Job Description

PRINCIPAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

JOB CODE 23250

Effective Date:	12/95A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to direct and coordinate the landscape design and/or construction of municipal projects of considerable difficulty. Assignments include supervising of Landscape Architects and paraprofessional employees and collaborating with other City departments, governmental agencies, and citizen groups on landscape projects. The need for unusual tact, diplomacy, and a thorough knowledge of the total planning process in order to perform work duties of a broad scope and considerable independence differentiate this class from Landscape Architect. Assignments are received from a Parks Development Administrator, Deputy Street Transportation Director, or other administrator who evaluate performance based upon results.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises the work of Landscape Architects and paraprofessional employees in the preparation of master plans, renderings, cost estimates, specifications, construction drawings, and other necessary plans for the completion of design projects;
• Resolves design problems of the highest technical nature;
• Consults with various organizations regarding park planning, street scaping, and related subjects;
• Prepares reports and letters;
• Reviews design projects in progress;
• Conducts periodic field investigations of landscape projects under construction;
• Reviews plans submitted by consultants;
• Assists construction management with field decisions that affect landscape projects;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of landscape architecture and design and landscape construction methods.
• Arizona soil conditions and preparation, planting, pruning techniques, and tree surgery.
• Standard sources of landscape and architectural information.
• Drafting room equipment and procedures.
• Principles and practices of civil engineering.
• Principles and practices of surveying.

Ability to:

• Communicate orally in the English language with customers, clients, and the public using a telephone and in group and face-to-face, one-on-one settings.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions in the English language.
• Work independently in the performance of work duties.
• Review or check the work products of others to ensure conformance to standards.
• Estimate labor or material costs from blueprints or work plans to prepare initial project budgets.
• Work cooperatively with other employees, customers, clients, and the public.
• Use graphic instructions, such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts or other visual aids.
• Prepare designs, perspective drawings, and color renderings.
• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Produce documents written in the English language using proper sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, and spelling.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license, and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.
• Must be registered as a professional Landscape Architect at time of hire with registration in the state of Arizona obtained by the end of the probationary period.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three years of experience directing and coordinating site planning and landscape architectural designs (or at the Landscape Architect level) and a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture or a related field. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.