Senior Landscape Architect

Position Title:

Senior Landscape Architect

Job Description:

In collaboration with the Planning and Design Division Director, the Senior Landscape Architect oversees the work of consultants and contractors for new and remodeled public landscapes and acts as a liaison with collaborating City Departments. As a Licensed Landscape Architect, this position supervises and manages major landscape architectural projects involving the planning and development of parks, recreation areas, and landscapes. The Senior Landscape Architect has full technical and managerial responsibility for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating assignments, and reviews projects for compliance with city policies, processes, master plans, and executive orders.

This position plays a key role in supporting the Planning and Design Division Director in advancing divisional priorities, including capital project delivery, development and maintenance of Division design standards and standard operating procedures, and General Obligation Bond program implementation. The Senior Landscape Architect also provides technical guidance and mentorship to division staff, including landscape architects and planners, assisting with project procurement and coordination, quality control, and other tasks as needed to advance the Division''s work.

This is highly technical and managerial work requiring extensive landscape architectural and construction project management experience.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Paid vacation and personal leave
• 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available
• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

JOB DUTIES:

• Prepares and supervises the management, design, and construction of major landscape architectural projects and programs in accordance with general landscape architectural design principles and Salt Lake City Corporation standards and codes. Manages, reviews, and creates concepts for extensive projects.  Oversees all major project construction activities.
• Hires consultants and approves their assignments, parameters, work, and pay requests. Reviews complex plans, designs, and developments prepared by landscape architectural consultants, and ensures that complete designs follow standards set by Salt Lake City, applicable codes, standard landscape architectural principles, and project requirements.
• Develops project budgets, time scheduling and phasing to interface with fiscal abilities and municipal needs.  Has authority to initiate extra work orders for department approval. Approves reports of work done and project status.  Approves or prepares complex project documents. Monitors and complies with bidding procedures and meets periodically with departmental staff to review projects' status.
• Develops and supervises projects such as capital improvements programs for public facilities through needs assessment, project scoping, and project delivery. Advises on park facility expansions, improvements to streets and natural lands, and related projects. Supports long-range planning efforts for major projects.
• Collaborates with City Departments to develop project priorities and goals. Meets with landscape architectural team members and project stakeholders to determine project requirements and course of action for implementing the work.
• Provides technical assistance and support to staff as needed. Conducts or directs a significant portion of research for landscape architecture projects.
• Represents Salt Lake City Corporation on various ad-hoc committees or statutory boards as landscape architect designate. Coordinates with city department officials and other government management personnel on project issues.
• Serves on general design and project review committees and suggests projects for development to implement the city's Capital Improvement Program.  Develops policies, standards, and procedures to manage landscape architectural planning, design, and construction projects.
• Prepares written, oral and visual reports for presentation to the City Administration, City Council, government agencies, and others as necessary.
• May assign work to subordinate multi-disciplinary staff as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a four-year bachelor's degree or master's degree in landscape architecture from a fully accredited college or university. Exception: The educational requirement may be waived providing the candidate has achieved registration as a Licensed Landscape Architect by meeting the State Board's requirement for qualifying experience.
• Registration as a Licensed Landscape Architect by the State of Utah. Out-of-state applicants must obtain registration as a Licensed Landscape Architect in the State of Utah under reciprocity agreement recognized by the State of Utah within six months of employment.
• Ten years full time paid landscape architectural design and construction administration experience, including six years' supervisory experience with landscape architectural teams.
• Knowledge of current landscape construction means and methods.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare complex reports in written and oral form. Ability to use computers and applicable software; foster and facilitate creative problem-solving regarding field analyses and design decisions; communicate effectively both orally and in writing with the general public, landscape architectural and engineering personnel, and other city departments. Perform field analyses and make appropriate design decisions.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Membership in the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) or equivalent organization.
• Knowledge of the following specialized disciplines: sustainable/green design, ecological restoration, historic landscape preservation, conservation, ADA/universal design concepts, horticulture, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), and urban design.
• Strong design skills and the ability to communicate design concepts in graphic and written form.
• Commitment to teamwork and an integrated approach to project delivery.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Moderate physical activity. Required to push, pull, or lift medium weights up to 50 pounds. Uncomfortable working positions such as stooping, crouching and bending. Occasional construction site visits.
• Intermittent exposure to stress as a result of human behavior.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

POSITION SALARY RANGE

$94,490--- $129,042

DEPARTMENT

Public Lands

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40