Senior Landscape Architect

Job no: 523860
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Grounds Departments
Union: PSU
Categories: Facilities/Grounds, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Associate Director Grounds, Special Projects and Events, the Senior Landscape Architect supports design, management and implementation for projects initiated by the Landscape and Construction Services Department. The Senior Landscape Architect provides the Associate Director, shovel-ready projects prepared and prioritized as funding is allocated. This position participates in the design review of projects developed and managed by Design and Construction Management and generated by the Landscape and Construction Services Department. All design plans must be consistent with landscape standards set forth on the UMass campus.

Essential Functions

• Develops and prepares design documents including analysis, guidelines, reports, and final presentations for funding campus landscape projects.
• Develops and prepares construction documents including site plans, planting plans, details and materials.
• Works in collaboration with Landscape & Construction, Mechanical Utilities, Electric Utilities supervisors and managers and collaborates with the faculty from Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Plant and Soil Sciences.
• Supports the arboriculture, floriculture, and agronomy technician of the landscape department in the collection of tree and woody ornamental data for the tree inventory database.
• Conducts field observations to monitor project implementation, including coordination with client to ensure project is implemented successfully.
• Reviews and provides constructive feedback for landscape and construction designs by outside consultants and designers.
• Creates detailed landscape plans using CADD (Computer Aided Design Software) software, prepares conceptual designs, site layouts, and documentation.
• Analyzes environmental and conservation committee reports, during project development, to implement into landscape designs.
• Makes recommendations on sustainability and conservation initiatives in conjunction with project design and development.
• Incorporates contemporary trends of landscape planning, principles, and practices into project designs.
• Researches and provides site analysis/due diligence including code requirements.
• Reviews studies and designs by outside consultants to ensure compatibility with university standards and requirements.
• Reviews all designs to assure that UMass is following sustainable practices with regards to plantings, fertilizing, watering, water runoff and other landscape practices.
• Prepares contract documents in the form of working drawings, specifications for site projects, stamps own plans and specifications.
• Works with staff engineers, architects, managers, and technicians to determine existing conditions and establish project requirements for developing the scope of work and project cost estimates.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable codes and regulations relating to landscape/hardscape, sitework and maintenance.
• Promotes and assures continuous improvement by establishing and maintaining productive relationships that reflect a strong commitment to customer service.
• Maintains proficiency in computer assisted design software, landscape inventory software and other computer systems used in professional landscape architecture organizations including presentation and spreadsheet applications.
• Is a UMass campus Waugh Arboretum Committee member attending meetings and supports the work of the committee.

Other Functions

• Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful inclusive workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university policy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture.
• Registered Landscape Architect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or the ability to obtain a registration within one year through reciprocity.
• More than seven (7) years' experience in landscape/site/underground utility design, construction, and maintenance.
• Working knowledge of architectural and engineering systems, construction materials, and utilities systems.
• Thorough knowledge of plant material identification, selection, care, and maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience in oral, written and graphic communications.
• Demonstrated experience in CADD, word processing, presentations, and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to access and negotiate around any portion of a construction site.
• Valid Class D Driver’s License.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Ability to access and negotiate around any portion of a construction site, including driving to access construction sites.

Additional Details

Works independently within the parameters generally outlined by the Associate Director for Grounds, Special Projects and Events.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Salary Information

Salary Level 31.

Exempt Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Jun 13 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 13 2024 Eastern Daylight Time