CHIEF OF LAND ACQUISITION AND DESIGN

Code: 05331 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, supervises, coordinates, plans, and administers the activities of a unit engaged in the negotiation and acquisition of land for park development and recreational purposes and in the preparation of plans, studies, and designs for the development and improvement of parks, recreational areas, and facilities; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does related duties as required.

Examples of work

Supervises the preparation of plans, studies, graphic and printed material, and designs for the development and improvement of parks, recreation areas, and facilities. Supervises the development and maintenance of the park systems capital development program and ensures that accurate, clear, sound, and informative reports are maintained and prepared. Administers and coordinates the park land acquisition program, which includes site location, feasibility studies, master plan designs, cost analysis, budgeting, surveying, property appraisal, negotiating and related legal matters, and conducting field surveys. Assists and confers with local community groups and other public and/or private agencies interested in open space preservation and in the preparation of grant applications to obtain state and federal funds. Reviews local land acquisition preservation and design projects as to their feasibility and scope. Develops and analyzes open space needs and requirements, analyzes resources, rules, and regulations of federal and state agencies regarding land use limitations. Devises the framework for federal and state aid programs for park land acquisition and development to funnel federal and state monies into different regions. Supervises the preparation of detailed design plans, site development studies, and landscape plans; ensures proper design is used in planting trees and shrubbery in parks, taking into consideration sizes, planting specifications, and cost estimates. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Assigns work to employees, establishes project priorities, and makes final inspection and approval of the overall work of the unit. Maintains and updates proper cost accounting records and files for all capital acquisition and development projects. Assists in preparing the budget, staff planning and utilization, maintenance projects, and maintenance planning and scheduling, including the periodic review and the updating of expenditures. Conducts training of assigned employees to broaden their skills. Administers and/or prepares the open space master plans and studies and coordinates work activities with concerned parties, departments, etc. Prepares applications and administers all matters related to receiving federal and state aid grants. Maintains records of personnel, equipment, material, work completed, and time spent on various activities. Reviews and updates necessary files, maps, surveys, designs, and reference materials through field inspections, photographs, and site evaluations. Develops promotional material such as brochures, flyers, banners, posters, and newsletters containing information about the park system. Will be required to learn how 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 business, real estate, environmental law, civil engineering, forestry, landscape architecture, parks and recreation management, parks and recreation administration, or horticulture.

Experience

Four (4) years of professional experience in the planning, design, and development of public parks or public recreation areas, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

License

Appointees 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 principles, methods, and ideas on which park and recreational facilities are planned, designed, and constructed. Knowledge of real estate and property values and of the procedures and techniques used in their appraisal, and in determination of the price to be paid for acquisition. Knowledge of the methods and procedures involved in obtaining federal and state aid. Knowledge of the various types of trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and their care and maintenance, and of the design of plans to be used in their planting. Knowledge of the types of plant materials, drainage, and erosion control methods. Knowledge of legal terms and concepts prevailing real estate law, including the law of Eminent Domain, and their application to the work of the park system. Ability to analyze and interpret the varied problems involved in the purchase of property. Ability to analyze all problems involved in park and landscape design and development. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with landowners and their attorneys, state and federal officials, the representatives of business and civic organizations, and with the public interested in or concerned with park land acquisition. Ability to organize all design and graphic projects, establish priorities, and assign work accordingly. Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit. Ability to prepare statistical, financial, and other reports containing conclusions and recommendations. Ability to keep detailed records of all planning, design, construction, and graphic projects and related correspondence. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording 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 if 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. Possession of a master's degree in business, real estate, environmental law, civil engineering, forestry, landscape architecture, or parks and recreation management, parks and recreation administration, or horticulture may be substituted for one (1) year of the above experience.