Map Engineer

Job Description

DISCLAIMER:
Only candidates with permanent Civil Service status in the Civil Engineer civil service title, those reachable on the Civil Engineer civil service list, or those serving in a comparable civil service title can be considered for this position. However, all candidates must possess a valid New York State Professional Engineer’s License.

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.

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.

Reporting to the City Map Team Leader, with latitude for independent judgement, the City Map Engineer will be responsible for updating and maintaining the City Map, including the review and processing of proposed changes to the City Map (i.e., the mapping or de‑mapping of streets, parks, etc.).

The City Map Engineer will:

• Review Alteration Maps, which document changes to the official City Map, for accuracy, precision and consistency with technical City Map, engineering and surveying standards. The City Map Engineer will also sign these maps in their professional capacity as an engineer, to support signature by the Director of City Planning.
• Maintain the City’s network of survey monuments and elevation benchmarks and associated location and coordinate data and implement a program for improving and expanding the network consistent with the needs of City agencies and the real estate industry.
• Review the work of private surveyors and engineers including written and graphic materials documenting proposed amendments to the City map. Such review ensures the applications support robust decision making and adequately document proposals for future implementation.
• Provide technical assistance and advice to private applicants, department staff, the City Planning Commission, and other City agencies on the laying out of street systems, parks, and related features and the preparation of alteration maps. In coordination with other Departmental staff, make and implement technical and policy decisions on behalf of DCP.
• Field and manage street status and monument data requests from internal staff, other City agencies and the public.
• Maintain static and dynamic records of the City Map and amendments thereto, including archival hard‑copy maps, digital static maps and continually updated GIS datasets. The City Map Engineer will also drive the transition of the City Map from its current legacy record system to a new city‑wide seamless digital geographic information system.
• In coordination with other Departmental staff and consistent with direction from TRD leadership, make and implement technical and policy decisions on behalf of DCP.
• Coordinate with city agencies, external partners, and constituents.
• Perform related tasks.

Preferred skills include the following:

• Experience reading or producing land surveys, site plans, and engineering plans for roadways and other civil works;
• Strong written and verbal communication;
• Ability to monitor and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, meet strict deadlines and quickly respond to department priorities;
• Strong attention to detail in research, analysis, and review of written materials, maps, and plans
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with…