Job Information
Boston Planning and Development Agency Landscape Architect II in Boston, Massachusetts
boston planning & development agency
* BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT *
TITLE: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT II
STATUS: EXEMPT
GRADE: 6
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:
URBAN DESIGN
The Urban Design department is responsible for crafting and executing a beautiful [1] , human-scale, and inclusive vision for the design of the built environment across Boston. We champion the transformative power of sustainable, walkable communities for everyone that support social, mental, and physical health while improving resiliency and promoting equity.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of the Deputy Director for Design Review and the Assistant Deputy Director (ADD) of Public Realm Design, the Landscape Architect II will conduct design review and solve complex landscape architectural and urban design problems, with a special focus on the public realm and issues of climate change. They will contribute to new and ongoing planning, design, and interdepartmental efforts on resilience, affordability, and equity. The Landscape Architect will help advance key City initiatives on climate adaptation and the urban forest..
The Landscape Architect II will be a key contributor to a wide range of public realm, urban design and planning projects, producing analysis, conceptual ideas, and public realm, open space, and urban design scenarios.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.
Design Review
As design reviewer, evaluate a wide range of large- and small-scale development projects by analyzing project documents (plans, sections, grading plans, etc.) and understanding the project context and site constraints, guided by the City’s design vision and planning goals
Understand climate-change/sea-level rise issues with particular regard to identifying projects with future need for resiliency measures, including retrofits, and coordination with the public realm and accessibility requirements
Conduct design review of Public Improvement Commission (PIC) plans, and evaluate proposed plans for compatibility with BPDA priorities for development projects
Act as, or support the Deputy Director and/or ADD’s role as BPDA liaison to PIC, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Boston Transportation Department, the Public Works Department, Boston Art Commission, and community groups on assigned projects or where public realm is being considered
Incorporate and apply urban design policies and applicable zoning regulations to evaluate how a project conforms with landscape architecture best practices, the principles of urban design, and planning goals specific to the neighborhood
Communicate design feedback in a professional and collaborative manner to external and internal stakeholders, using a combination of live, verbal communication, precise written documentation, and diagrammatic sketches
Prepare urban design analyses, site and landscape studies, and alternative scenarios, as appropriate, for development projects of all scales, with a focus on landscape architecture and climate adaptation
Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, and Planning
Work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams consisting of planners, architects, landscape architects, policymakers, and urban designers
Engage in all aspects of planning and urban design processes including site and existing conditions analysis, conceptual ideas, and scenario development
Contribute to urban design studies, as appropriate
Work across multiple scales and contexts including urban districts and neighborhoods, research and innovation clusters, campuses, etc.
Be responsible for creating 2d and 3d analytical and conceptual drawings, graphics, digital and physical models, and other content that reflects City goals and community priorities
Initiate urban design concepts, visual graphics, with guidance from senior staff
Develop urban design guidelines, feasibility studies, and impact analyses for a range of scales, from individual parcels to citywide planning and zoning initiatives
Collaborate with other City departments on design problems and planning projects regarding urban design and the City’s public realm
General
Communicate design and planning ideas and critiques, verbally and graphically, to both internal and external stakeholders
Represent the BPDA at public meetings and meetings with other City, state, and federal agencies
Present urban design and landscape/site ideas during internal and external meetings
Work with a variety of teams and contribute to a range of project types and geographies
Perform other related duties as requested
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
The position requires a master’s degree in landscape architecture, or a closely related field, plus 4 years of related professional experience. Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, or a closely related field, with a minimum of 6 years of experience may also apply.
Candidates must either hold Massachusetts landscape architecture licensure or be actively working toward registration.
The work requires the ability to:
solve complex landscape, urban design, planning, and zoning problems across a wide range of scales;
understand and interpret urban design, landscape, and architectural drawings, such as plans, sections, and elevations;
effectively and clearly communicate with a range of stakeholders graphically and verbally;
work on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously; and
collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Prior experience with complex landscape, climate resilience, and urban design projects is also highly desirable.
Proficiency with design and office software including AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and/or equivalent programs is required. Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro or equivalent software is a plus.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants are requested to submit an eight- to twelve-page packet of work samples that illustrate strong graphic and written communication skills, as well as one writing sample on any topic related to design. Work samples should be combined as a single PDF with the applicant's cover letter.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Standard office environment; occasional site visits
Current City policy allows for hybrid work, including required days in the office and days allowed for remote work; policy subject to change.
* BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT *