Senior Landscape Architect

The Dix Park Team within the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is recruiting a Senior Landscape Architect to support the implementation of the Dix Park Master Plan. The Senior Landscape Architect will oversee multiple projects, be accountable for budget management and procurement, direct consultant teams, and engage with senior staff in other departments as a project leader.

The Senior Landscape Architect will oversee the design and delivery of major planning studies and capital improvement projects at Dix Park, which may include landscape development, stream restoration, adaptive reuse, environmental remediation, and recreational space making.

The Senior Landscape Architect will engage both internal staff and external stakeholders, including the Dix Park Commission, Stewardship Committee, and the Dix Park Conservancy. This position will also work across a broad array of city, county, state, and federal agencies, nonprofits, and other partners.

About You:

The ideal candidate will possess a diverse set of technical skills, a deep knowledge of relevant best practices and trends, effective communication and interpersonal skills, and superior project management skills, including the ability to coordinate and prioritize competing deadlines. They will further support ongoing park improvement projects and planning and development projects adjacent to the park.

About Us:

The City of Raleigh is the second-largest city in North Carolina and remains one of the fastest growing areas in the country. Driven by a strong economy and outstanding quality of life, Raleigh is consistently ranked among the nation's best places to live and operate a business. The "Capital City" offers many cultural and entertainment advantages of a large City without the traffic and other drawbacks. Wake County is one of the top ranked public-school districts in the state, has nine universities and institutions of higher education, and is home of the Research Triangle Park, which is North Carolina's premier global innovation center. Joining the Dix Park team represents a rare and extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of a large, landmark destination park in the heart of Raleigh, NC.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Leads and coordinates the work of a team of employees; guiding, directing, prioritizing deliverables
• Works with consultants and contractors to manage the planning, design, and construction of development projects
• Reviews project documents such as design drawings and specifications, engineering calculations, and shop drawings for permitting compliance
• Manages project budgets and vendor contracts for consultants and contractors
• Represents the City and the Department and serves as liaison to committees, boards, commissions, strategic initiatives, citizen groups and other governmental agencies
• Participates in City and Department-wide team activities working on specific issues and assignments
• Identifies, develops, implements, and maintains processes and practices that support effective, comprehensive, and meaningful citizen engagement
• Creates, maintains and updates website content, newsletters, graphics, presentation materials, project fact sheets, surveys, and various outreach materials
• Compiles and analyzes data on site conditions and prepares site plans, working drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for project development
• Develops bid documents, obtains permits, prepares all necessary contract forms and documents, and manages the bidding process
• Performs construction administration including coordinating contract execution, reviewing pay applications, approving change orders, and conducting project close-out
• Inspect construction work in progress to ensure compliance with project specifications; to approve quality of materials and work; and to advise clients and construction personnel on project needs and procedures
• Conducts research and special studies pertaining to Park and Greenway facility development, maintenance, regulations and ordinances

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture or related field; 3 to 5 years' experience in landscape design or related work; OR Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted

Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
• Registered Professional Landscape Architect

Knowledge Of:

• Principles, practices, and methods of landscape architecture
• Project management principles and practices
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations
• Customer service principles
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) software

Skill In:

• Leadership and guiding the work of others
• Coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands, and reviewing work performed
• Providing project management, organization and logistics coordination
• Authoring and editing complex reports and documents
• Facilitating group discussions and building consensus
• Monitoring compliance with applicable plans, standards, regulations, and contracts
• Monitoring progress in the construction process

Ability To:

• Coordinate and oversee project planning and the design process
• Review project proposals and technical documents provided by design and construction consultants
• Develop plans and specifications including layout, grading, drainage, planting plans and associated details
• Preparing written specifications and design manuals for review by contractors for a wide variety of project disciplines
• Analyze site data for distillation into the design process

ADA and Other Requirements:

Work Environment and Physical Effort:

Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Work Environment:

Work is typically performed in an office or similar indoor environment. Employees may occasionally work in an outdoor environment, street environment (near moving traffic), construction site, or in a vehicle.

Working Exposures:

Employees may occasionally be exposed to extreme heat (above 100 degrees) or extreme cold (below 32 degrees).

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.