Landscape Architect

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 02-18-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Physical Planning, Development & Operations (PPDO) manages and oversees all University activities and services related to physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, capital and space planning, space management, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University's main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department includes operating budgets of over $60 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $990 million, and employs over 395 full-time staff to carry forth the duties necessary for the campus' development and operation.

More information can be found at: https://ppdo.ucsc.edu/ppdo/index.html

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Campus Architect, the Landscape Architect's primary responsibility is the stewardship and enhancement of UC Santa Cruz's renowned physical environment. This role is pivotal in campus planning, design, and resource management, supporting both small and large capital improvement projects. Collaborating with stakeholders such as the Arboretum, Center for Agroecology, and Grounds Services, the Landscape Architect delivers innovative site access plans, graphic renderings, and design solutions aligned with campus goals. The Landscape Architect oversees construction documents, project estimates, and schedules for minor projects while ensuring sustainability and design excellence, and is also responsible for strategic site design, project coordination, plan reviews, and managing campus resource databases. Additionally, the incumbent oversees professional design consultants and supervises student workers involved in landscape architecture and GIS projects. By blending visionary design with strategic planning, the Landscape Architect ensures a cohesive campus identity that fosters engagement, sustainability, and collaboration within the UC Santa Cruz community.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $105,000 - $135,000/annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: FAC PROJECT MGT SPEC 3 (007078)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

40% - Landscape Planning, Design and Construction

• Reviews and coordinates all aspects of site development and design for the Santa Cruz campus which will involve driving a campus vehicle to the worksites and including comprehensive plan review for all projects with site and landscape implications.
• Prepares conceptual site plans, landscape design plans, and specifications for construction and maintenance projects.
• Collaborates with consultants, staff, and stakeholders.
• Performs construction site inspections related to site work and landscape installation. Facilitates site, paving, and landscape projects initiated by various campus groups including PPDO Design and Construction Services, Physical Plant, Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS), Student Housing, Center for Agroecology, Arboretum, etc.
• Functions as both project landscape architect and project manager for various site improvement projects including obtaining approvals and coordinating scheduling of projects and operations with campus committees and affected departments such as academic divisions, Fire, Police, and Building and Utility Services.
• Provides strategic recommendations and support regarding all aspects of site design, use, and development to campus administrators.
• Coordinates design, plan review, and construction administration for specific projects on the Santa Cruz campus as needed.
• Presents planning and design options and recommendations to senior leadership to move through the concept-planning-execution-delivery lifecycle.

25% - Site and Landscape Design Specialist

• Administers the design implementation, maintenance, installation, and inspection of internal construction projects, including repairs and preventative maintenance to campus paths, bicycle lanes/paths, sidewalks, bike parking areas, irrigation systems, and forestry and landscape improvements.
• Develops, oversees, prioritizes, and tracks work on minor pavement installation and maintenance projects for paths, sidewalks, and bike parking areas throughout campus.

25% - Plan Review and Project Coordination

• Assists with plan review for all phases of construction documents related to projects with site and landscape implications to ensure compliance with campus standards, consistency with established campus planning and design goals, and minimal impact on operational programs.
• Reviews project submittals related to site and landscape work, reviews site mockups, participates in plant layouts, and prepares site punch lists.
• Assists the Campus Architect with annual updates and revisions to campus design standards related to site and landscape work (UC Santa Cruz Campus Design Guide).

10% - Other Duties

• Works within the confines of the established program budget and prioritizing decisions to reflect financial conditions.
• Tracks all billable work including communications with clients, billing issues, and general customer satisfaction.
• Represents campus planning at various meetings and events.
• Participates in campus committees as requested by the Campus Architect.
• Occasionally supervises student workers on projects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated proficiency in the preparation of working drawings, specifications, detail development for improvements related to pedestrian and bike circulation, courtyards, sidewalks and public spaces, grading and drainage, irrigation and planting design, wayfinding graphics and standards, public furniture, and monument signage.
• 3-5 years of planning, site development and design experience.
• Site design experience, specifically with public or other institutional projects.
• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of various computer software programs including, but not limited to MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook and Outlook calendar, Asana, and construction project management software.
• Proficiency with the following software programs including but not limited to: AutoCAD, Sketchup (or other 3D modeling programs), and Adobe Suite of applications.
• Excellent written communications skills including high-level political acumen.
• Excellent verbal communications skills including high-level political acumen.
• Proven ability to manage contractors and maintain compliance to the agreed-upon scope of work and budget.
• Experience meeting high productivity levels without specific deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• California Landscape Architects license or ability to obtain the license within 1 (one) year
• Experience working in a university or civic setting.
• Familiarity with design and construction contracts, project delivery methods, contract law, public contracting code, and construction claims procedures.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination