Park Planner​/Landscape Architect Engineering Specialist III - Recreation and Parks

Position: Park Planner/Landscape Architect - (Engineering Specialist III) - Recreation and Parks
Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards.

NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

* We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.  

* We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  

* We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.

* As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is advanced professional-level landscape architecture/engineering work participating in all aspects of project management for park planning and development.  Work involves coordinating, and directing the designing of parks and other related features, such as playgrounds, sports fields, natural areas, pathways and nature trails, parking lots, park roads, signage, and directing consultant landscape architects, engineers, surveyors, archeologists, inspectors and contractors in the course of implementing the development of parks and park structures such as shelters, comfort stations, nature centers, and historic restorations.  

Work also includes reviewing and preparing complex master plans, design plans, construction plans and planning, landscaping and engineering documents.
Work is performed with general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.  Assignments require evaluative thinking and are carried out in accordance with accepted landscape architectural, planning, architectural and engineering standards and applicable regulations.  An employee in this class participates with other county engineering, architects, landscape architects and planning staff in accomplishing plan review and preparation, studies and analysis, and project design work to ensure that parks are correctly designed and meet operational requirements and specifications.  

The work requires regular and important contact with other County personnel, the public and representatives of other agencies and groups to obtain and provide information.  

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$45.68 - $50.00

$95,019 - $103,998

CLASS

DESCRIPTION:

Performs advanced professional level engineering and/or architectural work, which may include supervisory responsibility, with considerable independence but under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes reviewing complex engineering and/or architectural plans, resolving difficult design analysis, acting as project manager for large scale projects, and preparing planning and engineering documents. Work at this level is distinguished by unique engineering analysis and expertise in areas such as mechanical, electrical or structural engineering;

in depth architectural experience in the development, design and construction of institutional building types such as libraries, community centers, police and fire stations, etc.

* This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months.
* Project & Contract Management:

* Performs as project manager and contract manager for park capital projects.

* Coordinates multiple contracts; schedules and monitors projects to ensure successful completion and closeout.

* Monitors and manages fiscal status of design and construction contracts.

* Coordinates purchasing actions; processes change orders and invoices.

* Meets with private consultants and contractors on assigned capital projects.

* Coordinates activities among County agencies, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders.

* Participates in construction monitoring and inspects projects during and after construction.

* Ensures timely processing of land development documents, drawings, and…