Under the direction of the Chief of Landscape Architecture & Planning, manages federally funded trail projects, various other site improvements, and longer-range plans. Maintains design standards for trails, signs, and other structures. Serves on intergovernmental committees related to land acquisition, land use licenses and requests for new trails and amenities. Provides and encourages an elevated level of technical expertise and professional judgment in the execution of duties.

Typical Duties

Plans, designs, and prepares bid drawings, specifications and cost estimates for various land improvement projects including bicycle trails, picnic areas, shelters, special use areas, and other Forest Preserve holdings.

Oversees the work of outside consultants and contractors for facility development, land improvement or master planning projects.

Participates in and provides technical expertise to district land acquisition, land use, and recreation committees.

Prepares or assists in the preparation of long-range regional or site plans.

Meets, confers, advises, and makes presentations in writing or person on any and all matters concerning the assessment, planning, public outreach and implementation of trail, sign or other land improvement plans and projects.

Confers with other District managers and executive staff to discuss any and all activities related to the above. Confers with other offices and agencies and coordinates with other private organizations or members of the public as needed.

Reviews and approves pay applications to vendors.

Tracks and manages Grant funds for various projects.

Assists the Chief of Landscape Architecture & Planning with the preparation of reports, operating budgets, and other administrative duties as assigned.

Oversees the work of staff, including landscape architects and planners.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in landscape architecture from an accredited college or university.

Must possess at least 4 years of full-time work experience in landscape architecture, urban or regional planning, land use planning, land preservation, trail planning, or project management for outdoor recreation improvements and licensure as a landscape architect in the State of Illinois; OR if non-licensure as a landscape architect in the State of Illinois, must possess at least 8 years of full-time work experience in landscape architecture, urban or regional planning, land use planning, land preservation, trail planning, or project management for outdoor recreation improvements.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Possession of at least 1 year of work experience with publicly held or government owned and operated lands; OR at least 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC); OR at least 1 season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member; OR at least 1 season of work experience on FPCC property with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago; OR at least 1 season of work experience with other partners such as, Friends of the Forest Preserves or the Student Conservation Association.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Knowledge of the mission, land holdings and facilities of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Knowledge and skills preparing site plans and primary plans.

Knowledge and experience preparing exhibits and information for community meetings and open houses.

Knowledge of or ability to fully understand the needs, services and operations of the District as applies to land acquisition and land planning and landscape architecture.

Knowledge of the RFP review process and ability to review bid documents and analyze qualified bids for recommendation to the Director of Planning and Development.

Knowledge of all aspects of landscape architecture, land use planning, technology-based tools such as GIS and other aerial mapping methods.

Skill in the evaluation of properties being considered for acquisition based upon criteria in the District’s land acquisition plan.

Skill in reviewing and assessing landscape development designs, overseeing the preparation of landscape plans and analysis, conceptual designs, graphic specifications, and cost estimates.

Skill in ensuring that projects are completed in an accurate, timely and cost-effective manner.

Ability to direct staff or outside consultants for planning or design projects.

Ability to put together construction drawings, specifications and bid documents.

Ability to effectively formulate policy, plans, procedures, and budgets relative to area of responsibility.

Ability to analyze situations, determine priorities and make decisions or recommendations.

Ability to supervise professional landscape architects, planners, and related professionals.

Ability to work effectively with other District offices and agencies on issues and projects.

Ability to manage the schedule process of design assignments and preparation for construction bids, designate team assignments and provide directives to senior staff.

Ability to interact and communicate effectively with outside agencies, non-profit organizations, or members of the public on issues of land planning and land acquisition.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Veteran’s Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify him/herself as a Veteran on his/her employment application by answering “Yes” to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of his/her DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Veteran must provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

MUST BE A RESIDENT OF COOK COUNTY OR ESTABLISH RESIDENCY IN COOK COUNTY WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT AND REMAIN A RESIDENT AT ALL TIMES DURING EMPLOYMENT WITH THE DISTRICT.

MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED AT THE TIME OF HIRE OR SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WITHIN 1 WEEK OF START DATE.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each brings to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.