Landscape Architect Senior

Job Description:

ESSENTIALDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads as project manager working with project staff design consultants and contractors to coordinate and support planning design and construction activities including the following:

• Plans develops and recommends programs objectives strategies and budgets for assigned design programs and/or projects where success or failure can affect general activities public concern or the work of other staff within and outside the department.

• Recommends design program priorities creating interdivisional teams and representing the department regionally statewide and nationally on matter pertaining to design. The position will require evaluation of design standards processes and methods with recommendations for innovative and improved approaches.

• Manage projects related to landscape architectural design concept planning design development construction administration; coordinates with project staff to assure timely completion.

• Work collaboratively with other staff elected officials both within and outside this agency and the general public on a variety of project types.

• Coordinate with regional partners on planning and design working with local city departments regional and state agencies.

• Display expert knowledge and develop process for land use and permitting program to fully understand implications and needs to efficiently execute planning design and construction services.

• Develop and oversee programs covering design guidelines standards facility investment and cost estimating for recreation areas and facilities. This will need to be regularly updated with reporting out on the condition of system infrastructure and facilities

• Develop and coordinate visitor experience assessments to fully understand needs and make connections to facility requirements for recreation areas facilities trails and natural areas.

• Prepares work programs for consultant contracts and manages consultant contracts. Develops and manages contracts proposals for consultant work bid formulations and selection.

• Develops design recommendations based on technical analysis; develops cost/benefits analysis.

Administers design and specifications related to construction contracts including the following:

• Leads as project manager in administering site plans and specifications contracts for thoroughness and appropriateness and compliance with county and city standards codes and procurement specifications.

• Drafts specification language as needed to integrate technical specifications with city procurement bid document format.

• Assembles and develops scope of work and contract specifications for projects as required.

• Assists with schedules and documents prebid meetings for contractors interested in bidding city projects.

• Attends bid openings associated with assigned project.

• Assist with award of contracts based on outcome of bid process and reference reviews.

• Develops design recommendations and constriction drawings based on technical analysis; develops cost/benefits analysis including longterm life cycle costs

Represents the Parks and Recreation Department through participation in citywide and regional planning activities including the following:

• Reviews urban development proposals and provides departmental comments through the Development Review Committee (DRC) process. Research background information pertaining to projects under review. Works with other city staff to reach a unified position with regard to proposals. Negotiates with applicants to make needed changes in proposals.

• Contribute in efforts associated with major revisions of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP). Revised and updates language in the plan relating to the Parks and Recreation Department policies and services.

Represents the city at public meetings citizen advisory board administrative hearings City Council meetings and other governmental agency meetings. This includes the following:

• Provides general information and technical assistance to public officials the general public and city staff.

• Provides information in support of the development of the departmental Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget.

• Provides planning data as part of the analysis of proposed sales tax increases or requests for bonding authority to be placed before the voters by the department.

• May serve as liaison to other public agencies on cooperative projects.

Continuously updates job knowledge and technical skills related to park and recreation planning design and construction methods as well as recreation activities and community/visitor experience

• Understand how to apply equity to all aspects of the work including recreation activities and community/visitor experience.

• Provide technical expertise on creating accessible and welcoming space for all including current ADA standards.

• Incorporate resilience sustainability and climate change into all aspects pf planning design and construction.

Stay up to date on construction materials and methods city policies city zoning and land use regulations city design criteria and other City regulations. Remains current on federal and state regulations and their impact on department policy and programs.

• Remains current on federal and state regulations local ordinances and administrative rules and their impact on department policy and programs.

• Provides park planning technical advice assistance to parks maintenance and recreation staff or other city staff.

• Develops monitors and implements proper health and safety procedures related to design and construction of park and recreation facilities. Takes proper safety precautions anticipates unsafe circumstances and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self others materials and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment.

• Assists with search for grants and application process; manages and oversees grants as needed.

• Seeks opportunities for professional development attends and presents at conferences and other venues to advance the profession.

• Maintains and promote city values in all conduct.

• Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the City.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Skills in CAD and/or GIS

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience working within a complicated public process including negotiation and consensusbuilding skills.

• Knowledge of park design and construction principles.

• architecture in the state of Colorado.

• Skills at a strong level in word processing and graphic including knowledge of Adobe Suite and 3D graphics programs.

• Skills in interpersonal relations including tact and courtesy in difficult situations and demonstrated ability to mediate conflicts among interest groups.

• Skills in written verbal and graphic communication including the ability to prepare clear and concise written correspondence reports and recommendations and to make public presentations.

• Valid drivers license and ability to maintain acceptable motor vehicle record.

• Have and maintain acceptable background information including criminal conviction record..

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture Planning or Architecture from an accredited university or closely related field.

• More than seven years experience in design and project management of park and recreation facility design and development including construction of large and complex projects.

• Experience and specific knowledge with the emerging practices of placemaking as described by the Project for Public Spaces.

• LEED TM accredited professional.

• Experience with partnerships between public and private agencies and managing complex community engagement projects.

• Experience in park planning design and construction in communities with urban/wildland interface areas.

• Experience in designing park and recreation facilities with wildlife considerations.

• Experience with equity accessibility climate sustainability and resilience as well as resource conservation practices (water and energy) in urban park design and construction.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited university or a Bachelors degree in a closely related field. Eight 8 years of related experience may substitute for the education requirement.

• A minimum of four 4 years experience in design and project management (minimum of two years in a public agency) including design and construction of park and recreation facilities.

• Must be licensed landscape architect or equivalent or able to gain license within 3 years to practice landscapearchitecture in the state of Colorado.

Supervision received: Planning Senior Manager

Supervision exercised: Landscape Architect City Planner Recreation Program Coordinator Construction Lead Technician Construction Technician III

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Physical and Mental Effort: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to review evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials. Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to work in an office setting perform moderately strenuous physical activity in an outdoor environment; physical ability to stand walk climb and kneel on varied terrain. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor and/ or operating a keyboard. Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines public contact and changing priorities and conditions.

• Work Environment: Works in both a clean comfortable environment and in an outdoor environment in variable weather conditions. Occasional exposure to noise adverse weather conditions and machinery/ equipment hazards. Works in a setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.

• Machines and equipment used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers telephones calculators and copy/fax machines digital camera.

Additional Job Description:

Last Updated: April 2025

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race national origin gender gender identity sexual orientation protected veteran status disability age or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation please send a request to