Landscape Architect - Development Services

Posting number: 202600199

Department: Development Services

Division: DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Job classification: Landscape Architect

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Planning and Development

Summary

Summary: Under general supervision of the Planning Manager, or designee, the Landscape Architect assists in the administration of the Landscape and Tree Preservation Ordinances by reviewing development plans for landscaping, tree preservation, irrigation and tree surveys. This role includes conducting field inspections and on-site assessments, contributing to landscape and tree initiatives, and engaging with residents to address concerns and share information. The Landscape Architect also collaborates across departments to advance Comprehensive Plan goals through community outreach, education and project support.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.

Examples of duties

Essential Job Functions:

• Reviews landscape plans, irrigation plans and tree surveys for compliance with landscaping and tree preservation policies, ordinances and codes.
• Communicates with architects, engineers, developers and property owners to promote tree preservation in site design and the preparation of development plans.
• Conducts field inspections to verify compliance with the tree preservation and landscape ordinances.
• Responds to citizens, officials, and department inquiries and complaints.
• Assists in developing educational and informational programs and presentations to promote tree preservation and the use of native plant species in the City of Frisco.
• Assists property owners to provide screening and landscaping suggestions including financial impact to the owner.
• Conducts tree surveys on proposed land development to determine what areas can be developed or have to be set aside for the preservation of existing trees.
• Determines the quality and condition of existing trees for possible relocation or destruction.

Other Important Duties:

• Travels to conduct inspections, attend meetings, conferences and training.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of landscape architecture, tree preservation and water conservation methods, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the growth, utilization, and environmental impact of native and non-native trees and other landscaping shrubbery.
• Knowledge of the development, revision and/or enforcement of Federal, State, regional and City codes, ordinances and regulations related to landscape architecture and tree preservation.
• Knowledge of computers and related equipment, hardware and software for development and enforcement of plan reviews, activity reports, databases and noncompliance issues.
• Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
• Skill in effective oral and written communications.
• Skill in conducting inspections and investigations and enforcing codes and regulations.
• Skill in resolving difficult, unusual or original situations with alternative solutions, innovative and creative suggestions and designs.
• Skill in reviewing architectural and plat development plans that implement City ordinances, codes and long-term plans.
• Skill in preparing preliminary landscape and open space drawings as well as preliminary land plans that take advantage of a site's natural features, provide for interaction between the public and private realms, etc.
• Skill in mediating, negotiating and resolving customer complaints and concerns.

Education, Experience, and Certifications/Licenses:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture, and two (2) years landscape architecture or design experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience that support the ability to perform the essential functions and/or skills of the job.
• Must possess Landscape Architect License from the State of Texas.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and/or post-offer physical exam.
• Must possess State of Texas Driver’s License.

Supplemental information

Environmental Factors and Conditions:

• Work is performed in office and field environments.
• May be subject to exposure to poisonous vegetation, animals or reptiles, heights when climbing and inspecting trees and forested areas or traversing undeveloped areas proposed for development.
• May be exposed to hostile or angry citizens, project developers and homeowners.

Physical Demands:

• This work typically requires the following physical activities to be performed. A complete description of the activities below is available upon request from Human Resources.
  • Balancing – maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
  • Climbing – ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility.
  • Crawling – moving about on hands, knees, or hands, feet.
  • Crouching – bending body forward by bending leg, spine.
  • Feeling – perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.
  • Fingering – picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.
  • Grasping – applying pressure to object with fingers, palm.
  • Handling – picking, holding, or working with whole hand.
  • Hearing 1 – perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
  • Hearing 2 – receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound.
  • Kneeling – bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.
  • Lifting – raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.
  • Mental Acuity – ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
  • Pulling – use upper extremities to exert force, haul, or tug.
  • Pushing – use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward.
  • Reaching – extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Repetitive Motion – substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
  • Speaking – expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
  • Standing – for sustained periods of time.
  • Stooping – bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back.
  • Talking 1 – expressing ideas by spoken word.
  • Talking 2 – shouting to be heard above ambient noise.
  • Visual Acuity 1 – prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.
  • Visual Acuity 2 – color, depth perception, field of vision.
  • Visual Acuity 3 – determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.
  • Walking – on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.

Work Environment:

• Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.