Job Class Specification for:
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Class Specification Schematic Number: 7001504

Class Summary:

Positions in this class, under general supervision, provide professional landscape architectural services to the City by developing designs, plans, project specifications and construction documents for City parks and recreation sites, streets, freeways and other municipal areas and facilities; and serve as project managers on municipal landscape architectural projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class:

This class is the journey level in the Landscape Architect series. It is distinguished from the Senior Landscape Architect in that the senior level has responsibility for assignments that are more technically complex or sensitive, and may supervise the work of this class.

The work of this class requires a professional knowledge of landscape architectural design and construction project management in order to design City landscaping and public works projects. Incumbents must be able to prepare plans, specifications and cost estimates for construction projects.

Projects are developed under the supervision of senior level personnel within broad guidelines and design constraints established by City department needs. Incumbents exercise considerable independent judgment in recommending landscape design and construction plans, and in scheduling and reviewing the work of contractors.

Personal contacts are typically with various levels of City and outside personnel such as architects, consultants, contractors, and engineers to clarify project scope and specifications and to coordinate and execute construction of projects.

Examples of Work:

• Coordinates landscape projects for parks, open spaces, and urban design plans by providing complete professional services including planning, analysis, designs, plans, technical specifications, cost estimates, schedules and construction inspection.
• Acts as liaison between the employing department and other City departments, private consultants, and contractors in order to maintain project conformance with City, department and landscape architectural standards and practices.
• Performs on-site inspections during construction to ensure compliance with bid specifications.
• Organizes, prepares, and presents material related to landscape architecture projects to government agencies, civic organizations, and the general public for required permits, approvals and general information.
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures, long and short range plans and standards relating to landscape architecture projects and programs.
• Acts as project manager as assigned, and supervises the activities of outside consultants engaged in construction of landscape projects; defines scope of involvement, budget, and schedules.
• Conducts research for feasibility reports and issue papers on park development issues for the Mayor and City Council.
• Assists in preparing reports, studies, correspondence, public announcements, and other official documents.
• Provides technical and professional support in solving emergency problems such as hazardous park conditions or unsafe play structures.

• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Most work is performed in an office environment; occasional work at landscape construction sites is required.

Requires a minimum of three years of professional landscape architectural experience, and a baccalaureate degree in Landscape Architecture (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Registration as a professional Landscape Architect in the State of Washington is required for employment. Current State of Washington Drivers License or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Comments:

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Class History:

Class adopted January 2, 1991.

Date posted 5/7/1999

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