City Jobs

Landscape Architect

Description

Landscape design, project facilitation, community engagement, project management, grant management, program management, and technical work involving the interpretation and enforcement of applicable city codes relating to public landscape requirements.  Work includes the application of professional architectural skill and knowledge to landscape architecture, stormwater management, capital improvement, and other greenspace enhancement projects essential to the development of public grounds, municipal parks, and recreational facilities; and other related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of Work

Landscape architecture, stormwater management, capital improvements, and other greenspace enhancement work of a professional nature in connection with the improvement of public green spaces.

Responsibilities include coordination with Federal, state, regional, and municipal agencies, boards, authorities, and departments, as well as with major and minor developments of major commercial and residential properties to ensure environmental harmony with public grounds, stormwater management, and code requirements.

Work involves the creation of complex designs for landscape, greenspace enhancement, stormwater management, and land use projects.

Work additionally involves the responsibility for coordination and program facilitation with educational programs, community groups, non-profits, neighborhood associations, and other local-based organizations.

The Landscape Architect represents the City of New Orleans and Department of Parks and Parkways on boards, commissions, committees, and other regulatory bodies as necessary to support departmental responsibilities and obligations. This work includes maintenance of existing and the development of new programs, forms, and other means of communication to provide and receive data and information relating to the permanent and temporary use, improvement of, and misuse of public greenspace.

This position requires a considerable degree of independence, and the Landscape Architect is expected to conduct, review, and analyze studies and projects.

Examples of Work

  • Review project plans to determine placement of landscape features and to confirm selection of public street trees meets municipal code requirements.
  • Attend Design Advisory Committee meetings to provide input on project designs for development teams and other City departments’ consideration.
  • Confer with local authorities, civic leaders, social scientists, land planning and development specialists to devise and recommend arrangement of land and physical facilities for municipal, and, occasionally, commercial, and residential uses.
  • Review sign permit requests for neighborhood monument signs and landscaping features.
  • Prepare site plans, maps, sketches, and layouts including geographic location, soil, vegetation features, drainage and location of structures.
  • Coordinate use of neutral ground spaces by triennial art exhibition program for temporary art exhibitions throughout the city with private organization and affected stakeholders.
  • Develop plans for landscape development work including grading, filling sloping, surface dressing, sodding, and planting.
  • Prepare specifications and cost estimates for development of existing and proposed landscape features and structures.
  • Inspect construction work in progress to ensure compliance with landscape specifications, approve quality of materials and work, and to advise local officials and commercial interest on landscape features.
  • Represent agency at public hearings and community meetings to explain projects and gather information and recommendations from interested individuals and civic groups.
  • Conduct research projects and studies as required for the purpose of effecting increased efficiency and economy.

Necessary Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

  • Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of landscape architecture.
  • Extensive knowledge of local plant material.
  • Ability to plan for landscaping improvements through site plans, landscape plans, detailing, and to make cost estimates.
  • Ability to work independently in conducting surveys, compiling data and preparing comprehensive landscape and planning related reports and master plans.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, private organizations, the land development community, and other public agencies.
  • Ability to engage in public speaking
  • Ability to provide written summaries, reports, statements, and data relating to departmental responsibilities or work.
  • Skill in digital applications related to landscape architecture and graphic design, including AutoCad, Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat. GIS experience is preferred but not required.

Minimum Qualifications

  1. A Bachelor's or Master's Degree from a LAAB accredited college or university in Landscape Architecture. *
  2. A current license to practice landscape architecture. *

* Prior to appointment, the hiring agency is required to verify education and license claimed by the applicant to qualify for this classification. If selected for hire, applicants must provide original documents of their qualifying credentials to the hiring agency prior to their start date in this job classification.

Kind of Exam

A qualifying review of license and education.

This is a non-competitive original entrance examination in accordance with Rule V,

Section 8.1 (b) of the City Civil Service Rules.

This is an original entrance examination.

How to apply

Send resumes to: jdbell@nola.gov.