Groundwork Jacksonville Looking to Hire Landscape Architect

Groundwork Jacksonville

Groundwork Jacksonville (GWJax) is the city’s primary nonprofit organization specifically created to restore urban creeks and clean, redevelop and convert contaminated land into parks, playgrounds, trails, and other public green space. Its mission and operations are premised on the understanding that environmental conditions are inextricably linked to the economic and social health of a neighborhood. As a result, GWJax is committed to “changing places and changing lives” through on-the-ground projects that help to transform local communities.

Groundwork is engaging neighborhood stakeholders, business leaders, funders and the City of Jacksonville (COJ) to plan and build the Emerald Trail by 2029. This signature outdoor destination will be 30 miles of trails, greenways, parks and art that encircle the urban core and link 14 historic neighborhoods to downtown, Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek and the St. Johns River.

Landscape Architect/Project Manager
The Landscape Architect/Project Manager (LA) will manage and oversee landscape architecture, engineering, and collaborative planning and design projects, including creek restoration, trail design, watershed planning and green infrastructure design. The LA will design small scale landscapes and restorations, and master plan trail arboretum and parks connected to the Emerald Trail.

GWJax is partnering with COJ to build 20 new miles of trail, and ecologically restore McCoys and Hogans Creeks. The Jacksonville City Council recently allocated $132M in new gas tax dollars for construction of five trail segments. The gas tax projects will be in partnership with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA).

Design/engineering firms are procured for trail and creek design projects. The LA will manage the design consultants and the design projects. The LA reports to GWJax’s CEO, and works closely with GWJax’s civil engineer, stakeholders, neighborhood groups, and COJ and JTA staff.

Responsibilities
In addition to those mentioned above, the LA will have the following responsibilities: Adaptively manage creek restorations and oversee trail maintenance plans

• Advise on matters related to environmental conservation
• Work with the Community Engagement Coordinator to garner community input during the trail and creek design processes
• Provide monthly project status updates to the CEO
• Write project reports
• Provide public presentations as needed
• Maintain collaborative relationships with City and JTA staff
• Coordinate projects with City/JTA staff, private landowners, government agencies
• Review deliverables, ensure timely response from all parties, and initiate appropriate corrective actions
• Perform technical review of drawings and specifications
• Work with the contractor and LA/Engineer of record to ensure accurate construction

Qualifications
The ideal candidate must be a self-starter, work well independently as well as accept supervision; have a passion for creating a nationally renowned urban trail/greenway; and demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people from different backgrounds.

• B.S. or M.L.A. in Landscape Architecture
• Licensed in the State of Florida
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience
• Knowledge of Florida plants, tree protection, hardscape design, streetscapes, and site planning gained through a combination of education and experience
• Familiarity with and interest in ecology
• Skilled in understanding and influencing others to obtain desired results, to coordinate activities, and to resolve complaints
• Superior oral and written communication skills
• An eye for detail
• Proven ability to provide drawings of project from concept to construction
• Proficient with computer-aided design and drafting, and Photoshop
• Familiarity with GIS
• Flexible in order to adapt to the changing needs of a growing and lean organization
• Knowledge of green infrastructure design is a plus

Compensation: $70,000 to $90,000 based on experience and qualifications

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Application Deadline: January 17, 2022

Start Date: February 2022

To apply: Please submit a letter of interest, resume and work samples or portfolio by email to kay@groundworkjacksonville.org with the subject header Landscape Architect/Project Manager.

Groundwork Jacksonville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider applications for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation/identification or any legally protected status.