What are the responsibilities and job description for the Landscape Architect position at City of Tucson?
JOB
The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department seeks a Landscape Architect to join our customer-centric culture providing strategic, timely, quality planning and development services to an engaged public. Promoting safety, economic vitality and adaptability to a growing community is what drives our department. We are seeking an experienced, motivated, highly qualified, and creative professional whose strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with the public will support the community’s goals.
There is an immediate opening in the Department’s Site Review Section, which includes zoning, landscape, civil engineering, and inspections professionals. The Landscape Architect will work in collaboration with other staff to review and advise on all new site development which occurs in the City of Tucson, totaling approximately 350 projects a year. The Landscape Architect will assist the public, development community, and City staff in devising workable solutions for plans related to landscape, native plants, grading/drainage, and water harvesting on all development projects to ensure environmental protection, community health, sustainability, and good design practices.
This position is primarily focused on development review and policy development and does not entail design work.
This position is eligible for alternative work schedules and remote or hybrid work depending on Department needs.
ABOUT TUCSON
Tucson has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its lively arts scene, unsurpassed natural beauty, and outdoor lifestyle. Tucson's culture centers around a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American influences. The city is situated in the Sonoran Desert and is surrounded by five mountain ranges. Blessed with the desert natural beauty and an unsurpassed climate of 360 sunny days a year, Tucsonans embrace a rare lifestyle and are committed to preserving that quality of life.
The city is home to the University of Arizona and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Tucson is the seat of Pima County and has a Council-Manager form of government. The Tucson metropolitan area supports almost a million residents. As metropolitan Tucson continues to grow, the challenge of meeting resident expectations also increases.
The City of Tucson is committed to providing quality municipal services which promote a healthy community, offer opportunities for participation and leisure, and enable citizens to prosper at work and at home.
General Description
The Landscape Architect manages the review of private development landscapes through a collaborative approach with the public, development community, and City staff to achieve the best possible results. This position will also supervise inspections staff who will work in the field to inspect landscapes, native plant preservation, and water harvesting design and compliance. This position may also serve as the point of contact for internal and external customers.
Essential Functions
Reviews development plan submittals for compliance with the City’s adopted codes, policies, plans, manuals, and other regulatory documents related to landscape, native plants, grading/drainage, and water harvesting.
Provides and obtains clarifications and detailed information on specific requirements related to development proposals. Interprets guidelines, policies, standards, codes, and specifications.
Provides customer service by responding to information requests, conducting research, providing solutions to problems, and correcting errors.
Performs project management duties which may include but are not limited to assembling of design and bid documentation, tracking budgets, performing quality control and assurance, coordinating with other City departments/contractors. Ensures that all unit work conforms to local, state, and federal governmental regulations, and other applicable rules and requirements.
Provides technical and management advice and serves as subject matter expert on landscape issues to City departments and outside agencies. Conducts neighborhood meetings and workshops, requiring the preparation of staff reports, written materials, and presentations.
Assists in the development of policies and procedures pertaining to the ideal application of landscape regulations in order to further the community’s goals.
Supervises and coordinates the work of at least two fulltime employees and all assigned work in a unit ensuring timely and quality activities to respond to the needs of the city, community, department, and unit.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Education Level & Type: Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience Qualifications: At least 3 years of experience in reviewing, designing, or managing landscape architecture designs or construction projects
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis
Valid Arizona Drivers License
Special Job Requirements
Registered as a Landscape Architect in the State of Arizona.
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the minimum qualifications stated above, the ideal candidate will possess the following:
Supplemental materials are required to be submitted with your application. Without the materials listed below, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not continue in this recruitment process. Please provide:
A chronological resume reflecting relevant work experience and education/training ALONG WITH a cover letter reflecting your background, experience, and interests as it relates to this position.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated on the education and work experience in their employment profile and the responses to their supplemental questions. The highest scoring applicants will then be invited to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process. Instructions will be sent at a later date for a writing sample which will be due before panel interviews are conducted.
Virtual Oral Board Interviews will be held the week of January 14th, 2024.
Veterans, Native American, or Disability preference points will be added to the final score for those that are placed on the Civil Service Employment List. If you qualify for preference points as outlined in the Employment Profile, you must email them to Dmitriy.Adamia@tucsonaz.gov upon being invited to the interview process. The DD 214 must be a copy that indicates characterization of service.
If you are in need of Americans with Disabilities Act-related accommodation during the testing process, please email Dmitriy.Adamia@tucsonaz.gov at least 48 hours prior to the evaluation.
Conclusion
Communications throughout this process will be sent via email exclusively so please ensure your browser accepts emails from jobs@tucsonaz.gov and check your email account regularly; this may include your junk box/spam filter. Failure to respond or follow instructions will result in disqualification.
Pre-Employment Medical Testing Requirements
None
Bulletin Footer
To ensure accurate payroll information for tax purposes, the successful candidate will need to provide their original Social Security Card or original letter from the Social Security Administration with their social security number prior to beginning work with the City of Tucson.
The City of Tucson hires lawful workers only - US citizens or nationals and non-citizens with valid work authorization - without discrimination. Federal immigration laws require all employers to verify both the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In its efforts to meet the law's requirements, the City of Tucson participates in the E-Verify program established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to aid employers in verifying the eligibility of workers.
Retired City of Tucson employees receiving benefits from the Tucson Supplemental Retirement System who are considering reemployment with the City should be aware that pursuant to Section 22-37(g) of the Tucson City Code, retirement benefits shall be suspended during the period of reemployment with the City of Tucson unless you have been separated at least twelve consecutive months before returning to work AND you return to a non-permanent employment classification. Creditable service does not accrue during any reemployment period.
The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department seeks a Landscape Architect to join our customer-centric culture providing strategic, timely, quality planning and development services to an engaged public. Promoting safety, economic vitality and adaptability to a growing community is what drives our department. We are seeking an experienced, motivated, highly qualified, and creative professional whose strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with the public will support the community’s goals.
There is an immediate opening in the Department’s Site Review Section, which includes zoning, landscape, civil engineering, and inspections professionals. The Landscape Architect will work in collaboration with other staff to review and advise on all new site development which occurs in the City of Tucson, totaling approximately 350 projects a year. The Landscape Architect will assist the public, development community, and City staff in devising workable solutions for plans related to landscape, native plants, grading/drainage, and water harvesting on all development projects to ensure environmental protection, community health, sustainability, and good design practices.
This position is primarily focused on development review and policy development and does not entail design work.
This position is eligible for alternative work schedules and remote or hybrid work depending on Department needs.
ABOUT TUCSON
Tucson has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its lively arts scene, unsurpassed natural beauty, and outdoor lifestyle. Tucson's culture centers around a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American influences. The city is situated in the Sonoran Desert and is surrounded by five mountain ranges. Blessed with the desert natural beauty and an unsurpassed climate of 360 sunny days a year, Tucsonans embrace a rare lifestyle and are committed to preserving that quality of life.
The city is home to the University of Arizona and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Tucson is the seat of Pima County and has a Council-Manager form of government. The Tucson metropolitan area supports almost a million residents. As metropolitan Tucson continues to grow, the challenge of meeting resident expectations also increases.
The City of Tucson is committed to providing quality municipal services which promote a healthy community, offer opportunities for participation and leisure, and enable citizens to prosper at work and at home.
General Description
The Landscape Architect manages the review of private development landscapes through a collaborative approach with the public, development community, and City staff to achieve the best possible results. This position will also supervise inspections staff who will work in the field to inspect landscapes, native plant preservation, and water harvesting design and compliance. This position may also serve as the point of contact for internal and external customers.
Essential Functions
Reviews development plan submittals for compliance with the City’s adopted codes, policies, plans, manuals, and other regulatory documents related to landscape, native plants, grading/drainage, and water harvesting.
Provides and obtains clarifications and detailed information on specific requirements related to development proposals. Interprets guidelines, policies, standards, codes, and specifications.
Provides customer service by responding to information requests, conducting research, providing solutions to problems, and correcting errors.
Performs project management duties which may include but are not limited to assembling of design and bid documentation, tracking budgets, performing quality control and assurance, coordinating with other City departments/contractors. Ensures that all unit work conforms to local, state, and federal governmental regulations, and other applicable rules and requirements.
Provides technical and management advice and serves as subject matter expert on landscape issues to City departments and outside agencies. Conducts neighborhood meetings and workshops, requiring the preparation of staff reports, written materials, and presentations.
Assists in the development of policies and procedures pertaining to the ideal application of landscape regulations in order to further the community’s goals.
Supervises and coordinates the work of at least two fulltime employees and all assigned work in a unit ensuring timely and quality activities to respond to the needs of the city, community, department, and unit.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Education Level & Type: Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience Qualifications: At least 3 years of experience in reviewing, designing, or managing landscape architecture designs or construction projects
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis
Valid Arizona Drivers License
Special Job Requirements
Registered as a Landscape Architect in the State of Arizona.
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the minimum qualifications stated above, the ideal candidate will possess the following:
- Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture or closely related field
- Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture or closely related field
- At least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role
- At least 5 years directly relevant professional experience
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- A proven track record of successfully completed projects
Supplemental materials are required to be submitted with your application. Without the materials listed below, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not continue in this recruitment process. Please provide:
A chronological resume reflecting relevant work experience and education/training ALONG WITH a cover letter reflecting your background, experience, and interests as it relates to this position.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated on the education and work experience in their employment profile and the responses to their supplemental questions. The highest scoring applicants will then be invited to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process. Instructions will be sent at a later date for a writing sample which will be due before panel interviews are conducted.
Virtual Oral Board Interviews will be held the week of January 14th, 2024.
- It is important to note that the City of Tucson uses Microsoft Teams for its virtual interviews. Please ensure that you have access to this software application.
- 20% of your rating for education and work experience
- 60% of your oral board interviews
- 20% of resume, cover letter and writing sample
Veterans, Native American, or Disability preference points will be added to the final score for those that are placed on the Civil Service Employment List. If you qualify for preference points as outlined in the Employment Profile, you must email them to Dmitriy.Adamia@tucsonaz.gov upon being invited to the interview process. The DD 214 must be a copy that indicates characterization of service.
If you are in need of Americans with Disabilities Act-related accommodation during the testing process, please email Dmitriy.Adamia@tucsonaz.gov at least 48 hours prior to the evaluation.
Conclusion
Communications throughout this process will be sent via email exclusively so please ensure your browser accepts emails from jobs@tucsonaz.gov and check your email account regularly; this may include your junk box/spam filter. Failure to respond or follow instructions will result in disqualification.
Pre-Employment Medical Testing Requirements
None
Bulletin Footer
To ensure accurate payroll information for tax purposes, the successful candidate will need to provide their original Social Security Card or original letter from the Social Security Administration with their social security number prior to beginning work with the City of Tucson.
The City of Tucson hires lawful workers only - US citizens or nationals and non-citizens with valid work authorization - without discrimination. Federal immigration laws require all employers to verify both the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In its efforts to meet the law's requirements, the City of Tucson participates in the E-Verify program established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to aid employers in verifying the eligibility of workers.
Retired City of Tucson employees receiving benefits from the Tucson Supplemental Retirement System who are considering reemployment with the City should be aware that pursuant to Section 22-37(g) of the Tucson City Code, retirement benefits shall be suspended during the period of reemployment with the City of Tucson unless you have been separated at least twelve consecutive months before returning to work AND you return to a non-permanent employment classification. Creditable service does not accrue during any reemployment period.
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