JOB TITLE: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, DCNR

JOB CODE: 10420

DEFINITION: This is professional work in landscape architecture and construction project coordination in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

An employee in this job develops landscape plans, designs, and specifications for infrastructure development and rehabilitation projects in Commonwealth parks, forests, and recreational areas. Work includes serving as project coordinator for complex multi-discipline projects by overseeing all phases of development, design, and construction administration to ensure project integrity. Work also involves reviewing designs prepared by outside consultants for conformance with sound professional practices, agency requirements, and safety codes. Employees may be required to take professional responsibility for their own work products. Assignments are usually broad in scope and afford opportunity for originality in their design, planning, and execution. Work is reviewed upon completion by a Landscape Architect Supervisor for overall quality and adherence to professional standards and agency requirements.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Serves as a DCNR project designer by developing landscape architecture and land development plans and designs for a wide variety of infrastructure projects in Commonwealth parks, forests, and recreational areas.

• Serves as a DCNR project coordinator for complex multi-discipline projects by overseeing and coordinating the work of a design team, scheduling and conducting project team meetings, resolving design and construction issues, communicating with stakeholders, and managing the overall project schedule.

• Conducts site surveys to evaluate the potential and capacity for development, develops project scopes of work, prepares cost estimates, and develops contract plans, drawings, and specifications for bidding and construction.

• Prepares plans, designs, and permit applications for sediment and erosion control and post-construction stormwater management, including inlets, storm pipes, rain gardens, and swales.

• Meets with consultants, agency representatives, in-house architectural and engineering staff, and the public to discuss project intent, resolve problems, and review environmental impacts.

• Reviews and analyzes change orders during construction and recommends agency action.

• Attends final construction inspections at project sites to identify and correct deficiencies prior to project acceptance.

• Provides landscape architectural consultation to DCNR managers and professional staff to evaluate and correct site problems, improve public safety, enhance the natural environment, and respond to the effects of climate change.

• Advises agency staff on a wide variety of landscape architecture issues such as sustainable design alternatives, vehicle and pedestrian circulation, plantings, meadow establishment, and the development and improvement of playgrounds, trails, campgrounds, and water access points.

• Guides the master planning process for park and forestry recreation areas, develops recommendations for recreational and infrastructure development, and prepares and presents master plan reports.

• Utilizes computer aided design software and manual drafting techniques to create design drawings, prepare contract documents, and develop graphics for presentations to project stakeholders.

• Travels to various field sites throughout the Commonwealth.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of landscape architecture.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of building architecture.

• Knowledge of engineering principles and practices as applied to landscape architecture.

• Knowledge of the construction methods and cost estimating techniques used in landscape and land development projects.

• Knowledge of computer aided design software and its application to landscape architecture.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to read and interpret landscape architectural, architectural, and engineering drawings and specifications used in the design and construction of projects.

• Ability to interpret and evaluate field data related to the development of recreational areas.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Two years of professional experience in the practice of landscape architecture, and a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture;

or

• One year of professional experience in the practice of landscape architecture, and a master’s degree in landscape architecture;

or

• Possession of an active license as a professional landscape architect issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Landscape Architects.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions require possession of an active license as a professional landscape architect issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Landscape Architects.