Description

Hiring salary: $56,640.00 - $70,800.00/year

The deadline to submit an application to this position is December 29, 2024. However, it is subject to close at any time once a qualified pool of applications is received. 

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department’s Planning, Design, and Construction Division is responsible for managing the planning, budgeting, scheduling, programming, design, and construction of all new and renovation projects related to the City of Aurora’s parks and open space system.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs landscape architecture planning, design, graphic production, construction oversight for park and open space facilities under the direct supervision of either a Project Manager, Senior Landscape Architect, Principal Landscape Architect, Division Manager
• Prepares construction documents including layout, grading, irrigation, planting, detailing, cost estimates, specifications and various contract forms for park related facilities.
• Conducts site surveys and inventories, research, and evaluates alternative design concepts, products, and materials.
• Attends pre-bid and pre-construction meetings with contractors.
• Administers contracts, change orders, payment requests, and other associated documents during construction.
• Reviews current drafting practices and makes recommendations for changes.
• Coordinates work with consultants, department construction coordinator, other city departments, outside agencies
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or related field 

Experience:  

• At least two years in progressively responsible experience in landscape design and/or planning and experience in the use of specialized design software applications. 

Knowledge:

• Knowledge, understanding, and ability to apply the principles, practice, procedures and trends in landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, and public recreation to public sector projects.
• Knowledge of local and regional plant materials and accepted horticultural practices.
• Strong knowledge of ADA standards and requirements, CPSC and ASTM guidelines for playground facilities
• Working knowledge of landscape, irrigation, park and trail operations and maintenance practices
• Knowledge and understanding of key social equity issues and trends as they relate to parks, open space, and recreation. 

Skills:  

• Proficient in using specialized computer equipment and programs including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and SketchUp. 

Abilities:  

• Excellent ability to evaluate opportunities and constraints and generate innovative design solutions while meeting diverse needs using a wide degree of creativity and sound judgment.
• Excellent ability to produce graphics conveying conceptual and final design solutions.
• Excellent ability to generate technical site plans, construction documents, specifications, and cost estimates for a variety of projects.
• Strong ability to effectively communicate information and ideas, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative teamwork manner.
• Ability to adapt to use of other software and technology.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle. 

Licenses and Certifications Required:  

• Valid Driver’s License 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Essential Personnel: 

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel

Physical Demands:

• Light work that involves moving no more than 20 pounds at a time
• Ability to talk, hear, and listen.
• Use of hands/fingers to type and handle, feel, or manipulate objects constantly.
• Frequent sitting, frequent standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Intermittent traversing over uneven terrain as necessary to perform essential job functions such as site visits.
• Visual acuity to focus on details at close distance and make general observations, inspections, and to read and interpret reports and other written documents.
• Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.

Work Environment:

• Works primarily indoors but may work outdoors in varying weather conditions with exposure to dust and noise.

Equipment Used:

• Uses standard office equipment including personal computers and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel, and menu driven databases as a part of the library automated systems.
• Uses specialized office software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and other graphic programs.
• This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.