OOC​/TLT Temporary Landscape Architect, Senior

About Seattle Parks and Recreation:

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to provide welcoming and safe opportunities to play, learn, contemplate and build community and promote responsible stewardship of the land. We promote healthy people, a healthy environment and strong communities.

We strive to deliver excellent customer service to each visitor and participant.

Equity & Inclusion:

Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs and facilities.

About Planning and Capital Development Branch (PCD):

The Planning and Capital Development Branch (PCD) of Seattle Parks and Recreation acquires, plans, designs, and develops new park facilities, and makes improvements to existing park facilities to benefit the public. This effort includes providing engineering and other technical services to solve maintenance and operational problems. PCD also preserves open spaces through a combination of direct purchases, transfers, and consolidation of City-owned lands and resolution of property encroachment issues.

Design Unit Team:

The Design Unit within Planning and Capital Development (PCD) is responsible for advancing capital projects from early concept through design and into construction. The team provides landscape architecture and interdisciplinary design services that translate planning goals into buildable, high-quality park improvements. This work includes site analysis, concept and schematic design, preparation of construction documents, and coordination with engineers, planners, and project managers to deliver projects that are functional, durable, and responsive to community needs.

Our work is informed by equity-focused decision-making, technical best practices, and a commitment to maintaining and enhancing park operations throughout project delivery.

The Design Unit is a collaborative team of landscape architects, architects, and design professionals working closely with other disciplines to support the successful implementation of projects across Seattle's park system.

About the Position:

This position is for a six months Out of Class, or a TLT assignment, to serve as a Senior Landscape Architect within the Planning and Capital Development (PCD) Design Unit, supporting the planning, design, and delivery of park and recreation capital projects across Seattle's park system.

This position will provide Landscape Architecture support for the North East District and, or the South East District.

Under limited supervision and the direction of the Design Manager, this role provides professional landscape architectural services including program development, design, project specification development, and coordination of community and public involvement. This role serves as the principal designer on both simple and complex park improvement projects; including playgrounds, athletic facilities, site amenities, pathways and trails, site infrastructure, and major maintenance. The position exercises considerable independent judgment in developing designs and work plans, reviewing the work of consultants and contractors, and may supervise the work of a subordinate landscape architect.

This role requires an experienced knowledge of landscape architecture, particularly as it relates to planning, design, and management of urban landscapes, as well as a working knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of civil and architectural engineering as they relate to the development, improvement, and maintenance of landscape projects.

This position plays a key role in upholding SPR design standards and ensuring high-quality project delivery across the park system.

Tasks and activities will involve, but not limited to, the following:

* Lead the design of park and recreation projects, including site analysis, concept development, schematic design, and design development.  

* Prepare and supervise the preparation of construction drawings, details, and technical specifications for a wide range of park improvements

* Prepare and supervise the production of graphics, plans, and presentation materials to communicate design intent to internal teams and stakeholders

* Coordinate with senior staff, engineers, planners, and project managers to advance projects through design phases

* Supervise, mentor, and delegate work to Landscape Architecture interns and junior design staff, including supporting intern-led presentations to extended leadership and design review…