Environmental Landscape Architect/Planner

WATERSHED CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

 JOB DESCRIPTION

This full-time, project-hire position shall be engaged in open space, parks and watershed planning, and development. The successful candidate will provide project management, design, and regional planning activities for the Authority’s diverse portfolio projects.

Under the general direction of the Executive Officer or designee, this full-time position will organize, plan, develop, and implement projects that provide open space, habitat restoration, and watershed improvement for both the San Gabriel River and the Lower Los Angeles River.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for coordinating, directing, and managing the implementation of parks, trails and open space and interpretive facilities; including leading comprehensive regional master planning efforts and project managing complex design and implementation projects.

• This project-hire position shall play a key role in the implementation of one or both of the following projects, in addition to other assigned projects:

• Gateway Cities and Rivers Urban Greening Master Plan – a regional master plan mapping and identifying key opportunities for implementation of green infrastructure, bikeways, trails, river access, and urban greening improvement projects with the Gateway Cities region and along the Lower San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers.

• San Gabriel River Discovery Center Implementation Project – a regionally important watershed education and interpretive center located at the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area moving from design to construction.

   

• Oversee agency contracts with public entities as well as private contractors to ensure project deliverables are being carried out according to budget and scope of work.

• Solicit, evaluate, modify, develop, implement, and oversee project proposals and plans. 

• Conduct complex planning, design, and implementation programs and projects related to green infrastructure, parks, open space, habitat, watersheds, and trail systems. 

  This includes the following:

• Develop project scope, work plan, and resource allocation, and the selection of professional consultants as needed

• Conduct research and site or facility inventory, needs assessments, and analysis to determine project and/or program feasibility

• Facilitate project reviews with the public, County, City or other government staff to reach consensus on park, trail, greenway, green infrastructure policy, tool kits and development

• Work with a variety of stakeholder and community groups to engage and gather input

• Mediate conflicts among interest groups as plans evolve

• Prepare written and graphic reports and agenda items and make presentations for various advisory boards, including WCA Board of Directors, LA County Board of Supervisors, Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Board, San Gabriel Discovery Center Authority Board, Council of Governments and public meetings

• Oversee final planning, program and/or facility design, bid documents, and specifications; manage bid and award process

• Represent environmental values and concerns in planning, design and implementation activities

• Manage project and planning teams of staff and consultants

   

• Represent the Authority through participation in regional planning and policy development activities, board meetings, stakeholder groups, and other governmental agency meetings public workshops.

• Develop and present program updates and outreach activities at public meetings, workshops, events, and citizen advisory boards.

• Provide park planning and design technical advice and assistance to consultants and contractors, as necessary.

• Assist with identification of, application for, and administration of grants and other funding sources.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS  

Knowledge of:

• The principles and practices of natural resources and land use planning to evaluate, prioritize and structure the acquisition, restoration, and recreational access of watershed improvement projects.

• Building and construction industry to review bid packages, cost estimates, and construction drawings.

• Planning, design, and mapping conventions for review of document development and quality control.

• State and Federal grant programs and private funding sources.

• Planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing complex projects.

• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

• Accepted methods of construction, along with ability to apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain professional effective relationships with external public, vendors, non-profits, Board of Directors, County, City and other government officials.

• Communicate effectively (verbal and written) and excellent organizational and analytical skills.

• Proficiently utilize computers and related equipment, hardware and software; including, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.  Knowledge of CAD, Adobe Creative Suite and GIS computer skills a plus.

• Prepare and maintain records and reports. Knowledge of budget preparation and office procedures.

• Lead, plan, organize, coordinate and direct complex projects.

• Read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications.

• Apply technical knowledge to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.

  Education, Experience, and Certifications

• Licensed Landscape Architect or Licensed Civil Engineer, or Equivalent.
• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Landscape Architecture, Construction, Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, Parks and Recreation or closely related field (preferred); plus, 5 years or more experience related to Natural Resources, Parks and Open Space, or Environmental, Engineering, Planning fields.

• LEED AP Certified, desirable

• Must possess valid State of California Driver’s License

  Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

• May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and vision to monitor.

• May be subject to extended periods of walking, standing and sitting.

• May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions and walking on uneven surfaces and inclines.

• May work extended hours, evenings and weekends.

BENEFITS  

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include health insurance, life insurance, retirement, vacation, sick leave and holidays. 

Submit cover letter, resume, list of 3-4 references and any other relevant information regarding this position to the Watershed Conservation Authority through the job posting website as instructed. Position open until filled.

The Watershed Conservation Authority is an equal opportunity employer.