Parks Planning and Design Manager Class Specification
Definition
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and directs the activities of the Landscape Architecture Division; serves as a key staff member in the administration, development, and implementation of policies, systems, and procedures to facilitate the implementation of the City’s Park Master Plan; oversees and directs the supervision and activities of citywide tree preservation and landscape development policies; and gives professional advice on landscape matters.
Class Characteristics
This is a single position management classification reporting to the Community Services Director. The incumbent has considerable latitude in the application of department policy as it relates to division activities and follows general guidelines or professional and administrative standards in accomplishing assignments; the incumbent is expected to identify policy issues and work with other staff to develop options and recommend solutions. This classification is distinguished from the Senior Landscape Architect by the latter’s responsibility to manage the staff and activities of one or more sections of the Landscape Architecture Division.
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Essential Functions
Essential Functions
• Plans, organizes, and oversees the landscape, site design and layout of parks, recreational areas, city facilities, roadway medians, and pedestrian ways.
• Acts as the City(s) Landscape Architect in the review, revision, implementation and interpretation of City tree and landscape ordinances, regulations, and policies.
• Directs and participates in analysis of park planning efforts and park site acquisition for compliance with the Park and Recreation master Plan and the Park and Recreation Chapter of the General Plan.
• Plans, supervises, reviews and evaluates the work of professional City and contract staff.
• Trains staff in work procedures.
• Provides policy guidance and interpretation to staff.
• Recommends design direction on high-profile urban design of public and private projects that impact landscape design and urban projects within the City.
• Manages the Park Planning and Development Plan for the City.
• Provides staff support and recommendation alternatives to the Recreation Commission and City Council in park planning policy and implementation of facility development.
• Recommends modifications to ordinances, policies and procedures and implements after approval.
• Performs professional landscape architectural work including preparing landscape plans, coordinating master plan development, and performing park planning and preparing related specifications, contracts, and cost estimates.
• Reviews and approves landscape proposals for private development, ensuring compliance with codes, policies, regulations and procedures.
• Prepares reports.
• Recommends approval or denial of various projects for submission to the Planning Commission and/or the City Council.
• Directs the inspection of and/or inspects public and private landscaping work for conformance with plans, specifications and ordinances.
• Administers and implements the Tree Preservation Ordinance, including recommending approval or denial of permits for tree removal.
• Administers the tree planting program, including maintenance of the street tree master plan, botanical designation, inspection of plantings, issuance of permits for planting, removal, and pruning.
• Serves as technical adviser to other City departments and officials on park, street tree and landscape matters.
• Reviews and analyzes federal, state and local landscape and water legislation and its implementation in the City of Fremont.
• Participates as a team member in the work of the department’s management team, understanding and then implementing assigned duties and responsibilities to support team goals and objectives.
• Works cooperatively with other team members, receiving and sharing information, soliciting input, identifying operational and interpersonal issues, participating in the development of problem solving solutions.
• Acts as the City's representative in dealing with public and private agencies, groups and individuals concerned with parks and open space, trees, and landscape.
• Conducts park location studies to evaluate park site feasibility and proposed land acquisition and/or development.
• Responds to public requests and complaints regarding landscape development and tree preservation.
• Coordinates the work of the division with that of other departments and divisions.
• Maintains accurate records and files.
• Supervises the preparation of clear and effective reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, ordinances and other written materials.
Marginal Functions
• Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of landscape and site design for parks, medians and developments; botanical identification characteristics, valuation and selection criteria; native and exotic plants and trees best adapted to the Fremont area; and City, State, and Federal laws, ordinances, and regulations governing landscape architecture work and tree preservation; principles and practices of supervision, including work planning, organization, oversight, review and evaluation; principles and practices of public administration; organizational management as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs and policies; team building and staff development principles; principles and practices of budget preparation in a public setting; public speaking and presentation skills; contract development and administration in a public agency setting; landscape architectural issues and solutions encountered in municipal landscape architectural work; practices of project development, including cost estimation, as well as implementation, including techniques for bringing projects to conclusion and within budget; and civil engineering as applied to landscape architecture.
Skill in: Planning, supervising, reviewing and evaluating the work of City and contract staff; designing aesthetically pleasing and cost effective landscape plans with minimum maintenance requirements; and dealing effectively with City staff and officials, consultants, contractors, property owners and the public.
Ability to: Use sound independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines; make effective oral presentations; maintain accurate records and files; and prepare clear and effective reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, ordinances and other written materials.
Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.
Education/Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: Education and/or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Park Planning, Horticulture, or closely related field and five years of experience in professional landscape architecture, park planning or park management. A Master’s degree is desirable.
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements
Possession of a valid Landscape Architect license issued by the State of California and a valid California class C driver's license are required. Must have a satisfactory driving record. This classification requires the ability to travel independently within and outside of City limits.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Rare = < 10%, Occasional = 11-33%, Frequent = 34-66%, Constant = >66%
Sitting: Constant
Walking: Occasional
Standing: Rare
Bending (neck): Occasional to Frequent
Bending (waist): Rare
Squatting: Rare
Climbing: Rare
Kneeling: Rare
Crawling: Never
Jumping: Never
Balancing: Never
Twisting (neck): Occasional
Twisting (waist): Never
Grasp - light (dominant hand): Occasional
Grasp - light (non-dominant): Occasional
Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Rare
Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Rare
Fine manipulation (dominant): Frequent
Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Frequent
Reach - at/below shoulder: Rare
Reach – above shoulder level: Rare
Push/pull:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Never
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Lifting:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Carrying:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Coordination:
Eye-hand: Required
Eye-hand-foot: Required
Driving: Required
Vision:
Acuity, near: Required
Acuity, far: Required
Depth perception: Required
Accommodation: Required
Color vision: Required
Field of vision: Required
Talking:
Face-to-face contact: Required
Verbal contact w/others: Required
Public: Required
Hearing:
Normal conversation: Required
Telephone communication: Required
Earplugs required: Not required
Work environment:
Works indoors, works outdoors, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature, being around moving machinery, exposure to dusts, fumes, smoke, gases, odors, mists, or other irritating particles, exposure to slippery or uneven walking surfaces, using computer monitor, works around others, works alone, works with others.
First Review of Applications
The first review of applications is June 18, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (PST). This recruitment may close without notice after this date so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A resume and supplemental questionnaire (part of the online application) must be submitted with the completed City application.
Selection Process
The process may include individual and/or panel interviews, writing exercise, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
Reasonable Accommodation
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing humanresources@fremont.gov.
