Description

Landscape Architect Career Opportunity

Nature of Work
Performs professional landscape architecture work including design, planning, field assessments, and preparation of construction documents for parks, open spaces, and public landscape projects. Collaborates with internal departments, consultants, and the community to deliver sustainable, functional, and compliant site designs that support City goals. 

Environmental Factors
Work is performed in both office and outdoor settings. Outdoor work may involve exposure to varying weather conditions such as sun, heat, cold, or rain; uneven ground surfaces; and typical park or construction-site hazards. Occasional exposure to fertilizers or herbicides may occur during site evaluations. The position may encounter congested or contentious public environments during community meetings or site-based public interactions.

Physical Factors
Light physical work involving frequent walking on uneven terrain, standing, sitting, bending, and occasional climbing during site visits and inspections. Requires lifting or carrying materials or equipment up to 25 pounds.  

Work Situation Factors
Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues.   Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.  Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.  

Duties and Responsibilities
 Designs and plans public parks, greenways, plazas, medians, and other municipal sites to meet community, environmental, and functional needs. 
Conducts site evaluations including soils, vegetation, drainage, accessibility, and topography to inform design solutions.
Prepares construction drawings, plans, specifications, and cost estimates for landscape and site development projects using industry-standard tools and software.
Coordinates project activities from concept through construction in collaboration with engineers, planners, contractors, and consultants.
Monitors project progress by attending site visits, reviewing submittals, identifying issues, and recommending field adjustments consistent with design intent and standards.
Ensures compliance with municipal codes, ADA requirements, sustainability guidelines, and applicable standards (ASTM, NRPA, etc.) within the scope of project-level design responsibilities.
Conducts public engagement activities such as community workshops, meetings, and surveys to collect input and incorporate feedback into designs.
Researches, evaluates, and incorporates sustainable landscape practices such as native plantings, water-efficient irrigation, stormwater management, and low-impact development features. 
Prepares technical reports, presentations, and design summaries to support internal decision-making and project communication.
Collaborates with City departments to ensure coordinated and aligned design outcomes.
Assists with identifying and preparing grant materials or supporting documentation for landscape-related funding opportunities.
Develops long-term maintenance guidance for installed landscapes to support sustainability and operational efficiency.
Responds to and resolves various complaints, issues, inquiries, and problems as authorized and in accordance with established policies and procedures. 
 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Environmental Design or closely related field AND three (3) years of professional experience in landscape architecture including preparation of plans, design development, and construction oversight. Public sector or municipal experience may be preferred. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)
Valid driver’s license is required.  Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies. Licensure as a Landscape Architect is required at the time of application. New Mexico licensure, or eligibility for reciprocity from another state, may be required at the time of hire. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related landscape architecture, park planning, trail design, irrigation systems, planting design, erosion control, arboriculture, playground safety; construction methods, materials, site planning, and contract administration; GIS systems, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and design/analysis software; municipal codes, ADA requirements, ASTM standards, NRPA best practices, and environmental/sustainability guidelines (LEED,  SITES, etc.); project management practices including budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and stakeholder coordination; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to:  perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; prepare technical drawings, specifications and reports; conduct site analyses and applying data to design solutions; facilitate community outreach and public presentations; research, analyze and apply design standards and sustainability practices; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.  

Skills in:  Landscape architectural design; technical drafting; developing creative, functional and context sensitive landscape solutions; reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working  independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.