Senior Landscape Architect (Open to current City of Victoria employees only)

Job Description

Senior Landscape Architect

Competition Number: 25/05

Posting Scope: Internal (Open to current City of Victoria employees only)

Posted Date: January 21, 2025

Closing Date: January 28, 2025, 4:30 PM PST

Department: Parks, Recreation & Facilities

Posting Type: Temporary – up to 12 months

Work schedule: Monday to Friday ( 35 hour work week)

Salary: $ 61.37 per hour, Pay Grade 19

Job Code: 4443

Employee Group: This is a CUPE Local 50 position

Number of Vacancies: 1

WORK FROM HOME

The successful candidate for this posting may be eligible for participation in a hybrid, work from home arrangement in alignment with the City’s Work from Home Policy. Such arrangements are determined with each employee and subject to change based on operational needs and policy direction.

POSITION FUNCTION

This position develops, coordinates, and executes capital work plans and major projects including new park developments, park redevelopments, and the park master plan that guide the development and delivery of the City’s parks, recreation and natural systems.

Reporting to the Manager of Park Design and Development, this position works closely with various Park and Recreation staff and cross-departmentally on capital initiatives. Work involves overseeing the procurement of consultants and contractors, park planning and design, community engagement, working with City committees, City Council, the development community, partners, stakeholders and community members.

KEY DUTIES

• Serve as a project manager on complex projects including developing project scope, terms of reference, and requests for proposals. Select and oversee the work of consultant teams and develop, manage and administer project budgets.
• Lead the planning, design and implementation of a variety of assigned park project initiatives, and park capital infrastructure renewal and development projects.
• Lead the development and implementation of park management plans.
• Plan and conduct public and stakeholder consultations and answer public inquiries related to projects.
• Represent the department at meetings, providing presentations and advice to Council, neighbourhood groups, and various committees.
• Lead and coordinate internal project teams.
• Provide instruction and technical supervision to staff and contractors on park projects.
• Perform technical park design work including information collection, data analysis, report preparation, preparing conceptual and detailed technical drawings and specifications. Perform computer-based design and drafting tasks using AutoCAD, graphic design, project management, and other software.
• Assist the Manager of Park Design & Development with external park initiatives, including liaising with municipal planning staff on development proposals, assessing park and greenway acquisition proposals, assessing third-party park improvement proposals, and undertaking site planning and design initiatives.
• Lead community consultation initiatives, respond to public inquiries, and host community open houses.
• Prepare grant and funding proposals, negotiate professional service agreements, and assist in the development of park policies, strategies, and bylaws.
• Prepare reports for Council, including sensitive, confidential or complex documents, and attend meetings to present and answer questions.
• Coordinate project communication materials internally and externally.
• Conduct and manage park construction project records (oversight function).
• Perform related duties where qualified.

INDEPENDENCE

• Work is governed by broad guidelines requiring considerable judgement and initiative to interpret policy in planning and implementing major projects and work assignments.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Effort: Normal.

Mental Effort: Periods of intense concentration while preparing reports and recommendations. (often) Meet multiple deadlines. (often)

Visual/Auditory Effort: Focus on a variety of source data and detailed drawings for short periods. (often)

Work Environment: Office. (often) Presence on work site. (occasional)

KEY SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• In depth knowledge of park planning, landscape architecture and design, policy development, arboriculture, urban design, and municipal parks and recreation trends.
• Understand municipal planning and development processes, capital project approval processes, and environmental planning and urban sustainability initiatives including best management practices, policies and legislation.
• Expertise in landscape construction methods, materials, tools and equipment including but not limited to soils and growing mediums, the planting of trees, shrubs and groundcovers, irrigation systems, site utilities, carpentry, pavements, retaining walls, landscape structures, fencing and utilities.
• Expertise in construction tendering, contracts, and contract administration for landscape construction and park development. Ability to achieve multiple objectives within defined timelines, work on complex projects, budgets and manage consultant and contractor teams effectively.
• Strong communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to develop and manage capital programs, project plans, schedules and budgets, and track financial information.
• Ability to perform complex technical research and prepare reports independently.
• Proficient in preparing visual concept plans, presentation materials and software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, AutoCAD, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Sketch Up.
• Ability to work safely on job sites.

QUALIFICATIONS

Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification:

University degree in Landscape Architecture or a related field. (4 years)

Membership in the British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects (BCSLA); or eligible for and able to obtain membership within six months of assuming the position

Experience:

Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in park planning, design and construction; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supervisory experience and experience leading and working with interdisciplinary project teams.

Experience evaluating proposals, communicating complex ideas, and making sound recommendations.

Experience in overseeing and directing the work of construction contractors and negotiating change orders.

Experience overseeing park and landscape protection measures during construction including tree protection, soil, storm water management, archaeological resources, and utility coordination.

Experience supervising staff.

OTHER:

May be requested to substitute in a more senior position.

To apply for this opportunity, you will need to create an online profile or log back into our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submissions will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications as outlined in your resume.

The City of Victoria is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces, and services. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve and aim to become. Individuals who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or facing any additional barriers are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be available upon request throughout the application and selection process.

If you require assistance, please email us at careers@victoria.ca.