Job Description: Landscape Planner, City of Newport News, Department of Parks and Recreation

Regular, Full-Time

Job Overview:

Assists with the procurement and management of contracted landscape services, to include landscape
installation and maintenance; and arboricultural and pest management services for City-wide sites;
prepares bid packages. Maintains appropriate records and monitors budgets for all annual contracting;
ensures proper supervision of contractors and work zone safety measures are properly followed.
Designs, coordinates and reviews landscaping site plans for a variety of City locations and parks;
ensures compliance with applicable city zoning ordinance and site regulations, design specifications
and standards; coordinates a review of design recommendations as appropriate; prepares landscape
plans and GIS maps including concept, design, cost analysis, bidding, award and installation.
Coordinates with city departments and developers regarding questions dealing with site layout and
design. Supports staff in the preparation of reports and changes to design development and
landscaping regulations.
Performs field survey site inspections on existing and proposed improvements; compiles site
information; prepares reports and supporting graphic display materials using a variety of software.
Monitors sites to ensure effective upkeep and maintenance.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
 Planning – Comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of landscape designs,
installation, ornamental plants, green industry best practices, and site layout.
 Plan Reading – Ability to read and interpret maps, blueprints, landscape designs, contractual specs
and technical drawings.

 Customer Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This
includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
REQUIRED SKILLS
 Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with GIS and AudoCad, landscape design, word
processing, spreadsheet, digital photography, and related software to effectively complete a variety
of administrative tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy.
 Interpersonal Relationships/Customer Service – Develops and maintains cooperative and
professional relationships with employees and the public. Effectively handles inquiries, complaints
from or disputes with customers.
 Time Management – Plans and organizes daily work routine. Estimates expected time of
completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Implements work
activities in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.
REQUIRED ABILITIES
 Judgement/Decision Making – Ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and
evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.
 Communication – Excellent ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas
presented through spoken word or writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues
with tact, diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture; Urban Design, Horticulture, Botany, Environmental
Science or any Earth/Physical Science; and 5-7 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of
education and experience. Experience with an emphasis on Landscape Design and related horticulture,
grounds maintenance or pesticide applicator certification is preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check,
sex offender registry check and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
 Tasks require the ability to exert moderate physical effort in light to medium work.
 Some combination of climbing, lifting, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of
moderate weight.
 May involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and
materials (20-50 pounds).
 Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
 Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate depth, texture and visual cues or signals.
 Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as
dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, fumes, temperature and noise extremes,
hazardous materials, machinery, vibrations, traffic hazards, toxic agents, animals/wildlife, water
hazards, disease, or pathogenic substances.