Job Class Specification for:
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, SENIOR

Class Specification Schematic Number: 7001505

Class Summary:

Positions in this class, under limited supervision, provide professional landscape architectural services to the City including program development, design, project specification development, and coordination of community and public involvement; serve as project manager on the more complex, multifaceted municipal landscape architectural construction projects; manage a continuing long-term City program, and may supervise the work of a subordinate landscape architect.

Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class:

This class is the senior level in the Landscape Architect series. It is distinguished from the lower level Landscape Architect in that incumbents in this class perform assignments that are more technically complex or sensitive than those assigned to base level positions, and they may supervise the work of a lower level landscape architect.

The work of this class requires an experienced knowledge of landscape architecture, particularly as relates to planning, design and management of urban landscaping projects. A working knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of civil and architectural engineering as they relate to the development, improvement and maintenance of landscape projects is also required. In addition, incumbents must be able to prepare and supervise the preparation of plans, specifications and cost estimates for construction projects.

Guidelines exist in the form of a variety of codes and standards; however, individual projects are developed within broad guidelines determined by department management. Incumbents exercise considerable independent judgment in developing long range plans for architectural projects, and in coordinating and reviewing the work of consultants, and contractors.

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

Examples of Work:

• Develops complete long and short range planting programs and work projects for the City including developing and updating work plans and cost forecasts.
• Serves as project manager and principal designer on complex projects involving City landscape work. Performs technically complex or politically sensitive landscape planning and design work.
• Acts as liaison with other divisions and agencies in the review of project plans and specifications regarding maintenance and design issues.
• Trains and evaluates subordinate personnel.
• Acts as liaison with consultants performing landscape architecture work for City. Reviews plans and specifications for compliance with accepted standards.
• Participates in the preparation of annual operating and capital project budget.
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures, and standards relating to landscape architecture projects and programs.
• Performs on-site inspections during construction to determine work progress and conformance to established contracts.
• Prepares and presents material regarding landscape architecture projects to government agencies, civic organizations, and the general public. Maintains standing membership in landscape design committees.
• Acts as professional/technical consultant for the division, department or other agencies as required.
• 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 four years of experience in landscape architecture, 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 driver's 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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