Landscape Architect Associate I-II (Project Manager)

Alta Planning + Design seeks an Associate Landscape Architect (I-II) for our Oakland location. Alta’s landscape architecture practice is dynamic and diverse, contributing to projects at a variety of scales with a people-centered approach to our work. We consider ourselves connectors of people and place, and we work directly with local communities on data-driven, engagement-centered designs. Through all of our projects at Alta, we aspire to promote environmental harmony and resiliency, social capital, and equity through design excellence. This position is a great opportunity for someone who shares these values and who is interested in an interdisciplinary project environment working on a range of project types, from parks to streetscapes to greenways.

About Alta

Alta is a mission driven company working to mitigate climate change and advance safety and social justice by shaping sustainable, people-centered communities. We bring together expertise across planning, design, engineering, education and encouragement programs, and community engagement to help communities thrive. Our work is grounded in the belief that how places are designed and experienced has a profound impact on equity, health, and opportunity-and that people should always be at the heart of those decisions.

Founded in 1996, Alta was at the forefront of the active transportation movement and has spent nearly 30 years partnering with communities to imagine a more connected, resilient, and inclusive future. Today, with more than 225 staff across the United States and beyond, we are a global leader in creating environments that support everyday life, strengthen human connection, and respond to the challenges of a changing world. Alta offers the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, contribute to meaningful work at every scale, and be part of a team committed to making lasting, positive change for people and the places they call home.

Day to Day

In this role, you’ll be a design contributor and production manager on a variety of trail, active transportation, and recreation projects. This may include concept-level design efforts such as Complete Streets or greenway corridor studies, to detailed development of construction documents and cost estimates for parks and open space. It is expected that Associate Landscape Architects have some level of experience managing projects. Participation in fieldwork and public meetings is also to be expected. Designers will be challenged to think at a variety of scales from the systems-level down to specific sites or intersections. Designers who enjoy working closely with other disciplines will appreciate Alta’s interdisciplinary approach that encourages collaboration with our planners, engineers, graphics designers, outreach specialists, and data analysts.

Qualifications

Required

This position requires a combination of skills, experience and education including, but not limited to

• Passion for Alta’s mission: To serve our clients with climate friendly infrastructure and mobility solutions that prioritize people, advance equity, and create a safer more resilient future.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture or related field of study.
• 7 or more years of experience in a consulting environment or public entity
• Experience in active community design and planning.
• Demonstrated understanding of street and trail design principles and a general understanding of project management principles, methods and techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of the principles of site grading and general construction techniques.
• Proficiency in graphic production or ability to critique and provide design direction on photo-renderings, concept sketches, construction drawings and other similar materials for use in proposals and project deliverables.
• Ability to effectively read, understand and utilize technical drawings, maps, and other similar documents.
• Ability to guide staff members and manage internal team expectations, especially in leading the production of design drawings or studies, with multi-disciplinary teams involved.
• Ability to provide feedback and mentor team members.
• Exhibits strong initiative and ability to capitalize on opportunities to enhance Alta’s position in the marketplace.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, multiple simultaneous projects involving cross-functional project teams within budgetary and schedule constraints.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Excellent professional ethics, leadership skills, accountability, and decision-making capabilities.
• Good presentation skills.
• Proficiency in an enterprise-wide resource planning and project management tool.

Preferred

There are a number of additional skills, experience, and education that would be beneficial to this position including, but not limited to:

• Licensed Professional Landscape Architect
• Experience managing projects for both private and public clients.
• Experience writing and/or presenting white papers and/or providing expert level presentations at conferences and other events.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, CAD / Civil 3D, Photoshop, ArcGIS, SketchUp, GoogleEarth GIS, or similar products
• In-depth knowledge of NACTO, MUTCD, ADA requirements.
• Experience using Deltek Vision.
• Active participation in industry-relevant professional associations and committees.
• Member of ASLA.

What We Offer

Flexible Schedule

Alta offers a flexible, hybrid work schedule where most employees work from home three days per week. In-office days support our collaborative culture, one of our core values.

Compensation

The pay range for this job in Oakland is $100,000 - $140,000 annually, depending on experience for either Associate I or Associate II. Placement within the range is based upon experience, skill-sets, and qualifications.

Benefits

Alta offers comprehensive benefits to all full-time employees:

• Medical: PPO or HSA medical plans
• Dental/Vision: PPO
• Life Insurance: Alta pays 100% of the premium for life and AD&D, equal to your base compensation
• 401(k): Alta provides a match up to 3%
• PTO: 21 days accrued annually to start
• Holidays: 11 total company paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave/Short-Term Disability
• Additional Benefits: Wellness reimbursement up to $800 annually, Alta Gets Around benefit of up to $900 annually, 5-year travel award, and professional development opportunities

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