JOB DESCRIPTION

The Landscape Architect position is a full time civil service position with the Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation Department. The primary duty will be assisting in development of greenways across Nashville, as well as acquiring land for parks, trails, and conservation. The Greenways & Open Space Division of the Parks Department is charged with the planning, design, and development of a system of greenway connections and placemaking, and the identification and acquisition of open space for conservation and future park development that supports community health and recreation.

Invitation to Apply

Are you passionate about parks, trails, and open space that add to quality of life? Is your desire to make a difference for the common good in a fast-growing city? Then, look no further! The Parks Department of Metro Nashville needs a professional to help us develop greenways across Nashville, as well as acquiring land for parks, trails, and conservation.

You will be working under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Director for Greenways & Open Space, who is a registered Landscape Architect, an AICP-certified Planner, and a LEED Accredited Professional.

After the first level screening, you will be asked to provide a cover letter that describes your interest in this position, your resume that defines your educational qualifications, certifications/licensing (where applicable), and work experience in terms of employers, dates, and projects. You will also be asked to submit a portfolio that illustrates your work experience both in text and graphics, including your responsibilities on each project.

About Metro Parks

Metro's Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of facilities and programs throughout Davidson County. Currently, the department oversees nearly 16,000 acres of open space, including 189 parks and 110 miles of greenway. Metro Parks offers after school programs for children, activities for seniors (55+), cultural arts classes, dog parks, fitness classes, nature programs, sports leagues, ice hockey, art galleries, and much more. It is the mission of Metro Parks and Recreation to sustainably and equitably provide everyone in Davidson County with an inviting network of parks and greenways that offer health, wellness and quality of life through recreation, conservation and community.

This fast-paced, diverse, and multi-faceted environment might be just the place for you!

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and six (6) years of planning and/or design experience
OR
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of planning and/or design experience.

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with project management
• Experience leading design teams and/or project management, etc.
• Degree in Landscape Architect
• Licensed Landscape Architect
• AICP-certified Planner

Typical Duties

• Manage the planning, design, acquisition, and construction of greenways, placemaking and open space projects, including public/private partnership projects and easement acquisitions.
• Manage public engagement, stakeholder coordination, constituent responses, and preparation of public presentations and reports.
• Ensure project compliance with Metro procurement procedures, regulatory requirements, and departmental policies.
• Review plans for new developments proposed along planned greenways through Planning Department reviews, rezoning application reviews, new community plans, stormwater variance requests and other plan review processes.
• Prepare and oversee requisitions, RFPs, scopes of work, bids, and consultant contracts to ensure planning and design projects meet departmental and community needs.
• Coordinate greenway and placemaking design, and construction activities with relevant local, state, and federal agencies, partners, and stakeholders.
• Review greenway design, placemaking and construction plans submitted by consultants.
• Conduct regular site visits and field inspections for contract compliance and work progress, for which it will be necessary to drive/operate a vehicle.
• Prepare construction contract changes and recommend remedial actions when needed.
• Manage project budgets, contracts, financial reporting, and documentation to ensure efficient, cost effective, and high-quality project delivery.
• Work with Metro departments to review development proposals, stormwater variance requests, rezoning applications, and other regulatory reviews that affect greenway development.
• Support and coordinate efforts to research, secure, and administer grant funding, including reimbursement requests and compliance reporting.
• Assist in annual and long-range capital budget planning for greenways and park land acquisition.
• Prepare plans and presentations as requested to the Greenways and Open Space Commission, Metro Parks Board and Greenways for Nashville Board and other organizations.
• Attend meetings with stakeholders, including other Metro departments, boards, and commissions for which it will be necessary to drive/operate a vehicle.
• Perform administrative tasks such as preparing letters, reports, board items, and productivity improvement measures.
• Participate in greenway, placemaking, and land acquisition policy development.