What are the responsibilities and job description for the Landscape Architect 1 or 2 • position at City of Madison, WI?

Salary : $70,899.40 - $91,258.70 Annually

Location : Madison Parks, WI

Job Type : PERMANENT FULL TIME

Job Number : 2025-00077

Department : Parks Division

Opening Date : 02 / 26 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 19 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Central

Comp. Group / Range : 18 / 06 or 18 / 08

General Description

The City of Madison Parks Division seeks qualified candidates for the position of Landscape Architect 1 or 2

May 2025 graduates are welcome to apply!

This is professional landscape architectural work performed in the office and / or field in connection with the planning, design, construction, and inspection of parks and related facilities. This position will play a key role in project management and collaborating with interested / affected community members and groups on projects to ensure equitable investment across the Parks system that promotes accessibility and inclusion for all.

The Landscape Architect series is structured to provide for career progression from Landscape Architect 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 based on increased employee expertise and responsibility, independence of action, complexity of projects, and experience with and knowledge of City parks planning and development, and administrative processes associated with landscape architectural work and public works construction work. In addition, movement to the higher levels requires registration as a Professional Landscape Architect in the State of Wisconsin. Movement to the Landscape Architect 4 classification is not automatic, but is based on the needs of the department.

Landscape Architect 1

This is entry level professional landscape architectural work performed in the office and / or field in connection with the design, construction, and inspection of parks and related facilities. Assignments are received from the Park Planning and Development Manager who defines the scope of the work, reviews work in progress and upon completion. The work is characterized by the application of theoretical professional architectural expertise.

Landscape Architect 2

This is intermediate level professional landscape architectural work performed in the office and / or field in connection with the design, construction, and inspection of parks and related facilities. Assignments are received from the Park Planning and Development Manager who defines the scope of the work, reviews the work in progress and upon completion. The work is characterized by the application of expanded professional architectural expertise encompassing both theoretical concepts and operational considerations gained through directly related experience.

The successful candidate will be placed at the Landscape Architect 1 (starting salary $70,899.40 - $83,478.98) or Landscape Architect 2 (starting salary $76,903.32 - $91,258.70) level based upon experience; to be determined at the time of hire depending upon the candidate's relevant work experience and overall qualifications.

IMPORTANT : ATTACH A DESIGN PORTFOLIO THAT DEMONSTRATES YOUR ABILITY TO DESIGN FUNCTIONAL AND AESTHETICALLY PLEASING OUTDOOR SPACES. ATTACH YOUR RESPONSE IN THE ATTACHMENT SECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION.

Failure to submit a design portfolio with your application will result in immediate elimination from further consideration for this position

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the .

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn't match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Prepare Annual Capital Budget

Prepare preliminary budget by compiling budget requests provided by park staff, neighborhood associations, or other City personnel and preparing cost estimates and concise narrative summary for each.

Meet with staff and Park Commission to evaluate, eliminate, and re-estimate preliminary budget in an attempt to meet predetermined budget goals.

Complete spreadsheets, other budget summary documents, revisions, and updates until approved by the Common Council.

Implement the Annual Capital Improvement Budget

Prepare plans and specifications, acquire necessary board approvals, and put out for bid through Public Works contract projects as budgeted for in the annual budget. Prepare project and construction cost estimates.

Prepare permit applications to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Army Corp of Engineers, and other permits as required for project approval.

Manage the construction of the projects, i.e., pre-construction meetings, survey and layout, construction inspections, prepare utility as-builts, etc.

Administer the public works contract for the projects, i.e., approve contractor payment requests, prepare change orders, maintain reports and records in project file, close out contracts, etc.

Supervise construction and installation of park related projects other than by public works contract, i.e., in-house by Parks Division construction crew or by purchase order. Coordinate projects that may include work by City forces and public works contract.

Perform special landscape architectural studies including construction materials and tests to improve performance and longevity of park development projects.

Lead major projects involving consultants including reviewing consultant-prepared plans and specifications for compliance with City, State, and Federal regulations, standards, policies, and building codes.

Coordinate project components and schedules with other departments and agencies.

Perform Park Planning Activities

Plan, organize, and lead public input and engagement efforts related to projects through various methods.

Work with neighborhood associations, residents, and staff in developing park development plans for all parklands and / or revisions of existing park development plans.

Develop park development plan options and facilitate discussions.

Assist all Parks Division personnel and the general public in the interpretation and implementation of the Park and Open Space Plan and other planning documents needed.

Prepare presentation drawings and exhibits as required for approvals by boards / commissions / committees or for public meetings, as needed.

Assist in updating the Park and Open Space Plan and the City Planning area plans for the park system.

Perform Other Parks Division-related Projects

Assist in Development Review process, including collecting and verifying impact fees, completing proper documentation and removing parcel hold.

Assist with Digger's Hotline locations and ticket reading; assist in updating Parks Division utility and system mapping.

Organize and / or attend various neighborhood or City-related meetings as required.

Consult with other City departments / divisions on projects that affect or impact the Parks Division.

Identify and resolve encroachment issues in the parks under the guidance of the Parks Management Team.

Write memos and associated correspondence to the City Council, alder persons, contractors, public and private officials as required, relating to Parks Division projects and procedures.

Prepare grant applications where applicable in an attempt to secure alternative funding sources for Parks Division projects. Include presenting plans and specifications to funding source boards for approval.

Respond to phone calls from public, Council, vendors, and contractors with concerns or comments on Park projects, uses, history, inventory or budget.

Serve as department, division or City representative on committees in advisory capacity.

Research new products and procedures for park use, construction, etc.

Assist in the preparation of monthly and annual reports for publication.

Chair or participate in staff teams related to design of parks or park / site amenities or features / improvements.

Research trends in recreation and neighborhood composition (demographics) for master plan and Park and Open Space review.

Provide staff support to the Park Commission and various committees and sub-committees.

Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Landscape Architecture.

Five (5) years of training and experience in the practice of landscape architecture including the following :

At least two (2) years of courses in landscape architecture; AND

At least two (2) years of practical experience in landscape architecture.

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities.

For a complete list of the knowledge, skills and abilities, please view the class specifications for and

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver's license.

Must have knowledge of CADD design (Microstation or Autodesk), Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Arc GIS, etc.

The employee will be expected to attend meetings and provide presentations outside the normal work schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Eligibility for hire as a Landscape Architect 2 requires registration as a Professional Landscape Architect with the State of Wisconsin by the start of employment and at least one year of experience equivalent to that gained as a Landscape Architect 1 with the City of Madison.

Physical Requirements :

This position requires some work outdoors in all types of weather. The employee will be expected to physically visit construction sites and must be able to physically inspect the work at the site.

Payroll title for this position will be either Landscape Architect 1 or Landscape Architect 2.

The City of Madison offers excellent pay and benefits for employees. City Ordinances, handbooks, and labor contracts provide specifics; the description here is not to be considered a binding statement but offers an informal summary.

Compensation

The City of Madison strives to pay competitive wages. View the current for pay for all classifications. Employees receive increases based on tenure with the City.

Benefits

The City offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous leave package, a variety of insurance options, and non-traditional benefits such as optional pet insurance, a bus pass for all employees, and the possibility of flexible work schedules. A brief summary of benefits is listed below. Please visit our for more information.

Leave

Vacation is earned upon starting employment and can be used after completion of probation. The general vacation schedule is below.

0-3 years 10 work days of vacation

After 3 years 12-1 / 2 days

After 7 years 15 days

After 11 years 17-1 / 2 days

After 15 years 20 days

After 19 years 25 days

After 27 years 27 days

Employees earn 3.5 personal days in addition to vacation.

Employees receive eight official paid holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day), as well as 3 paid leave days (the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve).

Employees also earn 13 sick days annually that may accrue to a total of 150 days.

Retirement

The City of Madison participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System through the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.

Insurance

The City of Madison offers a variety of optional insurance programs including :

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Pet Insurance

Life Insurance

Income Continuation Insurance (for short and long-term disability)

Long Term Care Insurance

Other Benefits

The City offers numerous other benefits and programs for employees, including :

457(b) deferred compensation plans

Employee Assistance Program

Bus Pass on Madison Metro

Flexible Work Schedules

Employer-paid Training

What is your highest level of education?

Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field

Master's degree in Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's Degree (or higher) program in Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field

Bachelor's degree (or higher) in an unrelated field

No Bachelor's degree

If you have a Bachelor's degree (or higher), please list your major field(s) of study.

If you do not have a Bachelor's degree or higher level degree in Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field, please list any coursework you have completed in landscape architecture.

Do you currently possess a State of Wisconsin Professional Landscape Architect license?

Are you licensed as a Professional Landscape Architect in a state other than Wisconsin?

If you answered Yes to the previous question, in which state(s) are you licensed as a Professional Landscape Architect?

How many years of Landscape Architecture work experience do you have?

None

Some, but less than one (1) year

One (1) to less than two (2) years

Two (2) to less than three (3) years

Three (3) to less than four (4) years

Four (4) or more years

A design portfolio is uploaded in the Attachments section of the application.

AGREED

Required Question

Salary : $70,899 - $91,259

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