Park Planner/Landscape Architect - (Engineering Specialist III) - Recreation and Parks

Howard County: Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community. Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking. What are we looking for? We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations. What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government: We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government. We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged! We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is advanced professional-level landscape architecture/engineering work participating in all aspects of project management for park planning and development. Work involves coordinating, and directing the designing of parks and other related features, such as playgrounds, sports fields, natural areas, pathways and nature trails, parking lots, park roads, signage, and directing consultant landscape architects, engineers, surveyors, archeologists, inspectors and contractors in the course of implementing the development of parks and park structures such as shelters, comfort stations, nature centers, and historic restorations. Work also includes reviewing and preparing complex master plans, design plans, construction plans and planning, landscaping and engineering documents. Work is performed with general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Assignments require evaluative thinking and are carried out in accordance with accepted landscape architectural, planning, architectural and engineering standards and applicable regulations. An employee in this class participates with other county engineering, architects, landscape architects and planning staff in accomplishing plan review and preparation, studies and analysis, and project design work to ensure that parks are correctly designed and meet operational requirements and specifications. The work requires regular and important contact with other County personnel, the public and representatives of other agencies and groups to obtain and provide information.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE

• 45.68 - $50.00
• 95,019 - $103,998

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Performs advanced professional level engineering and/or architectural work, which may include supervisory responsibility, with considerable independence but under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes reviewing complex engineering and/or architectural plans, resolving difficult design analysis, acting as project manager for large scale projects, and preparing planning and engineering documents. Work at this level is distinguished by unique engineering analysis and expertise in areas such as mechanical, electrical or structural engineering; in depth architectural experience in the development, design and construction of institutional building types such as libraries, community centers, police and fire stations, etc. *This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months.* Project & Contract Management Performs as project manager and contract manager for park capital projects. Coordinates multiple contracts; schedules and monitors projects to ensure successful completion and closeout. Monitors and manages fiscal status of design and construction contracts. Coordinates purchasing actions; processes change orders and invoices. Meets with private consultants and contractors on assigned capital projects. Coordinates activities among County agencies, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders. Participates in construction monitoring and inspects projects during and after construction. Ensures timely processing of land development documents, drawings, and reports. Design, Planning & Technical Work Uses CAD software for preparation of plans, grading, erosion and sediment control, and site layout. Stamps and signs drawings with licensure seal for regulatory submission. Performs redline changes and secures building, grading, and tent permits. Develops design programs and project requirements for consultants. Reviews design alternatives, final plans, drawings, and plats for compliance with standards and regulations. Prepares conceptual plans, alternatives, and park master plans. Prepares and reviews planting plans and selects plant materials. Performs site analyses for park use, natural resource protection, and Greenway protection. Regulatory Review and Compliance Reviews subdivision plans for open space compliance per regulations. Represents the Department on Subdivision Review Committee meetings. Presents recommendations to the Subdivision Review Committee; meets with developers, architects, and engineers. Recommends corrective actions and approvals as needed. Public Engagement and Representation Chairs community presentations and evaluates public input. Represents the Department on internal and external committees, including Office of Transportation and Quality Based Selection Committees. Reviews public concerns and directs consultants to make necessary design revisions. Planning and Policy Support Assists in preparing the Howard County Comprehensive Recreation, Parks, and Open Space Plan. Prepares Park master plans aligned with broader county plans and public input. Sustainability and Best Practices Identifies and applies sustainability practices across Department operations. Interpersonal and Organizational Responsibilities Performs other related duties as assigned. May serve as essential personnel during emergencies. Work Environment Performs both technical office work and fieldwork in varied environments.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job may have some supervisory responsibilities. Bachelor degree in Engineering or Architecture and four (4) years related experience. REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS Registered Professional Landscape Architect or Engineer licensed in the State of Maryland. Valid Driver's License. PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Considerable collegiate course work in landscape architecture, planning, engineering or a closely related field, and five years of experience. Major course work to include: earth grading and drainage, surveying, soils, plant materials, construction design principles, and drafting. Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of park planning, landscape architecture and engineering. Considerable knowledge of modern design standards. Considerable knowledge of the materials used in park construction. Considerable knowledge of plants (trees, shrubs, groundcovers), including their scientific names, growth requirements, and appropriate usage. Knowledge of the code requirements relating to planning. Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration. Knowledge of the procedures used in implementing park development. Considerable knowledge of historic preservation principals and regulations of State and County agencies pertaining to historic properties and structures. Skill in interpreting and analyzing landscape architectural, architectural and engineering designs, plans and specifications and resolving problems with the same. Ability to review plans, plan specifications and calculations prepared by consulting landscape architects, architects, and engineers for accuracy and feasibility. Ability to do landscape architectural and engineering design work involving analysis, selection, modification and adaptation of standard landscape architectural and engineering precedents, methods and techniques. Ability to evaluate land for potential acquisition to address park purposes or natural resource protection. Ability to prepare park master plans based on site conditions and input from consultants, advisory committees and the general public. Ability to prepare graphic materials. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to prepare technical forms, reports, change notices and other correspondence. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, developers, consultant landscape architects, architects, engineers and the public. Considerable knowledge of grading, erosion and sediment control, site layout using coordinate geometry and storm water management Considerable knowledge of ecology, environmental protection and sustainability practices. Participation in continuing education to keep current with information and issues related to professional field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands for basic office duties, use of drafting and measuring instruments, and determining textures; talking and hearing. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

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MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

, AND REASONING ABILITY LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables. #J-18808-Ljbffr Howard-County