CHIEF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Code: 01150 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation, supervises and coordinates activities of a unit engaged in planning and designing park grounds and facilities; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Reviews, prepares, and updates parks and recreation master plans, open space plans, trail master plans, and so forth in accord with established municipal guidelines, and federal and state requirements.
• Prepares federal and state financial grant applications to request funding for municipal parks and recreation facilities; monitors the progress and status of grant applications.
• Prepares Requests For Proposals (RFPs) for parks and public beautification projects.
• Reviews and evaluates proposals and makes recommendations on consultant selection.
• Prepares grading plans, cross sections, elevations, and construction details for developing park and recreational facilities.
• Prepares plans, specifications, and cost estimates on bid projects; reviews bid submissions, and provides advice and assistance in bidder selection.
• Reviews and inspects progress of construction projects to ensure adherence to specifications and contract terms.
• Prepares plans and cost estimates for parks and facilities seeking open space program funding.
• Reviews residential, commercial, or industrial landscape plans; provides technical assistance, and makes recommendations for changes as required.
• Prepares plans for golf courses including layout, greens and tees reconstruction, utilities, and planting.
• Designs and coordinates tree planting and replacement programs throughout the municipality.
• Prepares architectural and environmental details for historical restoration of structures and sites.
• Coordinates, reviews, revises, and approves plans and specifications submitted by consultants for park and recreational facilities from initiation to completion of construction documents.
• Reviews and authorizes payments for services rendered.
• Prepares detailed site plans, sketches, specifications, and cost estimates for municipal park design and rehabilitation, and other municipal park improvements; provides technical advice and assistance in the interpretation and execution of these plans.
• Inventories and assesses the condition of park/facilities equipment; makes recommendations for replacement or removal.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports on park, recreational, and open space environmental matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Assigns works, establishes work priorities, and supervises and approves performance of planning, design, and graphic arts professionals.
• Prepares annual department budget, and periodically reviews and updates expenditures; prepares capital development budget for funding applications.
• Establishes and maintains records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, Environmental Design, Architecture, or other related field.

Experience

Four (4) years of work experience in the design and use planning of park facilities and grounds or in a related field, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

License

Appointees must possess a license as a Landscape Architect issued by the New Jersey State Board of Architects.

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of landscape architecture and engineering principles.
• Knowledge of methods and theories on which park and recreational facilities are planned, designed, and constructed.
• Knowledge of informational sources from which to keep abreast of current professional methods and innovations.
• Knowledge of the types of plant materials, hardware, drainage, and erosion control methods utilized on related projects.
• Knowledge of architectural and engineering details.
• Ability to work harmoniously with civic and private individuals, organizations, and contractors on projects.
• Ability to analyze problems involved in landscape, architectural, and engineering projects.
• Ability to organize design and graphic projects, establish priorities, and delegate assignments accordingly.
• Ability to prepare federal and state financial grant applications, RFPs, and other project documents.
• Ability to review and analyze plans and specifications, and to make recommendations for changes and improvements.
• Ability to assign, instruct, and supervise work of subordinates.
• Ability to prepare site plans, sketches, specifications, and cost estimates on landscape architecture construction projects.
• Ability to oversee the inventory and maintenance of instruments, materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain detailed project records and documents, and to establish and maintain records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

A Master's degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of nonsupervisory experience.