Boston Planning & Development Agency

**BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT**

TITLE: SENIOR RESILIENCE DESIGN REVIEWER

GRADE:        L                                                         STATUS: EXEMPT

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT:   CLIMATE CHANGE & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING/URBAN DESIGN / PLANNING

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities to face the City of Boston. Climate Change & Environmental Planning staff play an integral role in supporting the City’s climate change and sustainable building priorities. Many of these objectives follow from Climate Ready Boston and the City’s Resilient Boston Harbor Vision to protect neighborhoods from sea level rise through a system of elevated and accessible waterfront open spaces, as well as the City’s Climate Action Plan and Carbon Neutral 2050 goal. Staff are directly involved with waterfront and port planning projects related to the state’s Public Tidelands Act M.G.L Chapter 91; promoting sustainable and resilient buildings through Zoning Article 37, Article 25A and the Article 80 development project review process; and developing climate preparedness and carbon neutral policies.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of climate preparedness and building sustainability, our staff of planning and design professionals collaborate closely with the BPDA’s Urban Design staff, as well as our partners in City and State departments and agencies. We also partner with community organizations and stakeholders to build consensus around policy, planning, and design.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direction of the Deputy Director for Climate Change and Environmental Planning (CCEP), conduct climate change resilience review of development projects to ensure compliance with BPDA resilient design guidelines and zoning, planning, and environmental principles; and assist in developing and implementing plans, policies, and programs to advance resilient design, green building, and environmental goals.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position’s general duties and responsibilities are included in but not limited to the information listed below.

Resilience Design Review:

• Conduct comprehensive and timely resilience review of all projects undergoing development review. This includes projects undergoing review through Article 80 of the City of Boston Zoning Code (20,000 square feet or larger) and all Zoning Board of Appeal applications (projects that require variances and are smaller than 20,000 square feet). Resilience review includes reviewing the design flood elevation, location of mechanicals, proposed program and design requirements as related to that program.
• Coordinate closely with BPDA Urban Design staff on how resilience measures impact the design of the building, accessibility, and the public realm. Coordinate project resilience review with City departments or agencies having oversight and jurisdiction over buildings, historic resources, public realm, and accessibility. Serve as liaison between BPDA and other public review bodies.
• Incorporate and apply City and State policies and applicable zoning regulations; evaluate how a project conforms to the principles and technical requirements of resilient design, climate change preparedness, and planning.
• Advise project proponents on development review procedures, including Article 80, as it pertains to climate change preparedness and resilience.
• Facilitate community and public commission reviews and mediate opposing interests.

Planning / Policy:

• Conduct written and graphic analysis of resilience projects, environmental proposals, zoning, and policy initiatives and programs.
• Assist in developing planning and urban design guidelines for neighborhoods and specific development parcels as it pertains to resilience and sustainability.
• Update existing resilience guidelines when necessary based upon current resilient design best practices and technology.
• Assist in the development of resilience review standards and policy.
• Prepare analytical studies that include written and graphic representations of planning, zoning, resilience, and environmental issues for BPDA and City officials.
• Solicit and consider the input of stakeholders, community/civic groups, abutters, and other interested parties. Develop plans or policies that reflect the consensus of community groups, partners, other agencies/departments, and other relevant stakeholders.

General:

• Advise supervisor and other BPDA Planning Division leadership staff of critical projects, planning, and policy-related issues requiring their input and/or approval.
• Assist with reviewing BPDA real estate resilience efforts and developing real estate disposition standards that comply with BPDA/City resilience objectives.
• Collaborate with BPDA and City of Boston staff on drafting, reviewing, and implementing local, state, and federal resilience funding opportunities and projects, including the integration of flood protection infrastructure into the public realm and structures within rights of way.
• Represent the BPDA at public meetings and meetings with other City, State, and Federal agencies as required for policy, program, planning, and/or projects. Lead or participate in the definition and accomplishment of goals and objectives. Present materials, dispense information, conduct tours, and or prepare exhibits about specific projects, programs, policies, designs, and planning work to private citizens, civic or community groups, private or professional organizations, and other interested parties.
• Create, maintain, and update records and reports to meet BPDA and legal documentation requirements.
• Assist with the development and management of grant applications and grant funded projects related to resilience.
• Supervise staff as assigned
• Perform other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Work requires completion of a Master’s or Professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Design, or related field, plus five or more years of related experience or equivalent experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Design, or related field, plus eight or more years of related experience. Expertise and working experience with resilient building design and sustainable/green building principles and practice required. The position requires the ability to solve complex urban design and zoning problems; to analyze and interpret technical planning and urban design issues; to communicate clearly in written, verbal, and graphic form; and to operate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Strong graphic and verbal communications skills are an essential. Full command of Microsoft Office programs, PowerPoint, and Adobe Creative Suite, is essential. Experience and proficiency in AutoCAD, GIS, and Rhino or SketchUp is desirable, but not required. Licensure as a professional engineer or architect is desirable but not required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Normal office environment; occasional site visits.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Some exertion related to preparing for public meetings, workshops, events, presentations, and / or exhibits; occasional regional and national travel, regular local travel within the City of Boston, regular evening, and weekend work meetings.

SCOPE:
Not applicable.

**BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT**