City of Fort Wayne

Job Description:

SUMMARY

Working under the direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation the incumbent oversees the management and coordination of the Park Design, Riparian Operations, Forestry, Botanical Conservatory, and Park Landscape and Horticulture. The incumbent leads and/or assists and conducts the review, planning, concept and schematic design, construction detailing, and cost/quality management, development and/or redevelopment of the exterior spaces, physical environments, for landscaping projects of the parks and recreation facilities of the Board of Park Commissioners. The incumbent works with local partners to identify and promote economic development opportunities associated with park development, coordinates and provides staff to the multiple committees designated to the project. Incumbent works cooperatively and jointly with businesses and government agencies to provide high quality and seamless customer service.   The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment, independence, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations. All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with the City safety rules and operating regulations, policies and procedures as well as federal, state, and local regulations. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ability to interact with the public, City incumbents, and outside agencies with patience, tact, respect, and professionalism and the following other duties may be assigned.

• Oversees all operations of the Landscape and Horticulture Division including but not limited to: all ornamental floral displays and gardens; operation of greenhouse production ranges; landscape feature design, installation and maintenance; planning and coordination of crops and schedules for Parks and Conservatory;
• Responsible for serving as Senior advisor to Board of Park Commissioners and Director of Parks on all landscape architecture and planning issues for the Department.;
• Represents Department by working with all units of government, authorities, agencies, to implement Department design strategies;
• Develops short, mid, and long-term planning documents to guide future park development;
• Responsible for recruiting champions for various Department projects;
• Represents Department in making presentations to stakeholder groups, public bodies, private groups and others regarding progress and activity;
• Represents the Department on boards, committees, and professional associations within the community;
• Directs all design plans and activities concerned with the implementation of Park facilities exteriors;
• Directs, plans, and manages the Botanical Conservatory operations, programs, and communications;
• Responsible for visitor enjoyment, education, comfort, information and interpretations;
• Manages and provides leadership for professional and volunteer staff in the areas of education, programming, visitor services, volunteers, facility rental, marketing, development, fund raising, and interpretation.
• Determines needs and creates and prepares landscaping plans for new projects, renovations, and renewal projects across the Department, including botanical identification characteristics, valuation and selection criteria;
• Responsible for conducting and/or assisting in pre-construction conferences and overview orientation of final project design drawings and specifications with project architects, consultants, and appropriate department and city personnel;
• Develops and participates in public consulation exercises, provides landscape advice, organizes and attends meetings both internal and external on projects when required;
• Responsible for ensuring that landscape works designed and constructed by internal staff, other city departments and private landscaping efforts are to very high standards and suitable to the Board of Park Commissioners to adopt and maintain;
• Develops designs and prepares landscape plans with minimum maintenance requirements;
• Utilizes detailed computer software packages in the execution of projects including AutoCAD, Photoshop,Illustrator, In Design, Sketchup, Microsoft Office, and other related 2D and 3D software;
• Responsible for obtaining required approvals and permits and ensures that all projects follow required procedural and review processes;
• Coordinates division operations and preparation of special projects by bringing people together, clarifying misunderstandings, collecting and disseminating information, allocating resources and evaluation of activities;
• Develops and enhances relationships with business community and elected officials resulting in ongoing support base;
• Coordinates the development of a Public Operating Model for future River/Riverbank Maintenance;
• Responsible for interacting with funders, supporters, volunteers, staff, vendors, advisory board members and the general public to help ensure that reporting unit meets community’s objectives;
• Assists in development of department policies, procedures, long range plans and budgets;
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships, with subordinates, volunteers, civic groups and the general public;
• Approves design and production of interactive exhibits, gardens and props, interpretive signs, landscape and other displays at the Botanical Conservatory and throughout the park system;
• Directs the implementation of management policies, plans, procedures and management control;
• Directs all plans and activities concerned with the development and overall design of all parks and public spaces;
• Sits on Board Committees for Programs and Capital Projects;
• Represents Division at Public Meetings as assigned by Director;
• Member of Park Executive Management Committee.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The incumbent is responsible to manage their performance in accordance with this job description and the performance expectations provided to them by management. If at any time the incumbent is unsure of their role or specific responsibilities, it is the incumbent’s responsibility to refer to their job description and ask for clarification from their supervisor. Management will work with the incumbent, as needed, to ensure performance expectations are clearly communicated and performance goals are achieved.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Planning, Riparian, Botanical Conservatory, and Landscape & Horticulture areas. Also, directly manages both full and part-time staff and approves volunteers and Park Department employees assigned to complete jobs. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) in Landscape Architecture, or related field from a four-year college or university; and two to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• The equivalent of four or five years of progressively responsible experience in park and recreation administration and/or senior management experience.

OTHER SKILLS and/or ABILITIES

• Ability to design and prepare landscape plans with minimum maintenance requirements;
• Broad knowledge of the principles, purposes, practices, and objectives of the public process and modern public parks and recreation administration and related various business activities;
• Ability to organize, plan and coordinate the work of interrelated units of a large and diverse operational group;
• Ability to express concepts, ideas and supporting facts effectively in both oral and written forms and a sensitivity to the choice of the most effective methods;
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with managers, operating employees, the general public and volunteers;
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends;
• Considerable, responsible administrative experience within the department or its equivalent at the operational and program levels of a similar park and recreation department;
• Increasingly responsible supervisory or administrative experience;
• Demonstrated ability in writing reports, proposals, contracts, and articles in either professional journals or trade publications; experience in speaking to professional organizations and community groups;
• Demonstrated ability in personnel management, schedule development and record keeping with use of computers.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, geometry, trigonometry and proportions to practical situations. Working knowledge of budgets, inventory control, revenues and expenses. Solid understanding of business operating model on profit and revenue generation.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establishes facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Knowledge of public/private attractions and administration, including principles of organization, accounting, and budget preparation. Proven leadership skills and ability to develop and manage multiple projects. Excellence in clear, concise oral and written expression and exceptional interpersonal skills are essential. Ability to analyze data and exercise prudent judgment. Ability to understand and translate construction documents. Creativity in program development and ability and willingness to work in a team environment. Experience in public affairs and enthusiasm, imagination and diplomacy required for regular contact with government, business, non-profit boards, volunteers and the community.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• A valid license to practice Landscape Architecture in the State of Indiana;
• Valid Indiana Driver’s License if a City vehicle is used.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision and depth perception. Most of work involves reading, writing, interpersonal interactions, and thought with minimal physical demands.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat and wet or humid conditions.