NYC Parks: Natural Resources Designer /Assistant Landscape Architect

$57,078 - $65,640/Yr

American Society Of Landscape Architects New York Chapter - Long Island City, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

Long Island City, NY

About the position

The Natural Resources Designer / Assistant Landscape Architect position at NYC Parks is a vital role within the Division of Environment and Planning, which is dedicated to the protection, restoration, and expansion of New York City's green spaces and natural areas. This position is focused on managing over 10,000 acres of natural areas, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and aims to maximize the environmental and community health benefits these areas provide. The Natural Resources Group has successfully secured significant funding from various sources to support the restoration and management of these ecosystems, making this role crucial for the ongoing efforts to enhance New York City's natural resources. In this role, the selected candidate will perform landscape architectural work of moderate difficulty and responsibility under supervision. The responsibilities will include collaborating with staff scientists to develop design solutions that enhance ecological function and minimize ecological impacts. The candidate will conduct site investigations to assess various site conditions, such as drainage areas, soil permeability, and groundwater levels, to evaluate the feasibility of wetland restoration and stormwater green infrastructure projects. The position requires proficiency in using design software, including Adobe Suite and AutoCAD, to prepare graphics, presentations, and contract drawings. The candidate will also be responsible for developing specifications, cost estimates, and quantity estimates for proposed work, as well as obtaining necessary approvals for designs. Additionally, the role involves reviewing sites and designs with team members and construction personnel, monitoring construction operations for compliance with contract specifications, and conducting site inspections for quality assurance. The candidate will assist landscape architects and project managers in these tasks, contributing to the successful execution of projects that enhance New York City's natural resources.

Responsibilities

• Perform landscape architectural work of moderate difficulty and responsibility for the Natural Resources Capital Design & Construction Team.
• Work with staff scientists to determine design solutions which maximize ecological function and reduce ecological impacts.
• Conduct site investigations to evaluate drainage area, flow, soil permeability, groundwater, and other site conditions to determine feasibility of wetland restoration, stormwater green infrastructure, and other natural resource designs.
• Use Adobe Suite and other software to prepare suitable graphics and presentations to communicate design intent.
• Use AutoCAD and other software to prepare and/or manage the preparation of contract drawings.
• Develop specifications, cost estimates, and estimates of quantities for the proposed work.
• Obtain all internal and external approvals for proposed designs.
• Review sites and designs with other members of the team as well as construction and maintenance personnel.
• Monitor construction operations for compliance with contract specifications and documents; review and resolve design conflicts during construction.
• Assess and monitor progress of construction by reviewing and approving requests for Information, submittals, and shop drawings.
• Conduct site inspections for quality assurance.
• Assist landscape architects and project managers with the above tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture or a related field.
• Experience in landscape architectural design and project management.
• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Suite and AutoCAD.
• Strong understanding of ecological principles and natural resource management.
• Ability to conduct site investigations and assessments.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with wetland restoration and stormwater green infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with contract management and construction oversight.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $57,078 - $65,640.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and impactful environment focused on environmental health and community resilience.