Landscape Architect

Purpose

Plans and designs parks, trails, and facilities, and assists in the administration of park development.

Example of Duties

Plans and designs construction and renovation projects. Prepares park master plans, conceptual plans, site plans and detailed designs for Metro Parks' Administration, Roving Construction Crew, park staff, and/or contractors; prepares construction documents for park construction, renovations and improvements; develops final cost estimates (independently or in conjunction with consultants), consultant work plans, and site and utilities layouts.

Assists in the development of park master plans including the completion of site, facility, cultural, and archaeological inventories; incorporation of park maintenance and resource management inventories and plans; and related activities. Addresses soil hydrology, drainage, spatial relationships, utilities, and traffic flows utilizing appropriate park design principles.

Develops bid or request for proposal documents; manages the bid process; evaluates bids and quotes; prepares contracts for assigned construction projects.

Oversees assigned projects through all phases including programming, planning, design, and contracting.

Prepares requisitions, processes purchase orders, negotiates and writes change orders for in-field corrections, authorizes payments, and performs final punch list inspections.

Prepares maps, diagrams, illustration, and exhibits through geographic information systems (GIS) and other software applications.

Coordinates projects with Park Managers, Roving Construction Crew, Contractors and applicable government agencies.

Manages assigned capital improvement projects, including design and construction. Prepares graphics involving maps, designs, charts, and other visual aids.

Performs field supervision of outside contractors and park staff on projects to ensures work conforms to plans, specifications, quality control, budget adherence, and schedule performance. Proactively works with and supervises consultants involved with assigned projects. Manages contracted engineers, planners, and consultants.

Makes presentations to the public, special interest groups, governmental agencies, and other organizations to provide information on Metro Parks, including its development, facilities, programs, and services and/or to collect feedback on park development vision and plans.

Maintains records, reports, and documentation related to planning, development, and construction projects. Tracks project expenses and payment tracking.

Makes recommendations for CIP budget preparation.

May research, prepare, and write grant proposals and award applications.

Performs special projects and related duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, Urban Design, Architecture, Construction Management, or another relevant field. Possession of landscape architect license. Some experience in park planning, landscape architecture, capital project development, or closely related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated experience with CADD, GIS, and other design and applicable software programs.

Attendance: Being present at work is an essential function of the position.

Team-Oriented: Works on a team. Outstanding customer service, communications and interpersonal skills.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with coworkers, general public, contractors, zoning officials, planning and design professionals, and officials from various public agencies; ability to prepare meaningful, concise and accurate reports; ability to make presentations regarding capital improvement projects.

Technology Skills: Demonstrated experience using computers, web-based programs, e-mail, internet, intranet, CADD and/or GIS systems, Microsoft Office products, phones, and other basic office equipment.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply concepts of math to the type and level required for the design of projects, cost estimates/changes, and budgeting.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; interpret a variety of technical materials in books, journals and manuals. Ability to utilize professional experience to discover innovative solutions to challenges and facilitate the modifications to solve those challenges.

Licenses, Registrations: Certified as a Registered Landscape Architect in the State of Ohio. Possession of a valid Ohio Driver License and ability to be insured by the Park District's insurance carrier.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job the employee frequently sits when working in the office and frequently walks and stands when working project sites and in the parks. The employee regularly talks and hears. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, and feel and reaches with hands and arms to survey, prepare drawings, sketches, and models and use instruments utilized in such preparation. The employee occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls, and climbs or balances. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds with or without assistance. The employee is required to use computers, survey equipment, cell phones, prepare reports, file paperwork, etc.

Work Environment: While performing the regular duties of this job, the employee works both in an office environment and out in the parks. The employee is frequently required to travel to parks throughout the Park District. When onsite of development/ construction projects, the employee may be exposed to outdoor weather elements, natural hazards such as insects and poison ivy, and may be required to walk on uneven terrain.

Any Additional Information: Knowledge of drafting, blueprint reading, structural design, and construction and design codes. Ability to establish effective working relationships with coworkers, other professionals, and the general public. Knowledgeable of all federal and state requirements that impact park district projects.

The above Description represents the essential and most significant duties of this position. It is not intended to exclude other work duties, assignments and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

Other Information

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks has a longstanding commitment to provide a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks' employees and to the security of the organization's equipment and facilities. For these reasons, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment.

Supervision

Received: Manager, Planning and Design

Given: Functional guidance relating to development, construction, and renovations project to consultants, contractors, and park staff. May supervise assigned Interns.

FLSA Status

Given the nature of this classification's duties/responsibilities, it has been designated as Exempt under the governing Fair Labor Standards Act and, therefore, is not entitled to formal overtime compensation and/or formal compensatory time. Internal policies regarding compensatory time may apply.

Core Values

Attendance: Is at work as scheduled; reports to work on time; follows proper procedures for requesting leave or calling off.

Policies & Procedures: Follows established policies and procedures; inquires of supervisor if unclear on policy/procedure, includes following safety policies, procedures and protocols.

Professionalism: Handles the responsibilities of the position in an effective manner; maintains integrity and appropriate behavior in dealing with conflicts and challenges with the public, co-workers, and managers; offers differing points of view in an acceptable manner.

Team Player: Supports other members of the organization in accomplishing their goals and projects; recognizes and credits others for their contribution in achieving goals.

Positive Attitude: Supports Metro Parks established priorities at all times; cultivates team environment; exhibits enthusiasm while carrying out responsibilities; looks for solutions to work conflicts and challenges.

Productivity: Thoroughly completes work in a timely manner; organizes and plans assignments well or follows supervisory instructions well with little explanation; follows-up as needed.

Quality: Demonstrates technical competence, meets job expectations; completes assignments with few errors.

Initiative: Does not wait to be told what to do; appropriately makes suggestions for improvements; does not hesitate when things do not go according to routine and quickly adjust to meet exceptions.

Interpersonal Communication: Interacts with others with tact and courtesy; communicates clearly and effectively; shares information with supervisor or coworkers to achieve goals; responsive to the public.