About this role
Landscape Architect
Job Posting: Landscape Architecture is the art of planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land and the design of human-made constructs. The scope of the profession includes architectural design, site planning, real estate development, environmental restoration, town or urban planning, urban design, parks and recreation planning, regional planning, and historic preservation.
Landscape architecture is a multi-disciplinary field, including within its fold mathematics, science, engineering, art, technology, social sciences, politics, history, philosophy. The activities of a landscape architect can range from the creation of public parks and parkways to the site planning for corporate office buildings, from the design of residential estates to the design of civil infrastructure and the management of large wilderness areas or reclamation of degraded landscapes such as mines or landfills. Landscape architects work on all types of structures and external space - large or small, urban or rural, and with 'hard'/'soft' materials, hydrology and ecological issues. Within that context the Landscape Architect develops and implements conceptual and detailed plans around public parks and openspaces, siting of public and community buildings, streetscapes, urban and natural forests and protection of cultural and environmental assets. The Landscape Architect works within a broad, often undefined scope, with the primary mandate to set direction for use of public lands.
The Landscape Architect is responsible for the delivery of strategic projects and pilot initiatives as directed by IAM, Real Property Planning and Council and its advisory committees. This position acts as a change agent, developing new approaches to use of public lands and procedures for communicating and engaging with the community and stakeholders. As well as with multi-departmental, multi-discipline team environment including urban designers, landscape architects, architects, engineers and planners. The position liases with other levels of government, private sector, Councillors, and other HRM Business Units, with the responsibility to mediate conflict and provide a forum for timely, accurate information in an effort to deliver solutions. The Landscape Architect will have a corporate perspective and understand the complex issues around enabling corporate work to proceed with often limited resources and the associated pressures.
The Landscape Architect also provides leadership and mentoring to other business units in terms of principles of sustainable development and environmental protection through design solutions. The Landscape Architect will lead and mentor divisional technical staff as well as other HRM professional and operational staff across the organization on these principles as they apply to public lands. The position is responsible for the development of partnerships with the client community and will provide leadership and direction with processes related to engaging the public in planning, design and service delivery. The Landscape Architect is responsible for maintaining a positive corporate image in the face of often controversial public and media relations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Landscape Architect responsibilities are to include: • Design and deliver regionally significant municipal property planning and design for HRM. • Subject expert in landscape architecture with focus on parks, trails, recreation areas and the cultural and natural environments. Network and monitor best practises in other jurisdictions and applies the appropriate principles within the local context. • A special emphasis is on managing the multi-year plans to restore properties in the wake of Hurricane Juan. • Implement the objectives of IAM and Regional Council related to Public Lands planning and design. • Project manage a broad range of initiatives such as park masterplans, management plans, strategic land assemblies, restoration projects and construction projects, requiring the coordination and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders including external consultants, contractors, the public, politicians and other HRM business units. • Mentor and direct the work of divisional technical staff. • Lead capacity building with other HRM business units to assist in carrying forward IAM initiatives to other communities throughout the Region. • Lead public projects from inception through to facilitation at external stakeholder/public meetings, vetting and gaining cooperation from external HRM business units. • Facilitate and lead public consultations related to related to public properties. • Coordinate and integrate with HRM business units on aspects related to building awareness and understanding of open space guidelines, liaising with operational staff to identify issues and facilitate appropriate solutions. • Determine capital requirements and rationalize the RPP business plan and budget with other HRM business units and external stakeholders, i.e. Committees of Council, Councillors and pertinent public stakeholders. Recommend projects for inclusion within the departmental Business Plan and Capital Budget. • Provides expertise in the development of major events such as Canada Winter Games, concerts and other special events from a physical design solution perspective. • Manage the implementation of priority projects with other business units, including RFP document preparation, Council report preparation, the supervision and coordination of consultants and contractor for capital improvements / construction projects. Creates detailed work plans; identifies project costs, deliverables, resources and schedules for implementation. Facilitate project approvals with internal and external agencies and departments. • Communicate with the end result being the creation of effective working relationships with other business units and external stakeholders, promoting cross-functional teams producing satisfying consensus building capacity and the ability to utilize opportunities for coordination, cost sharing, and more effective service delivery. • Lead and develop program standards for managing program risks. • Investigate and realize external funding sources. • Recognize opportunities and advance strategic project initiatives in conjunction with the HRM Council Focus Areas. • Research and implement new public space initiatives to maximize opportunities relevant to the varied role of public lands. • Prepare reports to the public, Regional Council and Committees of Council as required. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience • Post secondary degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited university or acceptance as a full member of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. • Must be eligible for membership within the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA). • Must have a minimum of 8 - 10 years of progressive, related project experience. Previous experience with a wide range of project planning and design is preferred. Experience working with other disciplines such as urban design, forestry, planning and engineering is considered an asset. Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities: • Creative vision and artistic talent are desirable including the ability to convey ideas through public presentations, graphics and report writing. This includes a strong ability in the creation of presentation graphics for public meetings and web based applications. • A proven leader in achieving timely, economical, client focused stakeholder partnerships, with an emphasis on building consensus. • A demonstrated ability in successfully managing complex projects, including planning, design and construction and administration. Strong project management skills, with specific experience in process design, managing expectations, costs, budgeting and quality control. • Requires knowledge of construction practices and including applicable occupational health, safety and environmental approval requirements for various agencies. • Strong technical working knowledge of computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, imaging software, web site applications and AutoCAD and SketchUp for creation and analysis of 3 dimensional models of design ideas is required. COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Customer Service, Continuous Learning, Flexibility, Innovation, Organizational Awareness, Team Leadership, Valuing Diversity.
WORK STATUS: One (1) permanent, full-time position.
HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday; 8:30am - 4:30pm; 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.
SALARY: $45.38 per hour as per NSGEU Local 222, in accordance with the NSGEU Collective Agreement.
WORK LOCATION: Alderney Gate, 40 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth. Work location can be changed according to operational requirements.
CLOSING DATE: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.
This is a bargaining unit position. External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates.
Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview / testing will be contacted.
During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the recruiter when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please clink on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax
Position (#78628998)