Landscape Architect I

Main Purpose and Function

The Landscape Architect - Urban Forestry, leads City-wide initiatives related to urban forestry and urban trees and undertakes site-level solutions for the integration of sustainable urban tree and forest management. The position is responsible for the preparation of conceptual plans, detailed designs, graphic presentation and developing cost estimates for assigned urban forest establishment and enhancement projects and for carrying these projects through to completion. In addition, this position provides professional guidance to technical and operational staff and to outside consultants and contractors, and assists the City Arborist in the administration of works to support the Urban Forestry Department. This role provides design support for a variety of urban forest challenges specific to the urban environment. The team-member creates growing environments for trees within the urban context and develop strategies to retain trees when conflicts arise with competing sub-surface and over-head infrastructure.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops tree planting designs for planting within inventory gaps on streets and in parks;
• Collaborates with Metro Vancouver in identifying climate adapted species that also suit other selection criteria appropriate to a range of growing environments and site conditions in the City of Vancouver;
• Develops design details for tree planting in various urban sites on streets, in parks and within infrastructure renewal sites;
• Identifies annual tree planting sites and creates site plans with species conversion opportunities that match soil volumes to species of appropriate sizes;
• Leads inventory of park trees and spatial mapping of urban forest;
• Supports Arborist Technicians with graphic and technical support as needed;
• Contributes graphic and technical support to the upkeep of the Urban Forestry Operations asset management data and Urban Forest Standards;
• Supports the Tree Planting Superintendent;
• Engagements with various departments (Engineering, Green infrastructure, etc) to improve processes and advocate for tree-oriented design solutions;
• Researches contemporary and cutting-edge urban forestry practices and preparation of reports and presentations to advocate for adoption of these ‘new-ways’;
• Prepares conceptual plans, detailed designs and develops cost estimates for landscape design and development projects;
• Oversees the preparation of detailed designs, plans and specifications by consultants, and oversees the work of contractors carrying out the construction phase of development and infrastructure projects in parks and on streets;
• Examines and checks plans in the preliminary and working drawing stages for suitability of layout, accuracy, economy and by-law conformity;
• Assists a superior in administering contract arrangements, including the preparation of quotations and tenders, and adherence to plans, work quality and schedules;
• Prepares written reports as required on all aspects of urban forest development, renewal and establishment;
• Supports Arborist Technicians in reviews of development permit applications regarding suitability of plans from the perspective of landscape design;
• Provides advice and guidance to technical staff and construction crews as required; and
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• University graduation with specialization in landscape architecture and a minimum of two years' experience in landscape design and development or an equivalent combination of education and experience that focuses on parks and public open spaces.
• Eligibility for registration as a Professional Landscape Architect in the Province of British Columbia is required.
• ISA Certified Arborist is an asset.
• Experience working within a multi-jurisdictional municipal environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of current urban forestry practices
• Thorough knowledge of arboriculture and tree risk assessment
• Working knowledge of current community, land-use, or cultural planning
• Knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of ArcGIS and other spatial software programs
• Proficiency in AutoCAD
• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and In-Design
• Strong project management skills and leadership skills
• Demonstrated interpersonal, facilitation and conflict resolution skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills and experience making presentations to elected representatives, senior staff, and the public
• Ability to deal effectively with design consultants, contractors, civic officials, and the general public.
• Demonstrated research skills and ability to set priorities and meet established deadlines
• Initiative and the capacity to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to organize, direct and supervise technical and operational staff, and contracted personnel, engaged in planning, design and development of landscape projects.

Business Unit/Department: Board of Parks & Recreation