City and County of San Francisco

Under general administrative direction, leads and facilitates professional landscape architectural work in connection with the design, construction, maintenance and conversion of public landscapes.

In conjunction with managing and performing the technical aspects of projects summarized above, the 5274 Landscape Architect provides comprehensive project planning and coordination services, including maintaining client relationships, support of contract negotiation and administration, public and user group presentations, and maintenance of budgets and schedules for the assigned projects. The Landscape Architect also participates in the professional development of support personnel.

Positions in class 5274 Landscape Architect are distinguished from those in class 5211 Senior Landscape Architect in that the latter class has major responsibility over a large group of support personnel and/or multiple projects of advanced complexity, whereas positions in class 5274 Landscape Architect are normally responsible for moderately complex projects, and/or a moderately sized group of support personnel.

Supervises subordinate staff.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Supervises and participates in the preparation of complex and difficult conceptual, schematic and detailed design through final landscape architectural contract documents, bidding and supplemental documents, preliminary and final construction cost estimates, project schedules and budgets for a wide variety of construction and maintenance projects.

2. Prepares and facilitates communication between disciplines, clients, agencies, consultants and contractors. Prepares and conducts presentations to clients, public interest groups and commissions.

3. Participates in the preparation of Proposals for Services and agreements with clients and consulting architects and engineers. Supervises the expenditure of the project budget.

4. Participates in the leadership of the department, division and section (or workgroup where assigned) and in the supervision, training and mentoring of support personnel and establishing goals for annual work plans and professional development.

5. Participates and supervises the preparation of project programming, cost estimates and summaries of the size and scope of projects and contracts. Researches, analyzes and interprets regulatory requirements; facilitates project approvals and permits from regulatory agencies.

6. Coordinates the preparation of environmental impact statements and feasibility studies and reports for landscape architectural projects.

7. Researches and analyzes project data; selects and specifies landscape furnishings, systems, materials and finishes.

8. Plans, distributes and coordinates work by staff. Coordinates the work of multiple design and engineering disciplines. Checks drawings and specifications prepared by staff, consulting architects and engineers for conformance with prescribed federal, state, city and county standards, including project design criteria and codes.

9. Examines, analyzes and makes recommendations on submitted construction bids and consultant qualifications and proposals; reviews and analyzes contract modifications and makes recommendations accordingly.

10. Reviews and checks contractors’ correspondence, reports, change order requests, payment requests and submittals including shop drawings, material samples and substitutions and ensure contract compliance and conformity with the design intent.

11. Coordinates with contractors, construction managers, inspectors, project managers, and code officials; conducts field observation of work in progress to ensure contract compliance.

Knowledge of: Landscape architectural theory, practice and procedures; construction methods and materials and their application to landscape architectural and design phases of construction projects; the laws, ordinances and regulations applicable to construction projects.

Ability and Skill to: Initiate, plan, organize and supervise the work of support personnel; prepare technical and professional reports, communicate, coordinate and work effectively with client representatives for City departments, commissions, public interest groups or other project stakeholders, regulatory agencies, professional engineers, architects, contractors and other professional groups; requires a high degree of analytical ability and professional judgment; prepare complete landscape architectural plans, specifications and presentations; use electronic architectural drafting and/or 3D modeling and/or graphic design software.

Requires completion of a four-year college or university with a baccalaureate degree, with major course works in landscape architecture. Requires two years of progressively responsible experience in landscape architectural work preferably including experience in major diversified parks or similar facilities; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Experience:

Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in the landscape architectural field, including landscape architectural design, landscape architectural detailing, construction documents, programming, cost budgeting, specification coordination and review, and construction administration. This experience must include two (2) years serving as a project lead/job captain, 2 years serving as a supervisor, and two (2) years of experience as a licensed landscape architect in the State of California.

License and Certification:

Possession of a valid license to practice landscape architecture in the State of California issued by the California Architects Board, Landscape Architects Technical Committee.

Possession of a valid California driver license.

Substitution:

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Special Requirements: Proficiency in computer-aided drafting (CAD).

PROMOTIVE LINES:

To: 5211 Senior Landscape Architect
From: 5272 Landscape Architectural Associate II

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.