Landscape Designer

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Street Activities branch plays a leading role in implementing public space improvements throughout the city. Working in a small team of planners, engineers and landscape design professionals, the Landscape Designer supports the plaza and parklet projects. The Landscape Designer is responsible for the preparation and coordination of conceptual landscape and public realm plans, detailed designs, graphic material, and public engagement materials.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides support to the administration and design of public realm and landscaping of transportation infrastructure and greenways, including preparing plans and graphic materials using AutoCAD, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Sketchup.
• Develops conceptual landscape plans and detailed designs, writes reports, letters, and memos, including assisting in writing Council reports.
• Makes recommendations on materials to be used in landscaping projects and prepares specifications.
• Actively participates in evening meetings, discussing proposals in a public forum and responding to enquiries concerning projects.
• Prepares and analyzes public surveys.
• Conducts routine clerical duties, filing, and maintenance of data files, and assists the Engineer or Landscape Architect as required.
• Prepares field reports, design briefs, and other documentation to help the department reach its Organizational Quality Management goals.
• Performs site visits for progress and deficiency checks.
• Participates in design group strategic planning and decision making.
• Works collaboratively with Planning, Transportation, and Park Board to review proposals for plaza, parklets, and other public realm projects involving landscape plans and specifications.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience:

A diploma from an Institute of Technology in Landscape Horticulture or a related discipline plus sound related experience, or a University degree in Landscape Architecture plus some related experience is preferred; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of landscape and urban design principles, methods, and practices.
• Sound knowledge of horticultural practices and planting design principles and materials.
• Good knowledge of landscape construction methods and materials.
• Working knowledge of public process, communications, drafting, computer rendering methods, and practices.
• Ability to effectively use AutoCAD, InDesign, Illustrator, and Word software applications.
• Ability to estimate time and material requirements, costs, and prepare specifications covering design work.
• Ability to work independently and to function effectively in a team environment, determine priorities, work on several projects at once, and meet prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to deal tactfully with staff and the public on the phone and in a public forum.
• Experience with other graphic software applications would be considered an asset.
• Driver's License for the Province of British Columbia.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time, this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department:

Engineering Services (1300)

Affiliation:

CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type:

Temporary Full Time

Position Start Date:

February, 2025

Position End Date:

April, 2026

Salary Information:

Pay Grade GR-024: $42.04 to $49.65 per hour

Application Close:

January 26, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.