges. The Department values public service, collaboration, and creativity, and supports professional development. Learn more about DCP at www.nyc.gov/planning.

THE DIVISION

The Technical Review Division (TRD) maintains the official City Map and Zoning Map of New York City, which lays out the streets, parks, and zoning districts. TRD maintains DCP’s City Map records and processes all amendments to the City Map. Upgrading these official maps from century-old paper-based legacy systems to state-of-the-art GIS systems has been a strategic goal of the Division and is now mandated by recent City Charter changes.

TRD also 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.

THE ROLE

This position will serve as the head of the City Map Team during its formation and the formulation of its workflows and internal processes. The Chief of Mapping, in consultation with TRD Leadership and with broad latitude for independent judgement, will support the Director of DCP in their charter-mandated role as Custodian of the City Map:

• Assist in the establishment of workflows, procedures and standards for the maintenance or amendment of the City Map of the City of New York. On an ongoing basis, the Chief of Mapping will work with Division and Agency leadership and external stakeholders to improve and refine the practice of the team and the City’s policies regarding the City Map.
• Recruit, coach and manage the day-to-day operations of a team of up to 6 Engineers and City Planners to facilitate the continuous maintenance and updating of the City Map.
• In consultation with TRD Leadership, coordinate the activities of the City Map Team and the Mapping and Spatial Records team to ensure smooth operations with respect to both the City Map and the Zoning Map of the City of New York.
• Consult with and review the work of private surveyors, engineers, and lawyers with respect to the maintenance of the City Map, including enforcing all required standards, protocols, and conventions.
• Serve as an expert on the City Map and provide technical assistance and advice to private applicants, department staff, the City Planning Commission, and other City agencies on various components related to the City Map.
• Liaise with City Agencies and utilities that interact with the City Map, including the Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection, Parks and Recreation, Law and others.
• Work with the Technical Review Division, City Planning offices, Borough Presidents and other City agencies in the scanning and digitization of all paper-based City Map materials into a unified city-wide digital map.
• Perform related tasks as needed.

Preferred Skills

• Minimum 3 years of successful managerial experience supervising complex technical or operational teams where organization, accuracy and efficiency are at the core of all work;
• Experience making high-level decisions that impact workplans and processes;
• Ability to monitor and coordinate multiple highly technical projects simultaneously, meet strict deadlines and quickly respond to Departmental priorities;
• Strong attention to detail in research, analysis, and review of written materials and plans;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with different personalities and roles;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Experience coaching, motivating and managing a highly skilled team;
• Experience with land survey techniques and road design;
• Experience with development and NYC land use review processes is a plus;
• Prior experience with maintaining and amending the City Map of the City of New York.
• A valid New York State License as a Professional Engineer is a strong plus.

DCP MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

A well‑organized workplace leads to a productive and happy workforce. DCP leaders are responsible for setting the tone and ensuring everyone works together towards a common goal, which includes, but is not limited to, developing staff and teams and advancing division and agency work plans.

Developing staff and teams

• Building strong and cohesive teams, including integrating new staff into division and team structure
• Supervising and tracking the progress of staff projects and assignments and ensuring that employees are meeting their work goals and objectives
• Providing guidance and constructive criticism to employees and helping them develop as professionals, including but not limited to completing mid-year and year-end performance appraisals within designated timeframes
• Ensuring that staff are following citywide and agency policies

Advancing division and agency work plans

• Managing and outlining the work program for teams and staff
• Overseeing internal and external stakeholder engagement and outreach
• Supporting internal and external communications
• Providing strategic and policy direction
• Planning through the use of robust analytics, research and analysis

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and four (4) years of full‑time experience in city planning, at least eighteen (18) months of which must have been in a managerial capacity; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above. However, a baccalaureate degree and eighteen (18) months of managerial experience in city planning is required of all candidates. Graduate work leading to an advance degree in city planning or related field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the non-managerial experience on a year-for-year basis. Graduation from an accredited United States Law School may be substituted for two (2) years of non-managerial experience.

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.