🚀 Landscape Architect/Park Planner

Join the City of Palo Alto and help shape the future of our parks and open spaces!

The Public Works Department – Engineering Services Division, Parks Group is seeking a Landscape Architect / Park Planner to lead the planning, design, and management of park improvement projects citywide. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of parks, natural preserves, and community spaces as part of our Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs).

Role Overview

Under general direction, you will:

• Lead the planning, design, construction, and renovation of park projects
• Manage budgets, contracts, and consultants
• May need to supervise non‑management staff or advise other staff on landscaping projects and conduct community meetings
• Ensure compliance with laws, codes, and policies
• Prepare reports and presentations for management, boards, and City Council

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate brings creativity, technical expertise, and proven project management skills. Key strengths include:

• Experience in park planning, design, and construction management
• Budgeting, contract oversight, and consultant management
• Strong communication, problem‑solving, and customer service skills
• Ability to collaborate with the community, city departments, and leadership

If you’re passionate about creating high‑quality public spaces that enrich community life, we encourage you to apply!

Responsibilities

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Design department projects and manage consultant contracts.
• Act as technical advisor to other departments on park planning/landscaping matters.
• Serve as a technical liaison to management by providing a scope and cost estimate for Capital and Infrastructure Management Projects.
• Work with Project Manager and appropriate Division Heads to complete complex and difficult projects, including schedules, cost estimates, contracts, and presentation material for approval by department, City Manager, and/or Council boards and commissions.
• Write, review, and edit staff reports to City Council and engineering reports.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of directly related experience;
• or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licensing Requirements

• Valid California Driver's License;
• Possession of a California State Landscape Architect's License at time of appointment or ability to acquire within one year of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture or Park Planning
• Master's degree in a related field, and California State Landscape Architect's License

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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