Chief of City Mapping

About the role

The Chief of Mapping will lead the newly formed City Map Team, establishing workflows, procedures, and standards for the maintenance and amendment of the City Map of New York City. Working with TRD leadership and external stakeholders, the Chief of Mapping will refine team practices and City policies related to the City Map. The role involves managing a team of up to 6 Engineers and City Planners, coordinating with the Mapping and Spatial Records team, and consulting on City Map matters with private surveyors, engineers, lawyers, City agencies, and utilities. The Chief of Mapping will also oversee the scanning and digitization of paper-based City Map materials into a unified digital map.

Responsibilities

• Establish workflows, procedures, and standards for maintaining and amending the City Map in consultation with TRD leadership.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the City Map Team, including recruiting, coaching, and supervising a team of Engineers and City Planners.
• Coordinate activities between the City Map Team and the Mapping and Spatial Records team to ensure smooth operations for both the City Map and Zoning Map.
• Consult with and review work from private surveyors, engineers, and lawyers to enforce standards, protocols, and conventions for the City Map.
• Serve as an expert on the City Map, providing technical assistance and advice to private applicants, department staff, the City Planning Commission, and other City agencies.
• Liaise with City agencies and utilities (e.g., Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection, Parks and Recreation, Law) on matters related to the City Map.
• Work with the Technical Review Division, City Planning offices, Borough Presidents, and other agencies to digitize paper-based City Map materials into a unified digital map.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and four years of full-time experience in city planning, including at least 18 months in a managerial capacity.
• Alternatively, education and/or experience equivalent to the above, with a baccalaureate degree and 18 months of managerial experience in city planning required for all candidates.
• Graduate work in city planning or a related field may substitute for up to two years of non-managerial experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Graduation from an accredited U.S. law school may substitute for two years of non-managerial experience.

Preferred Skills

• Minimum 3 years of managerial experience supervising complex technical or operational teams with a focus on organization, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Experience making high-level decisions that impact workplans and processes.
• Ability to monitor and coordinate multiple highly technical projects, meet strict deadlines, and respond quickly 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 diverse teams and stakeholders.
• 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 maintaining and amending the City Map of New York City is a plus.
• A valid New York State Professional Engineer license is a strong plus.

DCP Managerial Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strong, cohesive teams, including integrating new staff and ensuring alignment with division and agency goals.
• Supervise and track staff projects and assignments, ensuring employees meet work goals and objectives.
• Provide guidance, constructive feedback, and performance appraisals to support professional development.
• Ensure staff adhere to citywide and agency policies.
• Manage and outline work programs for teams and staff, including strategic and policy direction.
• Oversee internal and external stakeholder engagement, communications, and outreach.
• Support the use of robust analytics, research, and analysis to advance division and agency work plans.