Job Description

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a Senior Landscape Architect to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With over 425 parks and 23,000 acres of parkland including REC Centers, nature centers, historic sites, golf courses, lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level.

Manages complex park planning assignments that inform park development across the county, bringing creativity, imagination, and a keen sense of aesthetics to the work of FCPA’s Park Planning Branch. Advances racial and social equity through park planning and design practices, delivering well-thought-out designs and plans that provide community benefits and enhance the county’s network of parks and open space. As a key senior member of a team of planners and landscape architects, this position performs a wide variety of professional park planning responsibilities, including contributions to long range park system planning, park conceptual plans, and special studies. May lead and/or participate in small project teams, but also must be able to operate independently, exercising experienced professional judgement and taking initiative to start, complete, and close out a variety of tasks.

Functions as a senior project lead to develop park conceptual development plans and conduct studies of park and recreation issues and trends.
Coordinates the efforts of staff from various park divisions and outside agencies, regularly communicating expectations, deadlines, and project status.
Identifies and initiates the need for coordination with stakeholders in planning, projects, and special studies. Plans and coordinates public outreach activities and collaborates across Park Authority branches and divisions to formulate recommendations.
Makes presentations to the Park Authority Board, Planning Commission, civic groups, and other interested parties regarding park plans.
Analyzes properties for improved access, recreational opportunities, accessibility, development constraints, and resource protection. Analysis includes evaluation of existing physical conditions within the property and the context of the site within the surrounding community. Analysis considers an individual site, its contribution to the larger county park network, and the extent to which it advances the agency’s equity goals, in accordance with Park Authority policies.
Synthesizes analysis of existing conditions with park system needs, community needs and preferences, and project team recommendations to develop overall concept plans for park plans, illustrate concepts related to special studies, develop community design guidelines, or create design scenarios to support development plan review and partnership projects.
Researches current and emerging parks and recreation issues, trends, and best and/or emerging practices in park planning and landscape architecture to ensure current knowledge of professional trends and practices.
Coordinates work effort of consultants to identify needed work product and ensure timely, accurate completion.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

Supervises and coordinates the preparation and scheduling of detail plans and contract documents as they pertain to storm drainage, roads, parking lots and recreational structures;
Supervises and coordinates the adoption and revision of specifications used to establish design requirements, quality of workmanship and general conditions which affect all projects funded and built for the County;
Supervises the preparation of special reports and feasibility studies as needed by the Board Members, agency, Director or Assistant Director;
Reviews all work submitted by architectural, landscape architectural and engineering consultants;
Meets with citizens, civic associations, County staff, etc. to discuss master plans, detail plans, survey questionnaires, property surveys, individual problems or complaints;
Acts for the division superintendent in his/her absence.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Knowledge of the theory and practice of landscape architecture;
Knowledge of park planning;
Knowledge of construction practices;
Knowledge of architecture, engineering and landscape architecture drawing and illustration practices;
Ability to collect data, evaluate it and, from it, prepare special plans and/or reports;
Ability to maintain effective relationships with the public, County employees and Park Authority employees;
Ability to speak and write effectively;
Ability to plan and coordinate the work of professional and technical employees in landscape architecture and/or park planning;
Ability to supervise the work of others.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in landscape architecture (four- or five-year course) or a related field; plus, three years of progressively responsible experience in landscape architecture and/or park planning.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree in landscape architecture, planning, urban design, or related area.
One of the following certifications: Certified Planner (AICP/APA), Professional Landscape Architect (PLA/ASLA), or Registered Architect (RA/AIA).
Familiarity with Fairfax County Public Facilities Manual, stormwater regulations, Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the current version of ArcView, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite applications used in the preparation of design and planning documents.
Proficiency using Microsoft Productivity software including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Experience incorporating racial and social equity principles in planning, design, and leadership practices.
Experience developing conceptual park plans and designs and reviewing complex rezoning applications and engineered site plans.
Experience in the review of high-profile, complex, mixed-use, and/or transit-oriented (TOD) development plans.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication and collaboration skills

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

Driver's license (required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Job is generally sedentary in nature; however, visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor, incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment. Must communicate with others. Employee may require to lift up to 15 lbs. Occasional site visits may include moderate hiking/walking up to 2 miles. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

Landscape Architecture

Login to Apply