Organization: Great Parks

About the position:

Manager of Design – Site and Building 

Are you an experienced landscape architect, engineer, or architect who is committed to design excellence both in process and product? Come help us make big things happen in our big lands! Great Parks’ design team is working hard to implement our Park and Facility Master Plan, and we’re looking for a sharp leader who can keep a critical eye on our design processes and facilitate continuous improvement to deliver high-quality projects to the public efficiently. We believe in sustainability both in our parks and in our workplace - join us and contribute to projects that prepare the region for a bright future as part of a workplace committed to equity and work-life balance. 

Please include resume, cover letter, and portfolio not exceeding 20MB in your application.

 

At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends. 

 

The successful candidate will:

Assists in the implementation of the Comprehensive Master Plan and the Park and Facility Master Plans.  

Prepares conceptual designs, drawings, specifications, plans and cost estimates for site-specific capital improvement projects. Creates practical, creative, and functional designs within budget and construction constraints.  Incorporates sustainable practices in design solutions.   Applies universal design standards when appropriate.

Develops budget requests based upon project cost estimates.

Coordinates and facilitates design team meetings with park district staff during the planning, construction, and post construction phases of capital improvement projects.

Facilitates staff communications, internally and externally, to ensure projects appropriately identify and address specific needs and goals that are consistent with the park district’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.

Manages selection and performance of engineering and architectural consultants by preparing and evaluating requests for qualifications, organizing selection committees, negotiating contract amounts and modifications, and executing contracts.

Prepares bid packages and conducts bid openings.

Meets with contractors and engineering consultants to discuss plans, coordinate work efforts, identify problems, and determine appropriate actions.  

Prepares and approves construction plans, contract documents, technical specifications, construction estimates and technical and feasibility reports.  Obtains permits from local, state and federal authorities.   

Evaluates and manages engineering and architectural consultants.  Coordinates and approves services performed by professional consultants and other related consulting firms.  Conducts job progress meetings throughout projects. Prepares purchase order requisitions and reviews and approves invoices and change orders for consultants, contractors, and vendors.  

Manages contract administration and observes construction projects on-site to monitor work progress, resolve problems and ensure quality control through compliance with construction drawings, specifications, and schedules.

Maintains records, reports and documentation related to all managed projects.   

Prepares planning reports, drawings, maps, presentations, videos and other visuals for Planning Department, Board and other departments as needed.

Prepares grant proposals, reports based on planning studies, project status reports, reports to federal agencies, and other job-related reports.

Ensures that plans meet accessibility requirements including ADA.    

Under the direction of the Director of Design and Construction :

Develops and manages project management practices and tools to optimize project delivery efficiency, quality, communication, and transparency.

Records, optimizes, and communicates workflows through the creation and management of a Project Development Manual (in coordination with the Manager of Construction).

Maintains responsibility for templates and forms related to project design and design documentation.

Provides management of Design Project Managers, including Park Engineers, Landscape Architects, and others; Reviews and approves time sheets and P card purchases.

Establishes staff priorities, performance requirements, and professional development targets that are connected to the agency’s and the Division’s goals, objectives and initiatives; Regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; Provides recommendations related to hiring, compensation and other rewards to recognize performance; Takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies in conjunction with Human Resources.

Other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify the applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is:

• A bachelor's degree in architecture, landscape architecture or civil engineering required 

• Five years of progressive experience in design and project management of capital projects, including infrastructure projects. 

• Experience in design of public sector projects in Ohio is desirable.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

 

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

State Driver License that meets current GPHC carrier guidelines. State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets GPHC current carrier guidelines. Registration as Architect, Landscape Architect or Engineer in the State of Ohio or ability to become licensed within 12 months of hiring.

 

Typical starting salary range for the position will be $84,240.00 - $99,112.00 depending on experience.

 

We offer an excellent benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, 11 holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks of Hamilton County recreational activities. 

Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.

More information can be found here.