Assistant Landscape Architect (TPS5)
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.
The Opportunity
WSDOT is eager to hire an experienced Landscape Architect to serve as Assistant Landscape Architect to support WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses. The work of the Assistant Landscape Architect supports WSDOT’s mission by providing expertise to facilitate the visual integration of the transportation facility with the surrounding natural and built environment. This position further supports WSDOT’s mission through wise management of the roadside as an asset, delivering right-sized projects, supporting multi-modal transportation options, and improving environmental conditions.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Landscape Architect will:
- Manage NWR Landscape Architecture Design and Construction programs by providing Quality Assurance and Quality Control of landscape contract plans, specifications, and estimates.
- Provide feedback regarding tree replacement per the Roadside Policy Manual, request for proposal (RFP) and technical appendices for design build projects and provide general design and construction guidance to project leads and field trainings.
- Sign landscape architecture contract plans as needed and oversee and track improvements and updates to the design build template, roadside policy, specification library, and detail library.
- Work with Plant Establishment Program Lead to manage the NWR Plant Establishment and Vegetation Mitigation Programs to ensure projects meet environmental and permit obligations and WSDOT roadside restoration policy requirements.
- Lead visual quality impact analysis work throughout the region.
- Prepare initial Visual Impact Assessments (VIAs) for environmental documentation and review and comment on VIA documents prepared by WSDOT staff or consultants.
- Provide guidance, direction, and approval to WSDOT staff, consultants, design-builders, other jurisdictions, and/or the public for roadside policies.
- Coordinate and work directly with WSDOT HQ and participate in coordination with FHWA to identify emerging issues, develop policy solutions and implement in the region.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture and five (5) years of professional landscape architecture experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems or analysis of environmental issues and challenges that involve transportation issues, OR
- Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture and four (4) years of professional landscape architecture experience involving analysis and evaluation of transportation issues and problems or analysis of environmental issues and challenges that involve transportation issues, OR
- One (1) year as a Transportation Planning Specialist 4, Transportation Engineer 4, Landscape Architect 1, or equivalent classification in city or county agencies.
In addition to:
- Registration as a Landscape Architect in Washington State
- Current Driver’s License
- WSDA Pesticide License or the ability to obtain within one year of hire.
- Ability to travel to and from project sites for site analysis, meetings, and construction oversight and inspection.
- Knowledge and experience in creating or reviewing landscape architecture plans, specifications, and estimates.
- Knowledge and/or experience in design build contract development.
- Knowledge and ability to perform on-site inspections and make professional recommendation for roadside preservation, restoration, mitigation strategies, and plant establishment work and successful design and construction.
- Knowledge of grading, native plants, soil amendments, tree/vegetation preservation measures, adaptive management strategies and vegetation maintenance.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- ISA Certified Arborist
- Certified in Site Erosion and Sediment Control
- Knowledge and understanding of roadside Visual Impact Assessments and/or roadside aesthetic mitigation measures and roadside architectural treatments.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Roadside Restoration Policy Manual.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid work options
- By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes, however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
- The information provided on your application profile, any supplemental material attached to your application, and the responses to the supplemental questions will be used to determine qualifications for interview selection. Therefore, it is to your advantage that your application packet be completed in as much detail as possible.
- The listed salary includes the Legislative approved King County Premium.
- The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. However, the first review of applications will be conducted on March 21st. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available to staff, including occasional telework for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 10 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
- Tuition Assistance – Our employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Contact us:
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-NWR-12832 in the subject line.
Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.