Landscape Architect in Leeds

As a Landscape Architect working in our Climate, Energy and Green Spaces service, you’ll design and deliver hard and soft landscaping and recreational schemes (such as playgrounds, paths, gardens and sports facilities) to make a positive difference to public green spaces across Leeds, for both people and nature.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to help the Council deliver its Health and Wellbeing, Zero Carbon and Inclusive Growth ambitions through making improvements to public green spaces right across the city. The postholder will be expected to work on a wide variety of projects and green spaces with colleagues, partners and the public. On some projects the postholder will support the Senior Landscape Architect and on others you might lead.

About you

• An enthusiasm for public green space.
• Experience of technical drawing and designing and implementing landscape schemes.
• An ability to demonstrate a high standard of design production.
• A creative, flexible and problem-solving approach to design.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• An ability to work with a wide range of people and organisations.
• An ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
• The ability to access all required locations across the city.
• An ability and willingness to undertake training, learning and development as required.

About the role

Reporting to the Senior Landscape Architect in the Parks Technical team, the role will involve taking part in a wide variety of landscape design and delivery projects for public green spaces across Leeds. This post will work with the Senior Landscape Architect, colleagues and green space users to produce technical drawings and deliver schemes which will improve our green spaces for local residents and visitors to the city and for the benefit of wildlife and the environment. The post is a hybrid role with opportunities for both home and office working, as well involving regular site visits.

What we offer you

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Dave Bennison, Senior Landscape Architect. Email: David.bennison@leeds.gov.uk to arrange a conversation.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job purpose

To provide Climate, Energy and Green Spaces with a comprehensive landscape design service covering a range of soft and hard landscape infrastructure projects, together with recreational development schemes such as the design of paths, sports facilities and play areas.

Responsibilities

• To undertake all matters relating to the landscape design process and implementation of a wide variety of environmental projects including the preparation of working drawings, contract specifications and documents.
• To prepare cost estimates and reports for the Green Spaces service.
• To give advice to colleagues, partner organisations and the public in relation to Green Spaces landscape design work.
• To assist in the establishment, maintenance and updating of technical information systems and in the co-ordination of all matters relating to the computer aided design system as used and required by the section.
• To advise the managers, through the appropriate mechanisms, of any ideas that might improve the efficiency or cost effectiveness of the Landscape Design service.
• To manage procurement and budgets in relation to the functional area for which the post is responsible.
• To ensure effective consultation mechanisms in order to develop the work of the Green Spaces service.
• To compile and provide performance information that is accurate and timely as requested.
• To represent the Green Spaces service at all appropriate internal and external meetings.
• To fulfil duties in line with the Parks and Green Space Strategy and related strategies and service objectives and in support of the aims of the Best City Ambition.
• To undertake other duties as may be required to support the Climate, Energy and Green Spaces service from time to time.
• To ensure the procurement of goods and services is in accordance with financial regulations, corporate policy and legal requirements.
• Take personal responsibility and abide by the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
• Abide by the Council’s policies on equality and diversity in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council.

Qualifications

Essential requirements Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.

• Degree (or above) in Landscape Architecture/Design.

Skills Required

• Good written and spoken communication skills.
• An ability to work with a wide range of people and organisations.
• An ability to plan and organise workloads for self and others.
• An ability to demonstrate a high standard of design production.
• An ability to represent the service at all levels.
• A creative, flexible and problem-solving approach to design.

Knowledge Required

• Must be fully conversant with all stages of the design process.
• Chartered Membership (or working towards Chartered Membership) of the Landscape Institute, Associate MLI or other equivalent international qualification.
• Knowledge and understanding of contract documentation and management.
• Knowledge of construction (design and management) regulations.
• Understanding of Planning requirements and processes.
• Understanding of impact of landscape design on climate and biodiversity.
• Full driving license for undertaking site visits.

Experience Required

• Experience in Computer Aided Design and Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud.
• Experience of producing technical drawings and material specifications.
• Experience of producing visualisations and/or 3D Modelling.
• Experience of designing and implementing landscape schemes.
• Working for a client/customer.

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing.
• Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up-to-date knowledge and skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
• Ability to access remote sites efficiently.

Desirable requirements Candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.