Landscape Architect-Project Manager

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Job Summary

Under the framework determined by the Director of Planning and Development and direction of the Chief of Landscape Architecture & Planning and senior landscape architects, assists in the management of various trail and other site improvement projects, and longer-range planning. Serves on committees related to land acquisition, land use licenses, and requests for new trails and amenities. Provides technical expertise and professional judgement in the execution of duties.

Typical Duties

Assists in planning, designing, and preparing bid drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for various land improvement projects including bicycle trails, picnic areas, shelters, special use areas, and other Forest Preserve holdings.

Oversee work of outside consultants and contractors for facility development, land improvement, or master planning efforts.

Coordinates and manages construction projects and contracts.

Participates in district land acquisition, land use, and recreation committees.

Assists in the preparation of long-range regional or site plans.

Meets, confers, advises, and makes presentations in writing or person on any and all matters concerning the assessment, planning, public outreach and implementation of trail, sign or other land improvement plans and projects.

Reviews and approves pay applications to vendors.

Tracks and manages grant funding.

Assists the Chief of Landscape Architecture & Planning and staff with the preparation of reports, operating budgets, and other administrative duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a bachelor's degree or higher in landscape architecture from an accredited college or university AND at least 2 years of full-time work experience in landscape architecture, urban or regional planning, trail planning or project management for outdoor recreation improvements.

Must possess a valid driver's license and enter the information in the license field provided on the online application.

Preferred Qualifications

Licensure as a landscape architect in the State of Illinois OR possess work experience with partners such as Cook County, the City of Chicago, or the Chicago Park District.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

Knowledge of the mission, land holdings and facilities of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Knowledge of the RFP review process and ability to review bid documents and analyze qualified bids for recommendation to the Director of Planning and Development.

Knowledge of all aspects of landscape architecture, land use planning, technology-based tools, (such as GIS) and other aerial mapping methods.

Knowledge of construction practices and materials.

Skills preparing site plans, preliminary drawings, construction drawings, specifications and bid documents..

Knowledge and experience preparing exhibits and information for community meetings and open houses.

Ability to fully understand the needs, services and operations of the District as applies to land acquisition and land planning and landscape architecture.

Skill in the evaluation of properties being considered for acquisition based upon criteria in the District's land acquisition plan.

Skill in reviewing and assessing landscape development designs, overseeing the preparation of landscape plans and analysis, conceptual designs, graphic specifications, and cost estimates.

Skill in ensuring that projects are completed in an accurate, timely and cost-effective manner.

Ability to direct outside consultants across a range of disciplines for a variety of tasks.

Ability to effectively formulate policy, plans, procedures, and budgets within areas of responsibility.

Ability to analyze situations, determine priorities and make decisions or recommendations.

Ability to work effectively with other District offices, outside agencies, non-profit organizations, or members of the public. on issues and projects.

Ability to manage schedules for design assignments, and preparation for construction bids.

Ability to interact and communicate effectively with outside agencies

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Veteran's Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering "Yes" to the question "Are you a military veteran?"

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of the application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Veteran must provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.