Landscape Architect III

The employee in this class oversees and participates in landscape architecture activities for municipal Parks and Recreation properties and facilities. Tasks are of considerable difficulty and include monitoring park and recreation facility construction projects, preparing park master plans, site development, landscape designs, plans and specifications. Duties are performed under general supervision requiring the exercise of considerable initiative, problem solving skills and independent judgement. Work is performed independently and reviewed through conferences, reports and results obtained.

Project design, coordination and management of a variety of projects that include capital improvement  and environmental restoration projects from inception through final construction administration and completion to the fulfillment of ongoing owner department stewardship strategies.

Participates in park master planning and in the preparation of site development and other landscape architectural designs, plans and specifications (or consultant oversight) for construction, rehabilitation and improvement of parks and recreation facilities, parkways and other municipal property, planning and integrating irrigation, lighting, and security systems. 

Coordinates landscape architecture activities with personnel in other parks and recreation division, city departments and government agencies; provides improvement plans for review by grounds maintenance, programming and irrigation personnel; discusses maintenance implications, plan feasibility and other matters with appropriate personnel; revises or supervises the revision of plans as needed.

Preparation of construction documentation for complex projects that require coordination with other city departments, county personnel, state divisions, regulatory agencies, civic associations, etc. These projects require proper management to obtain all approvals regarding the development and review of legal agreements, Council resolutions, memorandums of understanding, and permit requirements.

Administers and participates in the preparation of bidding and specifications for park improvement and roadway beautification projects which are to be constructed by independent contractors; prepares cost estimates for proposed projects; reviews and evaluates project bids.

Oversees park/roadway improvement and landscape/irrigation installation activities on projects being completed by contractors and their work for conformance to plans and specifications.

Represents department and city in public meetings and charrettes; in meetings with other department directors and staff, civic association meetings, focus groups, etc. Reports and coordinates closely with managers, superintendents, and Director, as well as staff on all levels. Sets up and runs public meetings and charrettes to receive input into project scope and design.

Considerable knowledge of: the principles, practices and methods of landscape architecture; landscape design and irrigation system layout and design. Proficient in use of AutoCAD for drawing production.

Working knowledge of: plant materials and landscape design problems pertinent to Florida, parks and recreation facility use and design criteria, hardscape, grading, irrigation and construction inspective practices and methods.

Ability to: manage a project through planning, design, and implementation phases; plan, design and layout landscape, irrigation and hardscape details; oversee and inspect work of independent contractors; organize and run a public meeting; establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, contractors, consultants and others; present a professional demeanor when working with the public and other agencies.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or ornamental horticulture and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in landscape architecture; or associate’s degree in landscape architecture or ornamental horticulture and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in landscape architecture.

Registration in the State of Florida as a Landscape Architect; or, registration from another State with the ability to obtain Florida registration within six (6) months of appointment.

 

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license required.

 

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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