Senior Landscape Architect

About the role

Waukesha County’s Department of Parks and Land Use is seeking a Senior Landscape Architect to join its Design and Development Team. This position performs high-level project management for the planning, design, and construction of park system land, facility, and building development projects. The role offers the opportunity to work on a collaborative team delivering outstanding customer experiences while protecting natural resources and tackling unique challenges.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site studies and prepare reports related to park site acquisition, maintenance, and development.
• Develop preliminary project plans, cost estimates, and justification statements for operation and capital budgets.
• Prepare complete plans and specifications for construction projects including park structures, roads, parking lots, picnic areas, recreational centers, and plantings.
• Create site plans, specifications, RFPs, bid documents, cost estimates, purchase orders, contracts, and funding applications for approved park projects.
• Prepare applications and reimbursement claims for state and federal funded programs.
• Develop construction drawings showing alignment, gradient, profile, cross sections, and landscape relationships.
• Perform field work including site investigation, field surveys, and project layout.
• Prepare maps, drawings, and reports for land acquisitions, development, and maintenance; conduct land use analysis studies.
• Manage and coordinate park development projects.
• Prepare studies and reports for presentations to county and public committees and groups.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, organizations, and the public.

Essential Knowledge and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of landscape architecture theories, principles, and practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of landscape design principles, methods, and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of construction principles, practices, methods, and materials.
• Considerable knowledge of contract administration and project management.
• Working knowledge of plant material, plant design, and ground cover.
• Working knowledge of GIS, CAD, and department software; proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Some knowledge of city and regional planning principles and methods.
• Ability to visualize and execute complex landscape projects from inception through design, construction, and completion.
• Ability to manage and coordinate park development projects.
• Ability to prepare and write specifications for contracts.
• Ability to prepare professional maps, plans, drawings, and charts for presentations.
• Ability to independently conduct field studies and surveys.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to interact with sensitivity across cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and with persons of all ages and lifestyles.

Training and Experience

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, civil engineering, architecture, construction management, or a closely related field.
• Three years of responsible work experience in landscape architecture, civil engineering, architecture, or construction management.
• Licensed in Wisconsin as a Landscape Architect, Professional Engineer, or Architect preferred.