Francison Consulting is seeking an experienced Senior Landscape Architect to support the Los Angeles Unified School District's Facilities Services Division, Maintenance & Operations A/E team. In this role, you will oversee the staff, projects, programs, and activities of the Landscape Unit, providing professional leadership and technical direction across the District's landscape architecture and greening projects.
This is an opportunity to lead meaningful greening and sustainability projects across LAUSD's school sites, working closely with consultant landscape architects, design professionals, and community stakeholders.
Position Summary:
The Senior Landscape Architect will lead the Landscape Unit and serve as Landscape Architect of Record for District designed projects. Core responsibilities include:
Overseeing the staff, projects, programs, and activities of the Landscape Unit, providing professional leadership, technical direction, and guidance in the planning, design, development, and implementation of landscape architecture and greening projects
Providing technical direction and professional oversight to consultant landscape architects and other design professionals engaged in District landscape architecture, greening, irrigation, grading, and related projects
Serving as Landscape Architect of Record for District designed projects and assuming professional responsibility for the preparation, review, coordination, and certification of landscape architectural plans, specifications, and related technical documents
Planning, developing, and directing highly complex landscape architectural projects involving landscape design, site planning, greening, irrigation systems, grading, planting, hardscape, and related site improvements
Preparing and certifying plans, specifications, and other professional documents in accordance with applicable laws, codes, standards, and District requirements
Leading the design and development of in house landscape architecture, greening, and land use planning projects, applying professional judgment to establish design solutions
Directing and supervising the preparation, review, and coordination of landscape architectural drawings, specifications, construction documents, and design revisions for new landscaping and modifications to existing landscapes
Directing and overseeing the development, review, negotiation, and processing of Design Service Proposals, scopes of work, and related documents for landscape architectural and greening design services
Leading coordination and community engagement related to landscape architectural and greening projects with school principals, teachers, parent groups, nonprofit organizations, and other community stakeholders, and evaluating input to incorporate appropriate requirements into project development
Reviewing, negotiating, and approving task orders, scopes of work, proposals, and related consultant documents for landscape architectural and related professional services
Preparing and reviewing cost estimates, evaluating materials and equipment, establishing appropriate installation methods, and assessing project delivery methods
Conducting site visits and field investigations, evaluating existing site conditions, reviewing construction and installation progress, identifying design and technical issues, and providing professional direction to resolve issues affecting landscape and greening projects
Reviewing and approving technical documentation supporting grant applications for landscape architecture, greening, sustainability, and related projects, and ensuring proposed projects and supporting documentation satisfy applicable District and funding agency requirements
Providing technical consultation and professional advice to District management, project teams, school site personnel, and other stakeholders regarding landscape architecture, site planning, greening, irrigation, grading, sustainability, and related design matters
Reviewing project designs and providing recommendations regarding constructability, maintainability, lifecycle considerations, sustainability, accessibility, safety, cost effectiveness, and compliance with District requirements
Performing other related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum ten (10) years professional experience in landscape architectural design on commercial and public agency projects, preferably school or university projects
Minimum three (3) years experience supervising a team of landscape architects and related staff, providing direction and overseeing projects from inception to completion
Experience with AutoCad design software system
Proficiency in computer office software (Word, Excel, Adobe, etc.)
Experience with graphic design and rendering software (Adobe Suite, Photoshop, others)
Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture
Extensive experience in AutoCad and Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Preferred Qualifications: Revit, Rhino, and Lumion experience
Skills
Strong design skills and a passion for creativity
Strong organizational skills
A high degree of self motivation, flexibility, and resourcefulness
Knowledge of planting design, materials, and technical aspects of landscape architecture
Review of construction documents, specifications, and contracts
Construction administration experience, as well as experience coordinating with a range of consultants including civil, electrical, and structural engineers
Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills
Why Join Francison Consulting?
Opportunity to support one of the nation's largest school districts
Lead meaningful greening and sustainability projects across LAUSD's school sites
Competitive compensation with performance based bonuses
Full health insurance and 401K retirement plan
Generous paid time off and professional development support
Opportunity to work on impactful public sector capital improvement projects
