Even though it’s called Elon Innovation Challenge, any university student can take the challenge, regardless of university.  All majors welcome (engineering students were some of the winners last year!).

Here’s the challenge:  Identify a problem affecting a small business, or start-up, or nonprofit due to the pandemic and create a solution.  The Grand Prize is $5000, second is $2500. All virtual and involves 2 rounds of videos.

If you know enterprising students, groups or professors, we’d welcome a shout out about the EIC.  https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/business/doherty-center/the-elon-innovation-challenge/

Teams: Develop teams of 2-5 students from at least 2 different areas of study

Round 1:

• Create a 2-3 minute video describing a COVID challenge and an idea for a “pivot”
• At least 10 teams advance to Round 2
• Every university advances at least 1 team

Round 2:

• Top 10 teams receive $200 to implement a “pivot” with matching funds to the small business, startup or non-profit
• Round 2 Teams submit a 4-5 minute video with the “pivot” results

Deadlines:

• Phase 1 Video Submission: February 26, 2021, 11:00 PM
• Phase 2 Video Submission: March 26, 2021, 11:00

AECOM is seeking a Park Planner Designer to be based in Raleigh, NC.

At AECOM , we believe infrastructure creates an opportunity for everyone. Whether it’s improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive.

This position is expected to begin in March 2021.

We take on the most complex challenges and pioneer innovative, iconic solutions that push the limits of what’s possible – the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge, record-breaking sports events, the largest greenfield port development megaproject, life-sustaining,and disaster recovery programs, and the tallest tower in the Western Hemisphere.

On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, governments, energy, and the environment, we deliver professional services throughout the project lifecycle.

We are proud to be recognized for excellence:
+ Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies – 2014-2020

+ \#1 in Transportation and General Building in Engineering-News Record’s 2019 “Top 500 Design Firms” and #1 2019 “Top 200 Environmental Firms”

+ VIQTORY 2020 Military Friendly® Gold Employer

+ Perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for 2017-2019

AECOM’s Buildings + Places practice includes architecture, interiors, building engineering, workplace strategy, business transformation, asset advisory, economics and development planning, master planning, urban planning, and landscape architecture.

With a range of expertise from strategy and design through project realization, we create better outcomes to grow economies, protect natural systems, conserve natural resources, make societies more equitable and connect and engage people through innovative, sustainable design solutions.

Our teams have worked on signature projects such as the London 2012 Olympic Park and Legacy Framework, to the new plan for the LA2028 Olympics, to industrial facilities for GE and Rolls-Royce, to headquarters and workplaces for NASA, Unilever, Sony Music, DirecTV, Box, Inc. and many Fortune 500 companies.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

+ Supports planning studies and reports for new and updated plans, programs and regulations.

+ Reviews or assists in the review of development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans and regulations.

+ Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to government bodies.

+ Collects a variety of statistical data and prepares reports and maps on topics, such as census information, land use, transportation tax base data and occupancy rates.

+ Assists in evaluating re-zonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other proposals.

+ Coordinates community review of public and private development projects.

+ Provides information to the public regarding development regulations.

+ Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues.

+ Under direct supervision, conducts field evaluations and assessments.

Key Skills and Abilities:
+ Ability to assist with the graphic preparation of innovative conceptual park plans and urban public realm planning alongside studio team members

+ Ability to research and analyze social, economic and demographic community characteristics

+ Ability to clearly write technical reports and studies

+ Basic knowledge of GIS (ArcMap) with the ability to gather and utilize data to create maps at a variety of scales

+ Ability to assist with public involvement efforts including public meetings, web-based engagement, and community outreach strategies

+ Ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams

+ Ability to be proactive, confident, and collaborative with design and planning work

+ Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively, write clearly, and resolve problems creatively

Minimum Requirements

+ Bachelor or Master’s in City and Regional Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture, or related field.

+ Must have a valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

+ Master’s in city and Regional Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture or related field.

+ Desire to achieve AICP certification or PLA licensure process upon employment

+ 1-2 years of proven applied experience in public realm planning or landscape architecture

+ Experience with basic project coordination that involves assisting with preparation for client meetings or deliverables, and the resolution of typical issues/challenges associated with high-quality design products

+ Strong verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences including clients, communities, and peers

+ High degree of competency in MS Office Suite, Adobe Suite, AutoCAD and ArcGIS (mandatory).

What We Offer

When you join AECOM, you become part of a company that is pioneering the future. Our teams around the world are involved in some of the most cutting-edge and innovative projects and programs of our time, addressing the big challenges of today and shaping the built environment for generations to come. We ensure a workplace that encourages growth, flexibility and creativity, as well as a company culture that champions inclusion, diversity and overall employee well-being through programs supported by company leadership. Our core values define who we are, how we act and what we aspire to, which comes down to not only delivering a better world, but working to “make amazing happen” in each neighborhood, community and city we touch. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.

The City of Columbia is hiring an urban design planner, listed as “planner, principal” under the City’s career portal

This position performs professional and supervisory work in short- and long-range planning programs for the City of Columbia; coordinates the design review process; provides staff support to the Design and Development Review Commission; and performs related professional and administrative work as assigned. This position also works with interdisciplinary team on a variety of complex land use, transportation, and design projects. Contributes to City plans, policies, and at the long range planning and site specific projects. The position is often a project manager for larger and small projects. The incumbent works under general supervision, works independently, and is required to perform basic project management for basic planning projects.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs professional planning work in short- and long-range planning projects for the City of Columbia;
• Coordinates the design review process;
• Supervises subordinate planner(s); supervisory duties include instructing, assigning and reviewing work, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, allocating personnel, acting on employee problems, assisting with the selection of new employees, and recommending employee discipline as appropriate. Provides training, advice and assistance as needed;
• Serves as secretary to the Design/Development Review Commission (DDRC) charged by City Council to review projects in specific historic and design districts for appropriateness and compliance with established codes and regulations;
• Assists with all facets of the Planning Commission, Design/Development Review Commission meetings, including meeting with applicants, writing evaluations, staffing meetings, and maintaining pertinent records from meetings;
• Plans and implements the designation of new historic and design districts based on complex architectural survey information, citizen input and political considerations; prepares associated architectural guidelines;
• Meets and coordinates design projects with architects, developers, property owners and others; interprets design ordinances and design review guidelines and procedures;
• Provides staff support to the Design / Development Review Commission (DDRC) charged by City Council to review projects in specific design districts for appropriateness and compliance with established codes and regulations;
• Reviews building plans and elevations for compliance with design standards; conducts site visits as necessary;
• Determines suitability of building projects; prepares recommendations for approval or denial to the DDRC;
• Oversees the enforcement of design ordinances
• Provides leadership in site specific urban design review;
• Contributes to urban design expertise at all levels; provides education and assistance to other disciplines within the City and community;
• Acts as a spokesperson to the importance of quality urban space;
• Ensures the integration of urban design principles through all city plans, infrastructure projects;
• Acts as lead project manager for multiple diverse planning projects;
• Researches, gathers, interprets and prepares data for planning studies, reports and recommendations; prepares a variety of studies, briefs and reports for decision-making and presentation purposes;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance and concerns pertaining to City planning projects, regulations and ordinances;
• Participates in department marketing and public relations efforts; makes public presentations to inform the public about planning projects and programs;
• Administers the local preservation tax incentive program
• Serves as liaison to state and local organizations engaged in design and preservation activities;
• Maintains records pertinent to planning and development programs and projects;
• Assists in coordinating department activities and functions with those of other City departments, County departments and outside agencies as appropriate;
• Provides instruction and leadership of subordinate staff as assigned; provides advice and assistance as needed;
• Performs routine administrative / clerical work as required, including entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, assembling materials, typing reports and correspondence, ordering office supplies, etc.;
• Attends training, seminars, conferences, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills; keeps abreast of federal, state and local case law and new trends and innovations in planning and ordinance administration; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Master’s degree in urban or regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture or closely related field;
• Five (5) years of relevant prior experience;
• Required to type 30 corrected wpm;
• American Institute of Certified Planners preferred;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

This six week, part-time virtual internship will begin in February. More information can be found in our job posting or in our virtual information session on October 13 at 7pm MT. To register for the webinar, please email Tkelly@designworkshop.com

Overview: The opportunity to exchange ideas with talented candidates from diverse backgrounds fosters firm and individual growth, strengthens a project process and outcomes, and creates a global community in the workplace. Dr. Charles Fountain was Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture and founder of the Landscape Architecture Program at North Carolina A&T. Established in 2004, the Dr. Charles Fountain Internship was created to provide opportunities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students, who are often underrepresented in the fields of landscape architecture and planning, to gain experience in an office environment. Work will include project research, site visits, sketching, computer production, design reviews, and marketing proposal assistance.

About US: Design Workshop hires individuals with a broad range of educational and cultural backgrounds from many landscape architecture, urban design, and planning programs. The opportunity to exchange ideas with talented candidates from diverse backgrounds fosters firm and individual growth, strengthens a project’s decision-making process, and creates a global community in the workplace.

“Design Workshop played a pivotal role in developing me into the man and leader I am today. The internship exposed me to diverse cultures and people from around the world. I was able to grow and spread my wings as an aspiring Landscape Architect. The culture and philosophy has undoubtedly created a solid foundation and expectation for any organization I’ve worked with since. When I left my internship, I knew what I wanted to do and how I could impact the world for the better through my career with Design Workshop. That internship gave me the motivation to chase my dreams and explore the possibilities of this world.” North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University graduate and 2007 Intern Curtis M. Walls.

The Program: Dr. Charles Fountain was Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture and founder of the Landscape Architecture Program at North Carolina A&T. Established in 2004, the Dr. Charles Fountain Internship was created to provide opportunities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students, who are often underrepresented in the fields of landscape architecture and planning, to gain experience in an interdisciplinary design office environment. Work may include project research, site visits, sketching, computer production, design reviews, and marketing proposal assistance.

How to Apply:

• Six week, part-time internship starting February 2021
• Apply by October 16th, 2020
• More information is on our website, including how to apply: https://www.designworkshop.com/careers

Please see the message and opportunity below from our friends at Innovate Carolina:

The Office of Social Innovation is launching the Carolina Community Corps to collaborate with the University’s strategic plan, Carolina Next, in advancing Strategic Initiative 6: Serve to Benefit Society. We are working to reimagine the university’s role in serving North Carolina and how students can participate in that goal, by funding a set of proposals that are generated by the Carolina Community Corps. As a member of this student team, you will discuss, design and build upon your collective ideas to help students participate in and solve issues that communities care about most. We know that many students seek to better the community they grew up in, or the community they are currently residing in, and as part of this initiative, we aim to bring students and communities closer together as partners in creating public good.

We feel it is of the utmost importance that students drive a conversation around new and innovative ways to meet the needs of the state and beyond. At no time in the 225-year history of the University of North Carolina has it had such a dramatic and concentrated role to play in implementing ideas and discoveries for public benefit. Students are at the core of this work, and this is why we are launching this new group.

Learn more and get started: https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0CxAfJWq7gNPmyF

Welcome to the Carolina Community Corps application. We are working to reimagine the university’s role in serving North Carolina and how students can participate in that goal, by funding a set of proposals. This team of students will work together to create a set of recommendations and action plans and will then work to implement them.

The Office of Social Innovation is working to advance Carolina Next Strategic Initiative 6: Serve to Benefit Society and wants to involve students in this manner, as we know students have a different connection to the communities in our state than faculty and staff. Carolina Next has two guiding principles: Of the Public, For the Public and Innovation Made Fundamental. Between these two principles and Carolina’s mission to serve the state, student involvement is imperative in achieving that goal. Our students are creating our social and economic futures and we want to give them an avenue to do so.

We hope this team forges deeply collaborative partnerships to understand and address local challenges, respecting and involving the community in ways that develop sustainable local solutions to complex problems. We will be meeting once every two weeks, but you will be expected to commit a few hours a week to brainstorming and developing ideas, and eventually working in smaller recommendation-focused teams. Our vision is that students from across disciplines and classes will create a wide variety of recommendations that extinguish the need for information silos. In doing so, we believe we can better address the needs of our communities and the state.

We hope that you will complete our simple application and that you come to the table with an open mind. We have intentionally left this project open ended, as the Corps will be driving it from the start. With your creativity and bias towards action, we know that we can create actionable change in the service landscape of our state.

Please reach out to Abby Boettcher at abbygb@live.unc.edu with any questions.

The application will close August 31 and we will reach out to you a few days after with next steps.
We know that this is a difficult and busy time for many students so please reach out if you have any concerns.

The City of Wilmington is looking for a Historic Preservation Planner to coordinate activities for the city’s historic preservation program, including acting as staff to the historic preservation commission;  ensuring compliance with local ordinances as they relate to historic districts, providing technical assistance to city departments, property owners, and organizations; maintaining records and databases; researching preservation issues; and applying for and administering grants.  This is accomplished by coordinating planning and research efforts, accepting and reviewing certificate of appropriateness (COA) applications, including issuing administrative approvals; preparing agendas; attending meetings; presenting information; drafting documents; consulting with staff and legal representatives; coordinating compliance activities; and monitoring grant activities.  Other duties include developing programs and educational activities and maintaining records.

Job Number: 20-00040

Note:  We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. 

Job Duties

• Implement design standards and land development code by issuing certificates for projects by meeting with applicants and reviewing applications, preparing reports, making site visits, drafting orders, preparing agenda items, developing and presenting information to commission members, acting as liaison to applicants, managing demolition by neglect cases, and maintaining records of information.
• Follow projects to completion by interacting with code enforcement staff and reviewing code enforcement activities, communicating with related departments, working with legal staff, and interacting with property owners.
• Manage grant activities by working with historic preservation offices and councils; ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations; reviewing new projects and demolitions; and preparing and delivering documentation for requests or reviews.
• Coordinate tax credit and historic landmark designations by meeting with individuals, reviewing tax credit applications, ensuring designations meet all regulations and policies, including site plan review and certificates of appropriateness, presenting applications to the historic preservation commission and city council, reviewing and submitting pay requests, and working with owners.
• Manage long-range planning efforts by maintaining historic district inventories, implementing the city’s comprehensive plan, preparing applications for new historic districts or expansions of existing districts, developing applicable small-area plans, and other related policies and plans.
• Represent the department by responding to requests for service and research; collaborating with employees and the public; presenting information to commissions, boards and the public; and making site visits.

Education and Experience:   At least three years of related professional experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Historic Preservation, Architectural History, Public History or related field of study.

Other Requirements:   Valid Driver’s License
Notes:  Driving history check required for the selected candidate.  Selected candidate will also be required to complete a post-offer drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications:  At least five  years of related professional experience with a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation, Architectural History, Public History or related field of study. The ideal candidate:

• Excels at writing and communication in order to share ideas, work with others, and express complex concepts in a simple and clear format;
• Has some experience with zoning, land use, and urban planning; Section 106 review; documentation of buildings, places, and landscapes, including survey and architectural photography; building materials conservation; archival research; and preservation advocacy;
• Can read architectural drawings; and
• Has a working knowledge of GIS and SketchUp or other design software.

• Prepares and updates as needed the Comprehensive Plan and other planning studies, including but not limited to neighborhood and district plans and sustainability
  plans; serve as project manager for major activities and special project related to city long-range and sustainability planning efforts.
• Coordinates with other divisions and departments, as well as other governmental entities, organizations, and stakeholders’ groups on planning projects as needed.
• Oversees requests/proposals for zoning text amendments, zoning map amendments, land development, subdivision plats and regulation amendments.
• Provides consultation on issues/requests relating to the City’s long-range planning goals and objectives, projects, and the comprehensive plan.
• Summarizes information from maps, graphs, reports, field studies, etc.; prepares statistical reports, tabulations, computations, graph and charts to illustrate long-range planning studies, census information, and special projects.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning with a minimum of two (2) years of progressive related experience, or a master’s degree in a comparable field with a minimum of four (4) years of related experience. An appropriate combination of related education and work experience may be considered; or
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, urban design, landscape architecture, public administration, geography, community development, sustainability, or related field and a minimum of six (6) years of progressive related experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred, or the ability to acquire certification.
• Some supervisory experience and knowledge of transportation, environmental, and community development planning.

You will exercise discretion, judgement and knowledge of sound planning principles and practices in evaluating the salient facts and issues surrounding land use plans and activity.

You will conduct analysis, research, surveys and studies, using a knowledge and familiarity with emerging planning trends and practices, to assist the Director, CP and L Office in developing strategies to avoid incompatible developments.

You will review, develop, and provide recommendations for the successful implementation thereof, programs, plans, strategies and studies.

You will provide technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders, with limited supervision, applying knowledge of comprehensive planning and land use issues in the review and evaluation of the merits of proposed projects.

You will provide technical assistance to Encroachment Partners (EP), public and private, in the development of program, planning and project activity under Federal awards and cooperative agreements.

Planner/Code Enforcement Officer Atlantic Beach, NC. Conducts technical, professional and administrative activities for the Town’s Planning, Zoning, and Inspections Department. Perform responsible technical inspections work enforcing the Unified Development Ordinance; intermediate professional work in the administration of local ordinances with respect to zoning, subdivision, stormwater and floodplain management. Assists with facilitating the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board meetings; and all other related development and land use programs for the Town and a variety of assignments; processes grant applications and does related work as required. Works under the direction of Planning and Development Director.

Graduation from accredited college with preferred degree in planning, geography, engineering, environmental technology or related field and some experience with GIS software. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Prefer 2-5 years of experience with certifications in Zoning and Floodplain Management. Knowledge of the North Carolina General Statutes and planning/development law required. Ability to communicate written/orally; establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town employees, elected and appointed officials, state and local agencies, and the general public.

Hiring range $45,000-$54,000 based on level of education, experience and certifications.. Excellent benefits package includes paid health insurance, dental, vacation, sick leave, holidays, 401(K), and NC state retirement. Town application available at www.atlanticbeach-nc.com. Cover letter and resume to be submitted with Town application. Town application to be completed online. Position open until filled. EOE/ADA.