LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE SUPERVISOR                                                                                                               14990                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      (Competitive)             

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

            The work involves responsibility for supervising and coordinating landscape architecture, site improvement and public space improvement projects of moderate to high complexity for the City of Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation.  The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, development and rehabilitation of parks, recreational facilities, streetscapes, playground, gardens and other public outdoor spaces throughout the City of Syracuse. The position serves as the lead landscape architectural professional for assigned projects, and is responsible for supervising staff, coordinating interdisciplinary project teams and ensuring projects are completed in accordance with approved schedules, budgets and design standards.  The incumbent exercises independent judgement in project planning, design review and construction oversight, and coordination with contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies and multiple City departments.   Work is performed under the general supervision of the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation or their designee.  General and direct supervision may be exercised over professional, technical and support staff.  Certain Assignments made to employees in this class will require reasonable access to transportation to meet fieldwork requirements made in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner.  Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

            Serves as lead designer and project manager for parks, streetscapes, recreational facilities and other public improvement projects.

            Develops conceptual designs, site plans and construction documents for landscape and public space improvement projects.

            Analyzes site conditions and prepares solutions related to grading, drainage, accessibility, spatial organization and site utilization.

            Prepares and/or oversees the preparation of detailed contract drawings utilizing AutoCAD and other design software.

            Develops project specifications, cost estimates and quantity estimates for capital improvement projects.

            Coordinates project schedules and monitors project budgets to ensure timely completion of work.

            Collaborates with engineers, architects, planners, contractors, consultants and City departments to implement approved design solutions.

            Obtains required approvals from internal departments and external regulatory agencies.

            Presents project concepts, updates and recommendations to City leadership, Boards, community stakeholders and the public.

            Reviews shop drawings and monitors construction progress through field visits and site inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans and specifications.

            Assists in the preparation of the annual draft Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, including long-range planning initiatives, sustainability efforts and capital improvement strategies for public spaces and recreational facilities.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

            Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of landscape architecture, site planning and public space design.

            Thorough knowledge of grading, drainage, site utilization, accessibility standards and sustainable design principles.

            Good knowledge of construction methods, materials, specifications and cost estimating practices.

            Proficiency in AutoCAD, and familiarity with design and visualization software, such as Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp.

            Ability to supervise, coordinate and review the work of professional and technical staff.

            Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate interdisciplinary teams.

            Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

            Ability to prepare and presents reports, plans, specifications and presentations.

            Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies and the public.

            Ability to exercise sound independent judgement in planning and supervising landscape architecture projects.

                MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Planning, or a closely related field; or,
2. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Planning, or a closely related field and two (2) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in landscape planning, design or construction; or,
3. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with an Associate’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Planning, or a closely related field and four (4) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in landscape planning, design or construction.

06/2026 Date of Original Composition