City of New York
Public Realm Designer, OLS – City of New York
Transportation Planning and Management (TPM) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods on the City's streets, supporting the larger goals of economic and social vitality for people living, working, and doing business in New York City. The Division’s responsibilities include planning, street design, technical analysis, signs, transit development, freight mobility and markings, ensuring the safety of motor vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and cyclists. The Office of Livable Streets (OLS) is tasked with prioritizing strategic planning, community engagement, research, policy, design, implementation, and long‑term management. Their goal is to create streets that are livable, supporting safety, accessibility, inclusion, resilience, active modes, community cohesion, and economic vitality citywide. Additionally, they aim to enhance New York City’s pedestrian, bicycle, and micromobility networks, providing comfortable, connected, green, and reliable transportation options across the five boroughs.
OLS is seeking a motivated Public Realm Designer for its Public Realm Unit within the TPM Division. Reporting to the Public Realm’s Director of Strategic Initiatives (SI), the selected candidate will research, analyze, and develop planning and design initiatives that promote and enhance walkability, accessibility, pedestrian safety, mode shift, greening opportunities, and climate resilience. The role will include creating planning documents—maps, diagrams, and reports—to communicate the mission and objectives of OLS and the Public Realm, and synthesizing regular outcomes and benefits of the work.
The Public Realm Designer will lead project development from initial research and analysis to the synthesis and development of planning strategies and scenarios that may lead to eventual design projects. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, research and analysis, creating and delivering public presentations, managing project priorities and schedules, coordinating with stakeholders, and, in some instances, overseeing project implementation. Additional responsibilities may include project management for in‑house or consultant‑based work, project management of special projects across the five boroughs, and supervising interns and fellows.
Selected candidates will work with internal DOT units and may collaborate with outside agency partners—including Parks and Recreation, Economic Development Corporation, City Planning, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and community and local stakeholders—to gather input and build support for proposed policies. The Public Realm Designer may represent the Public Realm unit at public meetings and conferences, and may provide supplemental support to members of the Public Realm’s Project Development and Delivery team for Street Improvement Projects that fall within the scope of the Strategic Initiatives team.
Minimum Qualifications
A baccalaureate degree in architecture from an accredited college or university and at least two (2) years of full‑time experience in planning, design, research, investigations and/or studies related to urban design development programs; or a satisfactory combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the above. A baccalaureate degree in architecture is required of all candidates.
Graduate work leading to an advanced degree in architecture, urban design, or city planning may be substituted for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
Preferred Skills
Professional experience in urban planning, urban design, or urban geography with a practical understanding of pedestrian and transportation‑related issues and concepts.
Experience with mapping software (ArcGIS), Computer‑Aided Design (AutoCAD), Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft 365.
Excellent written, visual, and verbal communication skills, ability to work independently in a highly collaborative environment, and manage multiple projects against tight timelines.
Strong organizational, administrative, writing, and graphic communication skills, with a creative thinking and problem‑solving approach.
Strong communication skills with public speaking experience and a demonstrated interest in the public realm.
Additional Information Work Location: 55 Water Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10041
Hours/Shift: Full time, 35 hours per week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Compensation: $86,749 – $127,143 per year. The position may be eligible for remote work up to two days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program agreed between the City and DC37.
This position is 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 through the 55‑a Program.
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
https://studentaid.gov/pslf/ .
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees who have worked for the City for two 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.
Equal Opportunity 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 sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, and pregnancy.
How to Apply Get notified about new designer jobs in
Manhattan, NY . Applications are currently being accepted—no indication that the role has closed.
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OLS is seeking a motivated Public Realm Designer for its Public Realm Unit within the TPM Division. Reporting to the Public Realm’s Director of Strategic Initiatives (SI), the selected candidate will research, analyze, and develop planning and design initiatives that promote and enhance walkability, accessibility, pedestrian safety, mode shift, greening opportunities, and climate resilience. The role will include creating planning documents—maps, diagrams, and reports—to communicate the mission and objectives of OLS and the Public Realm, and synthesizing regular outcomes and benefits of the work.
The Public Realm Designer will lead project development from initial research and analysis to the synthesis and development of planning strategies and scenarios that may lead to eventual design projects. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, research and analysis, creating and delivering public presentations, managing project priorities and schedules, coordinating with stakeholders, and, in some instances, overseeing project implementation. Additional responsibilities may include project management for in‑house or consultant‑based work, project management of special projects across the five boroughs, and supervising interns and fellows.
Selected candidates will work with internal DOT units and may collaborate with outside agency partners—including Parks and Recreation, Economic Development Corporation, City Planning, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and community and local stakeholders—to gather input and build support for proposed policies. The Public Realm Designer may represent the Public Realm unit at public meetings and conferences, and may provide supplemental support to members of the Public Realm’s Project Development and Delivery team for Street Improvement Projects that fall within the scope of the Strategic Initiatives team.
Minimum Qualifications
A baccalaureate degree in architecture from an accredited college or university and at least two (2) years of full‑time experience in planning, design, research, investigations and/or studies related to urban design development programs; or a satisfactory combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the above. A baccalaureate degree in architecture is required of all candidates.
Graduate work leading to an advanced degree in architecture, urban design, or city planning may be substituted for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
Preferred Skills
Professional experience in urban planning, urban design, or urban geography with a practical understanding of pedestrian and transportation‑related issues and concepts.
Experience with mapping software (ArcGIS), Computer‑Aided Design (AutoCAD), Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft 365.
Excellent written, visual, and verbal communication skills, ability to work independently in a highly collaborative environment, and manage multiple projects against tight timelines.
Strong organizational, administrative, writing, and graphic communication skills, with a creative thinking and problem‑solving approach.
Strong communication skills with public speaking experience and a demonstrated interest in the public realm.
Additional Information Work Location: 55 Water Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10041
Hours/Shift: Full time, 35 hours per week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Compensation: $86,749 – $127,143 per year. The position may be eligible for remote work up to two days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program agreed between the City and DC37.
This position is 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 through the 55‑a Program.
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
https://studentaid.gov/pslf/ .
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees who have worked for the City for two 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.
Equal Opportunity 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 sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, and pregnancy.
How to Apply Get notified about new designer jobs in
Manhattan, NY . Applications are currently being accepted—no indication that the role has closed.
#J-18808-Ljbffr