Landscape Architect

Competition #23/217

Internal/External Posting

Closing date: October 24, 2023

 

Landscape Architect (Continuous)

Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department

 

POSITION FUNCTION

This position performs activities required to run complex park development projects with an emphasis on the renewal of existing parks and design of a new parks including community engagement and contract management. This work involves the procurement of consultants and contractors, park planning and design, park construction, community engagement, and working with City committees, City Council, partners, stakeholders and community members. The work may also involve overseeing the work of subordinates in the role of Landscape Designer.

Reporting to the Manager of Park Design and Development, this position works closely with Park Planning and Urban Forestry staff, Parks Operations staff and Recreation staff. The position works cross-departmentally within the City with a focus on capital initiatives in Parks. The position assists in maintaining external relationships with developers, partners, stakeholders, non-profits, senior levels of government, and other agencies.

KEY DUTIES

Serve as a project manager on park planning and development projects including organizing and developing project terms of reference, scope and requests for proposals, overseeing consultant teams and professional, technical, and clerical staff engaged on project.

Work independently and within a project team; carry out the planning, design, and implementation of a variety of assigned park planning efforts, park project initiatives and activities; and park capital infrastructure renewal and development projects such as park structures, playgrounds, sports fields, trails and greenways, storm water systems, and other related facilities.

Assist in the preparation, monitoring and development of park management plans.

Plan and conduct consultation with the public, stakeholders and other departments and agencies on matters related to projects and assignments, and answer enquiries from the public.

Represent the department at various meetings including neighbourhood and professional groups, cross-departmental staff technical teams, working groups and internal and external committees; liaise with other sections on design and construction projects and issues.

Coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams (environment, turf, horticulture, arboriculture, construction, public works, planning); consult with community and park user groups; oversee the work of staff and contractors on park projects; manage project budgets and timelines; report out on progress to various bodies such as the public, community associations, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Council, and senior staff.    

Perform technical park design work including collecting information, analyzing data, preparing reports, summarizing findings, and making recommendations; prepare conceptual and detailed technical drawings and specifications. Perform computer-based design and drafting tasks using AutoCAD, graphic design, project management, and word processing software.

Assist with community consultation initiatives including engagement with volunteers, community members, park user groups, and community-based project committees. Respond to inquiries from the public, park users, and City staff.  Prepare, plan and host community open houses.  Maintain regular communication with municipal crews, contractors, consultants, suppliers, government agencies. Develop maps, brochures, photos, fact sheets for public and City use. 

Assist in the preparation of grant and funding proposals; assist in negotiating professional service agreements; assist in the development of park policies, strategies and bylaws.  Prepare reports for Council on various Park planning initiatives. Attend City Council and staff meetings as required, and other civic and outside meetings to represent the department and to make presentations and answer questions (including weekday evenings and weekends).

Coordinate project communication materials internally and externally (web, written etc.).

Conduct and manage park construction project records (oversight function).

Perform related duties where qualified.

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Working knowledge of park planning, landscape architecture, policy development, arboriculture, landscape design; municipal parks and recreation trends; municipal capital project approval processes (building and development permits, trade permits, construction permits); and environmental planning and urban sustainability initiatives including best management practices, policies and legislation relating to park planning and construction.

Working knowledge of municipal, provincial and federal governmental, legal and financial procedures for municipal park development and of the City by-laws relative to construction activities.

Experience in managing the work of professional consultants and construction contractors.

Experience in overseeing technical support staff.

Considerable knowledge of landscape construction methods, materials, tools and equipment including but not limited to soils and growing mediums, the planting of trees, shrubs and groundcovers, irrigation systems, site utilities, carpentry, pavements, small retaining walls, landscape structures, fencing and utilities.

Considerable knowledge of construction tendering, contracts, and contract administration processes for landscape construction and park development.

Excellent interpersonal, written, graphic, and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Experience working collaboratively and effectively on inter-disciplinary teams, with staff across Parks and other City departments, with contractors, consultants, outside agencies, industry stakeholders and the public

Strong knowledge or skill in preparing visual concept plans, presentation materials and using computer software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, AutoCAD, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Sketch Up 

Ability to communicate to all audiences

Strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt to priorities and meet prescribed deadlines in a changing and fast paced environment

Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.

Ability to work safely on job sites.

Work schedule: Monday to Friday, (35 hour work week)

$54.02 per hour, Pay Grade 17 (under review)

Job Code #4442

This is a CUPE Local 50 Position

To apply for this opportunity you will need to create an online profile or log back in to our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submission will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications and supporting materials as outlined in your resume.

At the City of Victoria, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, LGBT2Q+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.

If you require assistance, please email us at [email protected].