Campus Planner

University of the Witwatersrand

Johannesburg

ZAR 300 000 - 400 000

Job description

Key responsibilities include the following:

Lead or participate in the development of relevant spatial and urban design response of the strategies, underpinned by medium to long term implementation plans for the Wits Spatial Development Framework review project. Relevant focal areas include but are not limited to:

On and off campus student and staff housing strategy, campus edge improvement, city campus integration and development strategy,
Sport and recreation strategy,
Campus retail strategy,
Campus access, egress and parking strategy,
Campus landscaping and outdoor open learning area strategy,
Campus way finding and signage strategy and standards,
Campus sustainability strategy,
Campus bulk infrastructure and operational business continuity strategy,
Faculty and support division specific spatial development frameworks,
Campus libraries and archives strategy,
Campus heritage strategy for spaces, places and building register,
Campus artwork strategy, and
Campus universal accessibility strategy, including an update of the Wits norms and standards for accessibility.

Manage ongoing stakeholder engagement with the City of Johannesburg and all relevant stakeholders in the Braamfontein and Parktown precincts and any other precincts where the University owns property. The building of strategic and collaborative partnerships with stakeholders aims to improve the overall public environment around the University’s academic campuses and properties. This includes but is not limited to:

Encouraging strategic investments to revitalize the city
Engaging with direct or indirect relevant investors, e.g. private student accommodation, retail and commercial operators, etc.
Infrastructure improvements, roads, traffic and street lighting etc.
Relevant infrastructure related public private partnerships.
Participation as a university representative in various business improvement districts or similar stakeholder groups.

Leading or participating in project development of new infrastructure projects approved by the University supported by the appointment of the relevant professional services consultants. This includes the development of business cases (client-led), planning concepts, feasibilities, and concept developments, and budget estimation.

Participation in property management, planning and space allocation related committees, e.g. the likes of the Space Management Committee.

Ongoing project financial management and reporting in collaboration with the department’s finance team, including but not limited to preparation of expenditure forecasts, and tracking of planned versus actual expenditure, reviewing monthly project financial reports prepared by the finance team.

Coordinate the quotations or tender process together with Project Coordinators. Participate and coordinate the review of quotations and tender offers received from prospective suppliers and service providers as required for projects, and preparing contracts for submission and approval as per the department’s standard operating procedures.

Manage and coordinate the project team (internal staff and external consultants) and its performance to ensure effective and efficient project planning.

Requirements:

NQF8 qualification in Architecture, Landscape Architecture or Town/Urban and Regional Planning. Any further relevant postgraduate qualification in Architecture, Landscape Architecture or Town/Urban and Regional Planning, or Urban Design is highly advantageous.
Professional Registration with the relevant professional councils i.e. SACP, SACAP, SACLAP, is advantageous.
Minimum ten (10) years’ relevant working experience in Architecture, Landscape Architecture or Town/Urban and Regional Planning, and/or Urban Design, with at least 5-years experience in urban planning or design for large property / precinct portfolios.
Working experience within a South African University property portfolio or similar is advantageous.
Knowledge and understanding of Policy Research in Town Planning Methodologies; Precincts Plans and Urban Development Strategies; Built Environment Performance Plans; Geographical Information Systems (GIS); and Space Allocations and Management Principles.
Excellent planning, coordination, organizational and communication skills.
Capable of working independently as part of an integrated infrastructure planning and delivery team with general guidance from direct line management.
Understanding and knowledge of OHSA; National Building Regulations; SANS Standards; Municipal by laws and any other legislation relevant to engineering and the built environment.
Valid drivers license and own transport.

Closing Date: 13 November 2024

To apply, please submit a covering letter as well as a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 referees. External applicants are invited to apply, by registering your profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting your application. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appoint-able applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.