El Paso County Parks & Community Services is seeking a Landscape Architect who is passionate about parks, trails, and open spaces. The ideal candidate will work in a collaborative environment to perform landscape design, planning, and project management duties to build a more vibrant, healthier, and livable County. This position will be responsible for the development of park master plans, site plans, trail plans, planning, design, and project management/construction administration. 

Performs landscape and architectural planning duties to address the objectives in the El Paso County Parks Master Plan to build a more vibrant, healthier, and livable County. Responsible for the development of exterior spaces, parks, open spaces, and trails through landscape and architectural planning, design, and project management/construction administration. Reviews development proposals to ensure compliance with land development code regulations.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops schematic designs; prepares site plans, construction documents, construction details, project cost estimates, and project schedules; secures permits as needed.
• Coordinates and manages project design consultants and construction contractors. Conducts design reviews or inspections of construction and/or development projects.
• Performs project management and contract administration functions including project budgeting, invoicing, and reporting.
• Develops project descriptions and details for design and/or construction IFB/RFP solicitations.
• Monitors and measures success of assigned capital improvement projects.
• Reviews development proposals and provides recommendations to ensure compliance with land development code regulations and El Paso County Parks Master Plan.
• Coordinates and/or assists with updates to site development plans, park master plans, and the El Paso County Parks Master Plan.
• Presents projects to County leadership, advisory boards, community groups, and various stakeholders; conducts or assists with public meetings and presentations.
• Assists in answering inquiries pertaining to parks, trails, open space, or development projects; meets with community groups to discuss proposed projects and solicit input.
• Prepares project descriptions and provides technical expertise for grant applications.
• Prepares written reports and maintains project records.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of LEED and SITES sustainability principles, methods and practices, grading and drainage design, park pre-development and development approval process, park planning, and project management.
• Working knowledge of construction contract administration practices, materials, methods, and equipment.
• Working knowledge of modern software programs including project management software, AutoCAD, Adobe Acrobat Suite (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator), and ESRI ArcGIS (e.g., ArcMap, ArcCatalog).
• Ability to apply understanding of the principles, terms, techniques, procedures, and best practices of landscape architecture to identify and resolve associated challenges.
• Ability to demonstrate effective team leadership by fostering a work environment that welcomes diversity, ensures cooperation, and promotes respect.
• Ability to be an effective team member and accomplish assignments within an agreed-upon timeline and established standards.
• Ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and consistently overcome work related challenges.
• Ability to effectively listen, speak, write, and interact tactfully in a work group or with the public.
• Ability to operate a variety of standard office equipment including computer, calculator, copier, fax machine and telephone.
• Ability to work collaboratively with citizens, community groups, contractors and department staff.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, landscape design, environmental design, or a closely related field.
• Minimum two years of full-time experience as a Landscape Architect.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered.

Licenses/Certificates:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Colorado Professional Landscape Architect License preferred.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

About El Paso County, Parks & Community Services Department

El Paso County lies in east central Colorado and encompasses more than 2,158 square miles – slightly more than twice the area of the state of Rhode Island (excluding Narragansett Bay). While the western portion of El Paso County is extremely mountainous, the eastern part is prairie land where dairy cows and beef cattle are the main source of ranchers’ income. The altitude ranges from about 5,095 feet (1569 m) on the southern border at Black Squirrel Creek to 14,110 feet (4301 m) on the summit of Pikes Peak, near the western boundary. The county seat is located in Colorado Springs.The natural physical beauty of the area, situated at the base of Pikes Peak and with an uninterrupted view of the Front Range, can be enjoyed by all. The magnificent scenery inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the poem “America the Beautiful” after her visit here. The mild climate, on average, supplies 285 days of sunshine, 15 inches of rain, 35 inches of snow, and very low levels of humidity.The Community Services Department provides a variety of programs and services that are valued by our residents and enhance the quality of life in El Paso County.

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