Job Description

Description

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DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs professional landscape architectural work in the study, design and preparation of plans and drawings for the development of new or existing parks, medians and other City owned facilities; produces and processes construction documents; coordinates, performs plan checks, and inspects finished landscape improvement projects; and performs related duties as required.

Essential and Marginal Duties

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or managerial staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a specialized professional classification performing the full range of landscape architecture assignments. Incumbents at this level are capable of performing design and development of plans, specifications and cost estimates for capital improvement projects and review and approval of all landscape improvements to private development and public facilities within the City. Considerable independent judgment is used to make decisions in carrying out assignments.

Minimum Qualifications

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Conducts landscape architectural and engineering work in the study, design and preparation of preliminary and final working drawings and plans for the development and rehabilitation of new or existing beach and park areas, medians and other City owned facilities; works with the community and other appropriate agencies and individuals in the design and development of projects.
• Produces construction documents for landscape capital improvement projects; prepares plans and specifications for buildings and facilities, site planning, planting, grading, drainage, structural details, irrigation, plumbing, electrical and lighting systems and related landscaping requirements; prepares cost estimates for projects; assists in budget preparation and administration.
• Performs plan checks; coordinates, supervises and inspects construction; participates in or conducts negotiations with outside contractors, vendors or other professional service providers.
• Supervises and coordinates outside consultants (i.e. engineers, architects, landscape architects, etc.).
• Confers with professional service providers, suppliers, contractors, vendors and others in the coordination of plans, acquisition of materials, and estimation of costs.
• Attends community and citizen meetings; responds to questions and concerns from the general public; provides information as is appropriate and resolves complaints.
• Participates in long- and short-range planning efforts and studies and manages milestones on capital improvement projects.
• Reviews and conducts analyses of construction bids and contracts.
• Prepares or directs the preparation of pre-construction meeting agendas and conducts pre-construction meetings.
• Acts as project manager for assigned projects from conception through implementation; may lead multi-discipline teams from design through construction.
• Directs the investigation, troubleshooting, and resolution of construction-related issues; negotiates and approves change orders; directs the issuance of Notices to Proceed and filing of Notices of Completion.
• Manages and coordinates project budgets and reviews the work of professional and technical consultants.
• Makes presentations to elected officials, community groups, and the public on projects; prepares and presents City Council agenda items.
• Reviews and approves project schedules, coordinates reporting systems and administrative procedures, prepares cost and scheduling analysis reports for multiple projects.
• Trains, evaluates, and directs professional and support staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Additional Information

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods and techniques of landscape architecture including design, construction and maintenance; applicable landscape design standards.
• Proper application of plant materials, natural features, and construction in a variety of public grounds situations.
• Horticultural requirements, irrigation systems, soil care and maintenance, plant disease and pest control.
• Project management, analytical processes, and report preparation techniques.
• Basic principles and practices of landscape development and rehabilitation projects related functions, such as, but not limited to, purchasing, personnel, risk management, finance, budgeting, and other related project management functions.
• Basic principles and practices of public agency budget development and administration and sound financial management policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Prepare highly detailed landscape and building plans, profiles, sketches, and specifications.
• Design projects to fit space limitations, City requirements, community recreation needs and available budget.
• Operate standard professional equipment, including manual and automated drafting tools.
• Manage complex landscape improvement projects, analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the assigned projects.
• Coordinate and oversee project administrative, budgeting, and fiscal reporting activities.
• Develop and administer contracts for professional services and construction in a public agency setting.
• Perform responsible and difficult administrative work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Plan, organize, and carry out assignments from management staff with minimal direction.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor\'s degree in landscape architecture or a related field, and four (4) years of responsible landscape design or project coordination experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver\'s license upon appointment.
• Possession of a valid Registration as a Landscape Architect issued by the State of California Architects Board.
• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.

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