Job Summary

Planning Design & Construction (PD&C) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Campus Landscape Architect - Senior Planner! This position plays a key role in shaping the University of Colorado Boulder campus environment by providing leadership and expertise in landscape architecture, open space planning, and site development, and guiding the design of capital and non-capital projects. It develops strategies to enhance landscape connectivity while preserving the campus's historic character and supporting thoughtful new development. As the campus subject matter expert, the role stewards landscape design and advances the Campus Master Plan through framework plans, design standards, and project implementation. It promotes sustainable, high-quality, and context-sensitive outdoor environments that support academic success, campus identity, accessibility, water and stormwater management, resilience, and long-term maintenance.

The position works with Planning & Design leadership, project managers, engineers, campus departments, and external partners. The position manages the work of landscape architecture staff and outside design consultants and serves as the primary leader and manager for landscape-only projects. This position directly supervises up to 3 FTE members of the P&D staff, such as landscape architects, campus planners, or public art administrators.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Campus Landscape Planning & Design Leadership

Provide professional leadership for landscape architecture, open space planning, and site development across the Boulder campus.
Interpret, implement, and advance the Campus Master Plan, precinct plans, and landscape standards through specific projects and planning initiatives.
Serve as the campus authority for landscape and hardscape design intent, plant material selection, and exterior site quality. Direct the design of landscape and hardscape components and planted areas.
Participate in the review and construction management, including irrigation, site furnishings, etc. for public space, pedestrian areas, campus grounds, gardens, athletic fields, parking, and other projects.
Establish objectives and strategies for the development, enhancement, and long-term management of campus landscapes and open spaces.

Capital Project Planning & Design Management

Act as the owner's representative for landscape architecture and site planning on assigned capital construction projects.
Lead or support site planning, programming, and design coordination during early project phases, ensuring scope, budget, and schedule alignment.
Administer the selection of consultants and execution of contracts for landscape projects. Supervise and review the progress and quality of the work performed by contracted consultants. Review consultant-prepared plans, specifications, and cost estimates to ensure compliance with campus standards, sustainability goals, accessibility requirements, and design intent.
Partner with P&D Planners and Design & Construction project managers during documentation and construction to maintain landscape design quality.

Professional Planning & Project Delivery

Prepare or supervise the preparation of landscape and site-related concept designs, construction documents, and procurement materials.
Manage consultant selection processes related to landscape architecture, site engineering, and related fields.
Oversee budgets and contracts for outsourced landscape and site improvement projects.
Manage and allocate campus funds for small-scale landscape improvements on an annual basis.

Open Space, Landscape Systems & Sustainability

Develop strategic campus-wide open space and landscape planning documents grounded in professional planning principles and standard processes.
Provide guidance on planting strategies, landscape materials, water-wise design, climate resiliency, and long-term maintainability.
Advise Facilities Management and other campus units on landscape maintenance and improvements that balance aesthetics, performance, and operational efficiency.

Collaboration, Review & External Coordination

Represent Planning & Design in campus and external review processes, including the University Design Review Board, campus planning bodies, and advisory committees.
Serve as a liaison with the City of Boulder, RTD, and other agencies on landscape, transportation, and site related initiatives related to transit or other infrastructure on campus property or in adjacent rights-of-way.
Coordinate with the campus ADA Coordinator on exterior accessibility improvements, identification of barriers, and implementation of corrective actions.
Collaborate with University System and campus partners to ensure branding and signage standards are applied consistently across the campus exterior landscape.