Landscape Specialist

ABOUT US

Almost million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.
ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Program Manager, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Design is responsible for the review of design drawings, tender documents, specifications and estimates for streetscape projects and development proposals for design compliance with the Region’s policies, guidelines, and standards in the context of the Region’s streetscape.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Technical and Design Functions: 

• Develops terms of reference, attends and provides comments during detailed design, environmental assessment and construction meetings, as the streetscape project stakeholder as required under the direction of the Manager.
• Prepares preliminary design for streetscape projects. 
• Prepares concepts and photorealistic renderings for Pubic Information Centres (PIC’s) and Billboards during construction of road projects, as required.
• Designs and prepares drawings and contract documents such as tenders, estimates and specifications for streetscape projects. 
• Reviews and provides comments on streetscape designs, tenders, specifications and documents prepared by Consultants and prepares cost sharing estimates. 
• Prepares and evaluates preliminary design alternatives and recommends preferred option based on technical merit. 
• Prepares plans, sketches, posters, graphs and maps for display purposes and presentations at PIC’s, Committee of the Whole, Council or as needed
• Requests surveys for minor streetscape design projects on Regional projects. 
• Reviews and provides comments on streetscape plans as they relate to engineering for development and utility approval

 Research, Data and Reporting Functions:

• Analyses data to determine design requirements. 
• Carries out site inspections and analysis to ensure accuracy of base plans and site conditions for appropriate and context sensitive streetscape design.
• Provides supporting data for reports as required. 

Quality Assurance and Due Diligence Activities:

• Carries out the design, site inspection and analysis of streetscape construction related to road construction and development projects.
• Calculates and verifies quantities and cost estimates for streetscape construction projects affecting Regional roads.
• Maintains the cost estimate system for streetscape related items for construction estimates.
• Coordinates activities of several ongoing projects, under the direction of the Manager.

Liaison, Communication and Customer Service Activities:

• Liaises with internal and external staff, outside agencies, contractors, and consultants on streetscaping projects and provides technical information.
• Monitors customer relationships to ensure that the customer’s needs are being met at all times.
• Responds to enquiries and resolves concerns, as appropriate, from the general public, local municipalities, and provincial officials in a timely and sensitive manner.
• Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
• Participates on committees, work groups, task forces and special projects, as assigned.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Minimum three (3) years experience in landscape/urban design, streetscape design, or municipal road design and drafting.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License, free of any serious offences under the Highway Traffic Act, and reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.
• Knowledge and experience with landscaping products, materials, methods, and construction.
• Knowledge of fundamental aspects of streetscape design, road design, surveying and survey applications
• Familiarity with the construction process, interpreting and reviewing plans, elevations, and details for construction.