Landscape Architect 1 or 2

The City of Madison Parks Division seeks qualified candidates for the position of Landscape Architect 1 or 2*. This is professional landscape architectural work performed in the office and/or field in connection with the planning, design, construction, and inspection of parks and related facilities. This position will play a key role in project management and collaborating with community stakeholders projects to ensure equitable investment across the Parks system that promotes accessibility and inclusion for all.

The Landscape Architect series is structured to provide for career progression from Landscape Architect 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 based on increased employee expertise and responsibility, independence of action, complexity of projects, and experience with and knowledge of City parks planning and development, and administrative processes associated with landscape architectural work and public works construction work. In addition, movement to the higher levels requires registration as a Professional Landscape Architect in the State of Wisconsin. Movement to the Landscape Architect 4 classification is not automatic, but is based on the needs of the department.

Landscape Architect 1

This is entry level professional landscape architectural work performed in the office and/or field in connection with the design, construction, and inspection of parks and related facilities. Assignments are received from the Park Planning and Development Manager who defines the scope of the work, reviews work in progress and upon completion. The work is characterized by the application of theoretical professional architectural expertise.

Landscape Architect 2

This is intermediate level professional landscape architectural work performed in the office and/or field in connection with the design, construction, and inspection of parks and related facilities. Assignments are received from the Park Planning and Development Manager who defines the scope of the work, reviews the work in progress and upon completion. The work is characterized by the application of expanded professional architectural expertise encompassing both theoretical concepts and operational considerations gained through directly related experience.

The successful candidate will be placed at the Landscape Architect 1 (starting salary $67,487.84) or Landscape Architect 2 (starting salary $73,199.36) level based upon experience; to be determined at the time of hire depending upon the candidate's relevant work experience and overall qualifications.

Stated salaries are scheduled for a 2% increase effective July 7, 2024.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

The City of Madison is an equal opportunity employer functioning under an affirmative action plan. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply!

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Prepare Annual Capital Budget

• Prepare preliminary budget by compiling budget requests provided by park staff, neighborhood associations, or other City personnel and preparing cost estimates and concise narrative summary for each.
• Meet with staff and Park Commission to evaluate, eliminate, and re-estimate preliminary budget in an attempt to meet predetermined budget goals.
• Complete spreadsheets and other budget summary documents and revisions and updates until approved by the Common Council.

Implement the Annual Capital Improvement Budget

• Prepare plans and specifications, acquire necessary board approvals, and put out for bid through Public Works contract projects as budgeted for in the annual budget. Prepare project and construction cost estimates.
• Prepare permit applications to the DNR or Army Corp of Engineers, and other permits as required for project approval.
• Manage the construction of the projects, i.e., pre-construction meetings, survey and layout, construction inspections, prepare utility as-builts, etc.
• Administer the public works contract for the projects, i.e., approve contractor payment requests, prepare change orders, maintain reports and records in project file, close out contracts, etc.
• Supervise construction and installation of park related projects other than by public works contract, i.e., in-house by Park Division construction crew or by purchase order. Coordinate projects that may include work by City forces and public works contract.
• Perform special landscape architectural studies including construction materials and tests to improve performance and longevity of park development projects.
• Lead major projects involving consultants including reviewing consultant-prepared plans and specifications for compliance with City, State, and Federal regulations, standards, policies, and building codes.
• Coordinate project components and schedules with other departments and agencies.

Perform Park Planning Activities

• Plan, organize, and lead public input and engagement efforts related to projects through various methods.
• Work with neighborhood associations, residents, and staff in developing park development plans for all parklands and/or revisions of existing park development plans.
• Develop park development plan options and facilitate discussions.
• Assist all Park Division personnel and the general public in the interpretation and implementation of the Park and Open Space Plan and other planning documents needed.
• Prepare presentation drawings and exhibits as required for approvals by boards/commissions/committees or for public meetings, as needed.
• Assist in updating the Park and Open Space Plan and the City Planning area plans for the park system.

Perform Other Park Division-related Projects

• Assist in Development Review process, including collecting and verifying impact fees, completing proper documentation and removing parcel hold.
• Assist with Digger’s Hotline locations and ticket reading; assist in updating Parks Division utility and system mapping.
• Organize and/or attend various neighborhood or City-related meetings as required.
• Consult with other City departments/divisions on projects that affect or impact the Parks Division.
• Identifying and resolving encroachment issues in the parks under the guidance of the Parks Management Team.
• Write memos and associated correspondence to the City Council, alder persons, contractors, public and private officials as required, relating to Park Division projects and procedures.
• Prepare grant applications where applicable in an attempt to secure alternative funding sources for Park Division projects.  Includes presenting plans and specifications to funding source boards for approval.
• Respond to phone calls from public, Council, vendors, and contractors with concerns or comments on Park projects, uses, history, inventory or budget.
• Serve as department, division or City representative on committees in advisory capacity.
• Research new products and procedures for park use, construction, etc.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly and annual reports for publication.
• Chair or participate in staff teams related to design of parks or park/site amenities or features/improvements.
• Research trends in recreation and neighborhood composition (demographics) for master plan and Park and Open Space review.
• Provide staff support to the Park Commission and various committees and sub-committees

 
Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture or a closely related field.

-OR-

• Two (2) years of experience in applying the following:
  • Principles, theories, and practices of landscape architecture, particularly as they relate to the planning, design, and coordination of parks public works construction projects.
  • Methods and techniques associated with the construction and inspection of public works projects.
  • Computer software applicable to the duties of the position; AND
• Familiarity with the following:
  • Procedural aspects of the City's contracting and capital budgeting processes.
  • Application of landscape architectural theories.
  • Conducting basic land surveys and establish design parameters.
  • Performing computer-aided design and spreadsheet analysis.

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities.

For a complete list of the knowledge, skills and abilities, please view the class specifications for Landscape Architect 1 and Landscape Architect 2.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver's license.

Must have knowledge of CADD design (Microstation or Autodesk), Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Arc GIS, etc.

The employee will be expected to attend meetings and provide presentations outside the normal work schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Eligibility for hire as a Landscape Architect 2 requires registration as a Professional Landscape Architect with the State of Wisconsin by the start of employment and at least one year of experience equivalent to that gained as a Landscape Architect 1 with the City of Madison.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires some work outdoors in all types of weather. The employee will be expected to physically visit construction sites and must be able to physically inspect the work at the site.

*Payroll title for this position will be either Landscape Architect 1 or Landscape Architect 2.