Landscape Architect I - City of Vancouver, Vancouver

AI Summary

This Landscape Architect I position with the City of Vancouver in Vancouver focuses on green rainwater infrastructure (GRI) planning and design. The role involves producing GRI designs and supporting project implementation from planning through construction. Key responsibilities include providing landscape design expertise and managing specific implementation projects. Candidates require a university degree in landscape architecture with at least two years of experience and a professional licence from the BC Society of Landscape Architecture.

Role Overview and Impact

The City of Vancouver, recognized as a top employer and one of Canada's greenest, is seeking a Landscape Architect I to join its Green Rainwater Infrastructure Branch. This vital role contributes to Vancouver's reputation as one of the world's most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. The successful candidate will play a pivotal part in designing, delivering, and managing green rainwater infrastructure (GRI) assets, which are crucial for treating, retaining, and detaining rainwater runoff from streets and other public spaces. This position offers meaningful work within the broader public service, ensuring equitable access to services and supporting the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication. The role involves significant contributions to various infrastructure projects across Vancouver, enhancing the public realm through innovative landscape design.

Key Responsibilities and Project Leadership

As a Landscape Architect I, the incumbent will provide leadership and forward-thinking expertise in GRI and landscape design. A core aspect of the role involves project management for specific implementation projects, with a strong emphasis on landscape architecture and public realm design. This includes performing site evaluations, preparing preliminary site design concepts for GRI projects, and consulting with diverse stakeholders such as municipal infrastructure groups, utilities, citizens, and community groups. The position also requires preparing detailed landscape design drawings for construction, encompassing specifications for grading, surface and subsurface layout, materials, cross-sections, profiles, details, and planting plans. Cost estimates for GRI projects at various stages will also be a responsibility. Furthermore, the role supports construction activities through coordination, procurement, field inspections, and review of inspection reports, ensuring the successful completion of these critical infrastructure projects throughout Vancouver. Professional guidance to technical and operational staff, as well as outside consultants and contractors, is also expected for these complex public projects.

Qualifications and Technical Expertise

Candidates for this Landscape Architect I position must possess a university graduation with a specialization in landscape architecture, coupled with a minimum of two years' experience in landscape design and development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience focused on parks and public open spaces. A professional licence from the BC Society of Landscape Architecture is a mandatory requirement. The role demands thorough knowledge of GRI design, materials, construction methods, and ongoing operations and maintenance. Considerable knowledge of soil science, ecology, horticultural science, and urban landscape design principles is also essential. Proficiency in plan set production and drafting in AutoCAD is required, with experience in Adobe Suite or other graphics software being desirable. The ability to prepare preliminary drawings, sketch plans, construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for a variety of transportation projects is crucial. Furthermore, the capacity to provide field reviews and evaluation of public infrastructure installations during and post construction is expected, along with excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement on various projects.