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Park Planner/Landscape Architect - (Engineering Specialist III)

Howard County Recreation and Parks
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POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION


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.*

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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, architects, and engineers.
  • Recommends corrective actions and approvals as needed.

Public Engagement and Representation:

  • Chairs community presentations and evaluates public input.
  • Represents the Department on internal and external committees, including Office of Transportation and Quality Based Selection Committees.
  • Reviews public concerns and directs consultants to make necessary design revisions. 


Planning and Policy Support:

  • Assists in preparing the Howard County Comprehensive Recreation, Parks, and Open Space Plan.
  • Prepares Park master plans aligned with broader county plans and public input.

Sustainability and Best Practices:

  • Identifies and applies sustainability practices across Department operations.

Interpersonal and Organizational Responsibilities:

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
  • May serve as essential personnel during emergencies.

Work Environment:

  • Performs both technical office work and fieldwork in varied environments.


 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job may have some supervisory responsibilities.

 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor degree in Engineering or Architecture and four (4) years related experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

  • Registered Professional Landscape Architect or Engineer licensed in the State of Maryland.
  • Valid Driver's License. 

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Considerable collegiate course work in landscape architecture, planning, engineering or a closely related field, and five years of experience.  Major course work to include:  earth grading and drainage, surveying, soils, plant materials, construction design principles, and drafting. 
  • Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of park planning, landscape architecture and engineering.
  • Considerable knowledge of modern design standards.
  • Considerable knowledge of the materials used in park construction.
  • Considerable knowledge of plants (trees, shrubs, groundcovers), including their scientific names, growth requirements, and appropriate usage.
  • Knowledge of the code requirements relating to planning.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
  • Knowledge of the procedures used in implementing park development.
  • Considerable knowledge of historic preservation principals and regulations of State and County agencies pertaining to historic properties and structures.
  • Skill in interpreting and analyzing landscape architectural, architectural and engineering designs, plans and specifications and resolving problems with the same.
  • Ability to review plans, plan specifications and calculations prepared by consulting landscape architects, architects, and engineers for accuracy and feasibility.
  • Ability to do landscape architectural and engineering design work involving analysis, selection, modification and adaptation of standard landscape architectural and engineering precedents, methods and techniques.
  • Ability to evaluate land for potential acquisition to address park purposes or natural resource protection.
  • Ability to prepare park master plans based on site conditions and input from consultants, advisory committees and the general public.
  • Ability to prepare graphic materials.
  • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to prepare technical forms, reports, change notices and other correspondence.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, developers, consultant landscape architects, architects, engineers and the public.
  • Considerable knowledge of grading, erosion and sediment control, site layout using coordinate geometry and storm water management
  • Considerable knowledge of ecology, environmental protection and sustainability practices. 
  • Participation in continuing education to keep current with information and issues related to professional field.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands for basic office duties, use of drafting and measuring instruments, and determining textures; talking and hearing.  
  • The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.   
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.


WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.  
  • The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
 

  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. 
  • Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  
  • Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.  
  • Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
 

  • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.  
  • Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.


REASONING ABILITY:
 

  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  
  • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

TO APPLY:  You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted. 

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.       

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at  HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.