Landscape Architect

Duties:

• Oversee the staff, projects, programs, and activities of the Landscape Unit, providing professional leadership, technical direction, and guidance in the planning, design, development, and implementation of landscape architecture and greening projects
• Provide technical direction and professional oversight to consultant landscape architects and other design professionals engaged in District landscape architecture, greening, irrigation, grading, and related projects
• Serve as Landscape Architect of Record for District-designed projects and assume professional responsibility for the preparation, review, coordination, and certification of landscape architectural plans, specifications, and related technical documents
• Plans, develops, and directs highly complex landscape architectural projects involving landscape design, site planning, greening, irrigation systems, grading, planting, hardscape, and related site improvement
• Prepares and certifies plans, specifications, and other professional documents in accordance with applicable laws, codes, standards, and District requirements
• Leads the design and development of in-house landscape architecture, greening, and land-use planning projects, applying professional judgment to establish design solutions
• Direct and supervise the preparation, review, and coordination of landscape architectural drawings, specifications, construction documents, and design revisions for new landscaping and modifications to existing landscapes
• Directs and oversees the development, review, negotiation, and processing of Design Service
• Proposals, scopes of work, and related documents for landscape architectural and greening design services
• Leads coordination and community engagement related to landscape architectural and greening projects with school principals, teachers, parent groups, nonprofit organizations, and other community stakeholders; evaluates input and incorporates appropriate requirements into project development
• Reviews, negotiates, and approves task orders, scopes of work, proposals, and related consultant documents for landscape architectural and related professional services
• Prepares and reviews cost estimates, evaluate materials and equipment, establish appropriate installation methods, and assess project delivery methods
• Conducts site visits and field investigations; evaluates existing site conditions, reviews construction and installation progress, identifies design and technical issues, and provides professional direction to resolve issues affecting landscape and greening projects
• Reviews and approves technical documentation supporting grant applications for landscape architecture, greening, sustainability, and related projects; ensures that proposed projects and supporting documentation satisfy applicable District and funding-agency requirements
• Provides technical consultation and professional advice to District management, project teams, school-site personnel, and other stakeholders regarding landscape architecture, site planning, greening, irrigation, grading, sustainability, and related design matters
• Reviews project designs and provide recommendations regarding constructability, maintainability, lifecycle considerations, sustainability, accessibility, safety, cost effectiveness, and compliance with District requirements
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Required Experience:

• Minimum ten (10) years’ professional experience in landscape architectural design on commercial and public agency projects, preferably school or university projects
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in supervising a team of landscape architects and related staff providing direction and overseeing projects from inception to completion
• Experience with AutoCad design software system
• Proficiency in computer office software (Word, Excel, Adobe, etc.)
• Experience with graphic design and rendering software (Adobe Suite, Photoshop, others)

Required Education:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture

Additional Requirements:

• Extensive experience in AutoCad and Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Revit, Rhino and Lumion experience is preferred

Skills:

• Strong design skills and a passion for creativity
• Strong organizational skills
• A high degree of self-motivation, flexibility, and resourcefulness
• Knowledge of planting design, materials, and technical aspects of landscape architecture
• Review of construction documents, specifications and contracts
• Construction administration experience, as well as experience coordinating with a range of consultants including civil, electrical, and structural engineers
• Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.