Job Description

The Hiring Range for this position is: $77,694.96-$97,118.70/Annually

Must Reside in Colorado at time of hire

The deadline to submit applications is Monday, February 10th,2024. Initial review of submitted applications will commence shortly after. However, it is subject to close at any time without prior notice once a sufficient pool of qualified applicants is obtained.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT

The Planning and Business Development Services Department is a dynamic team of 40+ employees employed across four distinct divisions: Business Development, Energy and Environment, Long Range Planning and Current Planning. We foster a fun, supportive environment that enables people to thrive professionally and personally. We strive to provide efficient and helpful customer service and offer an environment that promotes teamwork and participation, while encouraging creativity and individual initiative. This position will be filled within the Current Planning Division. The successful candidate will join a team of Planners, in being an integral part of improving and making a difference in the lives of those who live and work here.

We are seeking an experienced Landscape Architect to join our team to review landscape proposals associated with development applications. You may also be asked be a project lead or case manager for city initiatives or the processing of development proposals such as site plans and other land use entitlements. The responsibilities of this position involve performing professional landscape and planning work to support the operations and functions of the Current Planning Division.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, the Senior Planner/Landscape Architect will have the following primary responsibilities and duties:

Landscape Architecture

• Advocate for sustainable landscapes, water conservation and landscape design.
• Review development applications for compliance with the city's landscape ordinance as assigned.
• Assist and respond to inquiries from the public, consultants, applicants, city staff, builders, and neighborhood groups regarding the landscape ordinance.
• Prepare landscape pre-application meeting review comments.
• Attend pre-application meetings with applicants and city staff.
• Recommend design direction on projects that may impact the landscape design or urban design of projects within the city.
• Preparation of graphic materials and exhibits for presentations.
• Other duties as assigned such as site inspections, technical research.
• May be asked to manage special projects such as code changes, public outreach or contribute to other special projects. Project management may also include case management for development applications which can include assisting applicants, consulting with city personnel and outside organizations and community groups. Manages schedules and database entries, case research, report preparation, and presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council.
• May also carry out technical research, field surveys, site inspections, and interpret land use regulations to the public.
• Prepare graphic presentations and exhibits, drafting proposed ordinance changes.
• Provides support to the Planning Manager as requested.
• Other additional duties as assigned.

Landscape Architecture

• May be asked to manage special projects such as code changes, public outreach or contribute to other special projects. Project management may also include case management for development applications which can include assisting applicants, consulting with city personnel and outside organizations and community groups. Manages schedules and database entries, case research, report preparation, and presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council.
• May also carry out technical research, field surveys, site inspections, and interpret land use regulations to the public.
• Prepare graphic presentations and exhibits, drafting proposed ordinance changes.
• Provides support to the Planning Manager as requested.
• Other additional duties as assigned.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Experience working with landscaping in urban and suburban development including commercial, industrial and multifamily development is preferred. Familiarity with regional and/or western landscape plant material, also preferred.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture or a directly related field.

Experience:

• At least four years of progressively responsible landscape architecture.

License or Certificates Required:

• State of Colorado Landscape Architecture License preferred.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of landscape architecture and urban planning.
• Local, state, and federal laws governing planning and land use.
• Codes, policies, and procedures.
• Project management.
• Personal computers with related software including word processing, Bluebeam, Photoshop, PowerPoint.

Abilities:

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees and citizens.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Analyze and compile technical information and reports.
• Make presentations.
• Assess needs, questions, and services and defer to the appropriate staff for further information.
• Ability to multi-task in order to meet multiple development review deadlines.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail while balancing conflicting time demands.
• Ability to both give and receive direction.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational and presentation skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Location:

This position is located in the City of Aurora Municipal Building, at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Suite 2300, Aurora, CO 80012.

Essential Personnel:

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Sedentary work lifting no more than 10 pounds.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing.
• Vision for data analysis and preparation.
• Dexterity to operate computer system and other related equipment.
• Endurance sufficient to sit and work at a computer for long periods of time.
• Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment.

Equipment Used:

• Frequently uses standard office equipment including computer, calculator, multi-line telephones, copy/fax machines and postal equipment.
• This position may require the incumbent to regularly use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.