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

Job Title

Landscape Architect/Engineer

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.

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.

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 reports.

Design, Planning & Technical Work:
Uses CAD software for preparation of plans, grading, erosion and sediment control, and site layout. Stamps and signs drawings with licensure seal for regulatory submission. Performs redline changes and secures building, grading, and tent permits. Develops design programs and project requirements for consultants. Reviews design alternatives, final plans, drawings, and plats for compliance with standards and regulations. Prepares conceptual plans, alternatives, and park master plans.

Prepares and reviews planting plans and selects plant materials. Performs site analyses for park use, natural resource protection, and Greenway protection.

Regulatory Review and Compliance:
Reviews subdivision plans for open space compliance per regulations. Represents the Department on Subdivision Review Committee meetings. Presents recommendations to the Subdivision Review Committee; meets with developers,…