Landscape Architect

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Conducts landscape architectural and engineering work in the study, design and preparation of preliminary and final working drawings and plans for the development and rehabilitation of new or existing beach and park areas, medians and other City owned facilities; works with the community and other appropriate agencies and individuals in the design and development of projects.
• Produces construction documents for landscape capital improvement projects; prepares plans and specifications for buildings and facilities, site planning, planting, grading, drainage, structural details, irrigation, plumbing, electrical and lighting systems and related landscaping requirements; prepares cost estimates for projects; assists in budget preparation and administration.
• Performs plan checks; coordinates, supervises and inspects construction; participates in or conducts negotiations with outside contractors, vendors or other professional service providers.
• Supervises and coordinates outside consultants (i.e. engineers, architects, landscape architects, etc.).
• Confers with professional service providers, suppliers, contractors, vendors and others in the coordination of plans, acquisition of materials, and estimation of costs.
• Attends community and citizen meetings; responds to questions and concerns from the general public; provides information as is appropriate and resolves complaints.
• Participates in long- and short-range planning efforts and studies and manages milestones on capital improvement projects. 
• Reviews and conducts analyses of construction bids and contracts. 
• Prepares or directs the preparation of pre-construction meeting agendas and conducts pre-construction meetings. 
• Acts as project manager for assigned projects from conception through implementation; may lead multi-discipline teams from design through construction. 
• Directs the investigation, troubleshooting, and resolution of construction-related issues; negotiates and approves change orders; directs the issuance of Notices to Proceed and filing of Notices of Completion. 
• Manages and coordinates project budgets and reviews the work of professional and technical consultants. 
• Makes presentations to elected officials, community groups, and the public on projects; prepares and presents City Council agenda items. 
• Reviews and approves project schedules, coordinates reporting systems and administrative procedures, prepares cost and scheduling analysis reports for multiple projects. 
• Trains, evaluates, and directs professional and support staff. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Principles, methods and techniques of landscape architecture including design, construction and maintenance; applicable landscape design standards.
• Proper application of plant materials, natural features, and construction in a variety of public grounds situations.
• Horticultural requirements, irrigation systems, soil care and maintenance, plant disease and pest control.
• Project management, analytical processes, and report preparation techniques.
• Basic principles and practices of landscape development and rehabilitation projects related functions, such as, but not limited to, purchasing, personnel, risk management, finance, budgeting, and other related project management functions.
• Basic principles and practices of public agency budget development and administration and sound financial management policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Prepare highly detailed landscape and building plans, profiles, sketches, and specifications.
• Design projects to fit space limitations, City requirements, community recreation needs and available budget.
• Operate standard professional equipment, including manual and automated drafting tools.
• Manage complex landscape improvement projects, analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the assigned projects.
• Coordinate and oversee project administrative, budgeting, and fiscal reporting activities. 
• Develop and administer contracts for professional services and construction in a public agency setting.
• Perform responsible and difficult administrative work involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Plan, organize, and carry out assignments from management staff with minimal direction.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or a related field, and four (4) years of responsible landscape design or project coordination experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.
• Possession of a valid Registration as a Landscape Architect issued by the State of California Architects Board. 
• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.  This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas to conduct inspections may be required.   Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes.  Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

All City of Tracy employees are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers.  The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code.  In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the City may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property.  Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency.  If a “Local Emergency” is declared during the employee’s shift, employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community.  If a “Local Emergency” is declared outside of the employee’s shift, employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.