Landscape Architect I (Park Development/Parks and Recreation Department)

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Landscape Architecture plus three (3) years of landscape architecture experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Registered Landscape Architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the position for the Landscape Architect I under general direction, is to supervise and perform landscape architectural activities, including planning, designing, and developing parks, recreational areas and green spaces.

The Park Development Division within PARD facilitates the development, improvement, and preservation of Austin’s parkland for future generations. We are design, project management, and construction professionals who lead projects from concept through construction. Our work includes:
• Delivering Capital Improvement Projects in Parks, Trails, and Urban Spaces.
• Designing our park spaces to be accessible, diverse, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient.
• Engaging and collaborating with community stakeholders.
• Navigating complex local, state, and federal regulatory permitting as well as design and construction contracting.
• In-house construction of park improvements by the Facility Construction team as well as onsite observation of park construction activities.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: PARD reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Pay Range
$27.16 - $32.87 per hour
Hours
Work/Location Schedule Notes:

• Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Job Close Date 09/04/2024 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 919 W 28th 1/2 St, Austin, TX 78705 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Direct experience in developing and implementing park vision plans.
• Direct experience in developing complex design concepts through construction documents related to park planning and development.
• Direct experience facilitating public sector projects including navigating stakeholder needs, reviewing contracts and dealing with municipal permitting processes.
• Direct experience with AutoCAD software and Adobe Creative Suite software.
• Direct experience in construction oversight/supervision.
• Direct experience in community engagement activities to inform design decisions.

Preferred Knowledge:

• Knowledge of SITES and sustainable design principles.
• Knowledge of Municipal Land Development Code.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Affix seal as a Registered Landscape Architect to approve plans, designs, etc. for parklands, green spaces, etc. Attend meetings as section representative. Calculate figures for reports. Coordinate division/section activities with other divisions/departments and outside contractors. Draw plans, diagrams, graphs, tables, charts, maps, etc. using drafting &/or drawing tools. Resolve work-related problems for subordinates. Serve as member of various committees, task forces, etc. Develop & evaluate plans, criteria, etc. for variety of projects, programs activities, etc. Write/draft routine correspondence and informational reports. Answer citizen questions & provide assistance. Layout/design complex landscape projects. Provide technical advice & assistance to field personnel, contractors, etc. Compile data/ information for reports, cost estimates, etc.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the various plant materials.
• Knowledge of horticultural and arboricultural practices.
• Knowledge of aerial photo interpretation.
• Knowledge of the various characteristics used to identify a variety of plants and flowers.
• Knowledge of capital improvement programs.
• Knowledge of philosophy, goals, objectives, priorities and needs of landscape architectures and land planning.
• Knowledge of applicable building codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Knowledge of construction project management techniques.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and maintenance.
• Knowledge of land surveying.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Skill in interpreting written documents including construction plans, specifications and contract provisions.
• Skill in effective oral and/or written communication.
• Skill in the use of drafting/designing equipment and instruments.
• Skill in determining quality of materials workmanship and construction methods.
• Skill in directing and assigning the work of others.
• Skill in planning and design processes for landscape architecture and land planning.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports.
• Skill in developing and implementing short/land range plans.
• Skill in giving public presentations.
• Ability to explain and enforce City policies.
• Ability to identify a wide variety of plants and flowers.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Landscape Architecture plus three (3) years of landscape architecture experience. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Are you a registered Architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners or will you be by the date or hire?

• Yes
• No

* In reviewing the preferred qualifications section of this job posting, please describe in 500 words or less how you meet those preferred experience and preferred qualifications.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience, including number of years, in developing complex design concepts through construction documents.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires a criminal background check. By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Check.

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents

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