Landscape Architect III

Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc; Florida; On-site; USD 61,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Department seeks a Landscape Architect to plan, design, and oversee capital improvements to parks, facilities, public rights‑of‑way, and other city properties. Projects are large‑scale, multi‑year, and require coordination across departments.

The role includes managing design activities, overseeing site development and plans, coordinating with consultants, and presenting proposals at public meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or ornamental horticulture required.
• Florida Landscape Architect licensure or ability to obtain within six months.
• Proven experience in planning, design, and project coordination for public landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Plans, designs, coordinates, permits, and manages capital improvement projects for parks and recreation assets.
• Oversee site development, landscape designs, and preparation of plans and specifications.
• Procure and manage consultants; review work for compliance with approved plans.
• Represent the City at public meetings and stakeholder engagements.

Skills

Landscape architecture

GIS

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture or ornamental horticulture

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary $44.19 - $66.29/hour; $7,659.60 - $11,490.27/month; $91,915.20 - $137,883.20/year

This is professional work focused on the planning, design, procurement, coordination, and construction oversight of improvements to Parks and Recreation Department lands, facilities, public rights-of-way, and other city properties. Projects are often large-scale, complex, and may span multiple years.

Nature Of Work

An employee in this class is responsible for planning and managing assigned planning and design activities for Parks and Recreation properties and facilities, public rights-of-way, and other City properties. Work involves assignments of considerable difficulty and including monitoring park and recreation facility construction projects; preparing and reviewing park master plans; overseeing site development, landscape designs, and the preparation of plans and specifications. Work requires technical knowledge of landscape architecture and proficiency in the associated professional skills, methods, and tools. Duties are performed under general supervision and require considerable initiative, problem solving skills, and independent judgement in managing multiple concurrent, large-scale, complex projects. Work is performed independently and evaluated through conferences, progress reports, and results achieved.

Examples of Duties

Plans, designs, coordinates, permits, and manages capital improvement projects ranging from neighborhood park renovations to large scale environmental restoration initiatives. Manages projects from inception through design and construction, including fulfillment of ongoing stewardship, grant, and other contractual or regulatory obligations. Procures and manages professional consultants, reviews work prepared by City professional staff, and performs professional services as needed to successfully complete capital improvement projects for the Parks & Recreation Department. Provides technical support to other City departments as necessary to address community needs and protect public health, safety, and welfare. Coordinates capital projects and proposed improvements with personnel from other Parks and Recreation divisions, City departments, and governmental agencies. Reviews improvement plans with Parks and Recreation maintenance and programming personnel, incorporates stakeholder input, and resolves competing needs and priorities as necessary. Prepares, or manages the preparation of contract documents for complex projects including plans, specifications, design criteria packages, bid forms, cost estimates. Reviews legal agreements, contracts, memorandums of understanding, City Council resolutions, easements, deed restrictions, requests for qualifications and proposals (RFQ/P), bids, and other legally binding documents. Reviews development plans and proposals affecting Parks & Recreation assets and initiates discussion and collaboration with other city departments. Reviews and evaluates project cost estimates to support the procurement of materials, equipment, and professional and construction services. Oversees construction activities performed by contractors to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, contract requirements, and applicable standards. Represents the Parks & Recreation Department and the City at public meetings, workshops meetings with other department directors and staff, civic association meetings, focus groups, and other stakeholder engagements. Reports project status to and coordinates closely with managers, superintendents, and the Department Director, as well as staff at all organizational levels. Plans, organizes, and facilitates public meetings and design charrettes to solicit community input and incorporate stakeholder feedback into project scope and design.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Considerable knowledge of: The principles, practices and methods of landscape architecture; applicable laws, codes, and guidelines governing public health, safety, and welfare in the built environment; construction administration practices and procedures; and the coordination, management, and collaboration of multidisciplinary design professionals. Working knowledge of: Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles, appropriate plant material, and natural communities; computer aided drafting and design, graphic design, geographic information systems (GIS), and standard office software. Ability to: Manage projects through all phases of planning, design, permitting, bidding, construction, and implementation; Prepare plans, specifications, and construction documents for site improvements to support successful permitting, bidding, and construction; Oversee, review, and inspect work of professional consultants and contractors for compliance with approved plans, specifications, and applicable requirements; Organize and facilitate public meetings and stakeholder engagement activities; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, contractors, consultants, government agencies, and the public; and maintain a professional demeanor when representing the City and interacting with the public and other agencies.

Physical Requirements

Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments, with frequent outdoor activities and site visits. Requires the ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds and to stand, walk, and navigate project sites as needed. Requires extensive computer use, including typing and viewing a computer monitor for prolonged periods.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or ornamental horticulture and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in landscape architecture;

Licenses or Certifications

Registration in the State of Florida as a Landscape Architect; or registration from another State with the ability to obtain Florida registration within six (6) months of appointment. Possession of a valid Florida driver's license required.

Examination

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Comments

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.