Landscape Architect and Planner

SALARY & FLSA: $88.982.70 - $133.472.55 per year; FLSA exempt

The $111, 000 annual starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to the $120,000 of the annual range, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates.

OPENING DATE: 04/25/2025

CLOSING DATE: 05/09/2025 This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.

JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-time

UNION: Non-Represented

OPENINGS: 1

LOCATION: Onsite

DEPARTMENT: Capital Projects

Design portfolios are encouraged but not required.

Zoo experience preferred.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what's at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, "To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives." Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE
As our new Landscape Architect & Planner, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

• You're a licensed design professional with a sharp eye for detail and vision for impact: Your strong portfolio of planning and design work, combined with your proficiency in CAD or Revit, showcases your ability to create inspiring, functional spaces aligned with the zoo's mission and operations.
• You're a skilled project leader: From drafting construction documents to reviewing submittals and managing change orders, you confidently oversee all phases of construction administration, holding consultants and contractors accountable while minimizing disruption to zoo events and daily operations.
• You're a strategic, solution-oriented thinker: You take a proactive approach to problem solving, communicate clearly and effectively, and use active listening to manage conflict, build consensus, and move complex projects forward.
• You're organized, adaptable, and mission-driven: Whether juggling multiple planning efforts, navigating permitting and grant administration, or ensuring timelines are met, you bring structure, creativity, and a deep commitment to collaboration and excellence in every project you lead.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Sr. Director of Facilities and the Built Environment through the Long Range Planning process that the zoo will embark on in 2025 through 2027. This includes assistance with internal stakeholder groups, facilitation of workshops, scheduling, and creation of presentations.
• Gathers information to conduct needs assessments, creates baseline studies, conducts comprehensive analysis, technical investigations, and research of campus planning related issues.
• Performs feasibility studies to determine strategic priorities.
• Works in collaboration with the Sr. Director of Facilities and the Built Environment to create project teams and consultants, including engineering standards, specifications development, selection of consultants, fee negotiations, payment approvals, grant administration.
• Represents the zoo and makes presentations to zoo staff, the board, and other jurisdictions or organizations and the general public to explain planning strategy, technical design features, facility priorities, proposed improvements or renovations.
• Creating detailed plans and drawings, both by hand and by using computer applications.
• Provides professional technical input to staff and consultants; ensures that all engineering, design and bidding meets Federal, State and City codes and zoo requirements.
• Negotiate, prepare, implement and administer consultant and construction contracts.
• Participate in the development of zoo design standards relating to zoo major maintenance, planning, and capital improvement programs.
• Assist the Sr. Director of Facilites and the Built Environment as needed in the implementation of project management workflow processes.
• Facilitate internal and/or external stakeholder groups, internal departments committees, task force and/or community forums.
• Serve as a key staff resource to planning efforts to encourage planning that centers equity and community access to public facilities.
• Manage in complex cross-departmental zoo needs to ensure finished results meet high standards set by leadership. These projects often involve balancing multiple needs of many departments including Animal Management, Animal Health, Events, Grounds, Sustainability, Horticulture, and others.
• Ensures compliance with ADA through the implementation of applicable capital and programmatic practices.
• Application of principles and practices of zoo design, project management and grant writing and administration.
• Actively support and follow the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the zoo.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
• Proficiency with Procore and Bluebeam, Illustrator, SketchUp, and Photoshop.
• Experience working with Government agencies
• Project Management or Planning Professional Certification.
• Either seeking or has a license to practice landscape architecture or related field.
• Experience in zoo design and planning.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, Landscape Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in planning, landscape architecture, or related field.
• Proficiency in CAD or Revit
• A strong portfolio of design and/or planning work.
• Experience overseeing construction administration including but not limited to inspections, submittal review, change order review and negotiation, punch list documentation and administration, permit sign off.
• Strong project management skills and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to plan, organize, and manage in a fast-paced work environment, working on multiple projects and planning efforts at one time
• Ability to minimize impacts to zoo events and operations
• Ability to hold consultants and contractors accountable to project deadlines and scope
• Ability to draft construction documents and project plans.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks
• Free staff parking
• 403(b) Retirement Plan

SELECTION PROCESS
Application: Please include a resume and cover letter with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.

Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a: driving record review and pre-employment tuberculosis test.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.