Planner 3 - Landscape Architect

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County seeks a Planner 3 - Landscape Architect to support greenways and open space planning. You will help acquire land, review development plans, and coordinate with multiple agencies to deliver connected greenways that benefit health and conservation.

The role emphasizes public engagement, grant coordination, and capital budget planning for parks. A strong background in planning and landscape architecture is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture and six years of planning experience OR Master's Degree in Planning or related field and four years of planning experience.
• Licenses: Valid Driver License and professional licensure in landscape architecture.
• Affiliations and certifications such as AICP are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Manage the planning, design, acquisition, and construction of greenway and open space projects including easement acquisitions.
• Oversee public engagement, stakeholder coordination, and preparation of public presentations and reports.
• Ensure compliance with procurement procedures, regulatory requirements, and departmental policies.
• Review development plans along planned greenways and coordinate with planning reviews and rezoning processes.
• Prepare requisitions, RFPs, scopes of work, bids, and consultant contracts.
• Monitor budgets, contracts, and financial reporting for project delivery.

Skills

Experience with project management

Experience leading design teams

Bachelor's in Landscape Architecture

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture

Master's Degree in Planning or related field

Licensed Landscape Architect

AICP-certified Planner

Job description

Planner 3 - Landscape Architect

is a full time civil service position with the Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation Department. The primary duty will be assisting in development of greenways across Nashville, as well as acquiring land for parks, trails, and conservation. The Greenways & Open Space Division is responsible for the planning and development of a connected greenways system and the acquisition of open space for future park development that supports community health, recreation, and conservation.

Metro’s Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of facilities and programs throughout Davidson County. Currently, the department oversees nearly 16,000 acres of open space, including 189 parks and 110 miles of greenway. Metro Parks offers after school programs for children, activities for seniors (55+), cultural arts classes, dog parks, fitness classes, nature programs, sports leagues, ice hockey, art galleries, and much more. It is the mission of Metro Parks and Recreation to sustainably and equitably provide everyone in Davidson County with an inviting network of parks and greenways that offer health, wellness and quality of life through recreation, conservation and community.

This fast-paced, diverse, and multi-faceted environment might be just the place for you!

Responsibilities

• Manage the planning, design, acquisition, and construction of greenway and open space projects, including public/private partnership projects and easement acquisitions.
• Manage public engagement, stakeholder coordination, constituent responses, and preparation of public presentations and reports.
• Ensure project compliance with Metro procurement procedures, regulatory requirements, and departmental policies.
• Review plans for new developments proposed along planned greenways through Planning Department reviews, rezoning application reviews, new community plans, stormwater variance requests and other plan review processes.
• Prepare and oversee requisitions, RFPs, scopes of work, bids, and consultant contracts to ensure projects meet departmental and community needs.
• Coordinate design and construction activities with relevant local, state, and federal agencies, partners, and stakeholders.
• Review plans submitted by consultants.
• Conduct regular site visits and field inspections for contract compliance and work progress, for which it will be necessary to drive/operate a vehicle.
• Prepare construction contract changes and recommend remedial actions when needed.
• Manage project budgets, contracts, financial reporting, and documentation to ensure efficient, cost effective, and high-quality project delivery.
• Work with Metro departments to review development proposals, stormwater variance requests, rezoning applications, and other regulatory reviews that affect greenway development.
• Support and coordinate efforts to research, secure, and administer grant funding, including reimbursement requests and compliance reporting.
• Assist in annual and long-range capital budget planning for greenways and park land acquisition.

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare plans and presentations as requested to the Greenways and Open Space Commission, Metro Park Board and Greenways for Nashville Board and other organizations.
• Attend meetings with stakeholders, including other Metro departments, boards, and commissions for which it will be necessary to drive/operate a vehicle.
• Perform administrative tasks such as preparing letters, reports, board items, and productivity improvement measures
• Participate in greenway and land acquisition policy development.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and six (6) years of planning experience OR Master's Degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of planning experience.

Employees must register for the Metro Human Resources Supervisory Training Program prior to completion of the probationary period or work test and must complete all coursework within a 12-month period.

Licenses Required

Valid Driver License

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

Experience List

• Experience with project management
• Experience leading design teams and/or project management, etc.
• Degree in Landscape Architect
• Licensed Landscape Architect
• AICP-certified Planner

We are an equal opportunity employer. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Metro Nashville is committed to selecting the most qualified candidate for each of our roles.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.

Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.