Landscape Architect/Designer at Austin Parks Foundation in Austin, TX

Job Title: Landscape Architect/Designer

Reports to: Chief Design & Implementation Officer/ Park Improvement Director

Position Status: Full-time; Exempt

Date Available: August 2026

About Austin Parks Foundation

Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is dedicated to partnering with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. A non-profit established in 1992, APF fills the city’s funding and resource gap needed to develop, maintain and enhance the area’s nearly 300 parks, trails and green spaces.

Job Summary

The Landscape Architect/Designer will work closely with the Chief Design & Implementation Officer, Park Improvement Director, the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department, consultants, contractors, and community members to to perform landscape architectural activities associated with the planning, design, and implementation of park, recreational and open space improvement projects for Austin Parks Foundation on public parkland.

The role will primarily focus on providing project support and coordination with design and implementation of park improvement projects, including park design services offered to support the community with park planning and design.

Essential Functions

Design & Technical Documentation

• Prepare conceptual plans, design development plans, construction drawings, construction details etc. for parkland, green spaces, etc.
• Prepare maps, drawings or illustrative exhibits by hand and with computerized drafting and graphic programs.
• Develop and evaluate plans, criteria, and scope of work documents for a variety of projects and programs.
• Develop project schedules, reports, cost estimates, correspondence, and official documentation related to planning, design, and construction.
• Research, investigate and develop reports, cost estimates, correspondence and official documents.
• Prepare park design concepts and project plans incorporating community engagement outcomes, site inventory and analysis, APR standards, and professional best practices
• Provide technical design and graphic support across APF teams to support marketing, communications, operations, and project implementation efforts

Project Management & Implementation

• Coordinate and direct the design and consultant teams for park improvement projects
• Plan, schedule and coordinate project activities to meet deadlines
• Lead and participate in project meetings with internal staff and external partners.
• Prepare and disseminate regular project status updates to leadership and project partners.
• Document construction progress and share with team and project partners
• Monitor project budgets, process consultant and contractor invoices, and ensure timely and accurate payments
• Assist with preparation of annual budget and tracking of ongoing project funding needs
• Support project grant pursuits with APF team
• Track metrics of work performed and project performance over time.
• Support Chief Design & Implementation Officer and Park Improvement Director at all stages of project implementation.
• Regularly travel to different locations around Austin

Project Oversight & Compliance

• Conduct field inspections of work done contractors to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Maintain adherence to relevant City of Austin and APR standards including design elements, construction details and procurement processes.
• Provide technical advice & assistance to field personnel, contractors, etc.
• Coordinate and collaborate with City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department partner liaisons to ensure projects incorporate feedback and meet APR design criteria

Community Engagement

• Develop language, plans and images to communicate the project work to the public.
• Answer citizen questions & provide assistance.
• Coordinate community engagement needs to support project design and implementation with APF team and APR community engagement specialists
• Develop and implement community engagement plans in coordination with APR standards, including demographic analysis, cost estimates, outreach strategies, and stakeholder management
• Coordinate with community groups and project partners to conduct inclusive outreach, gather feedback, and translate community input into actionable park design recommendations
• Plan, execute, and document public meetings, workshops, and engagement events in collaboration with the APF team and community partners
• Translate community engagement outcomes and design concepts into official park adoption and approval documents for agency and public review
• Serve as an ambassador of APF in the community and building relationships.

Budget Management & Financial Oversight

• Monitor project budgets, process consultant and contractor invoices, and ensure timely and accurate payments
• Collaborate with Finance & accounting team and leadership to support accurate budgeting, reporting, and financial planning using Power Bi reports
• Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies and resource optimization
• Ensure compliance with APF financial policies, contracts, and reporting requirements

Contractor & Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with contractors, consultants, and vendors
• Ensure contractors, consultants, and vendors deliver work on time, within budget, and in alignment with APF standards and contract/purchase expectations
• Review and approve contractor and vendor invoices and deliverables in coordination with finance & accounting team and leadership
• Assess ongoing contractor needs and make recommendations regarding contract renewals, scope changes, or new engagements

Other

• Gain knowledge of non-profit structure, management and funding mechanisms.
• Support APF events in the community such as It’s My Park Day, Party for the Parks, and others as needed.
• Complete other duties as assigned (marketing support, design input, etc).

Requirements / Qualifications

• 3-5 years minimum of professional design experience with proven success in the complete design process: from design through implementation.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Landscape Architecture or related field.
• Currently on the path to licensure as a Registered Landscape Architect with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (e.g., enrolled in or progressing through the LARE process)
• Highly organized with multi-tasking skills.
• Team player with a passion for parks and community connection.
• Excellent collaboration skills and understanding of the value of partnerships.
• Ability to communicate professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work on a small non-profit team and step in to assist with various needs of the organization.
• Flexibility and problem solving.
• Skilled in AutoCad, Adobe Suite, Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets; PowerPoint/Google Slides, SketchUp and advanced knowledge of digital rendering.
• Hours: 40 hours/week, flexible hours, occasional evenings and weekends required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-8 years of professional design experience with proven success in the complete design process: from design through implementation.
• Licensed as a registered Landscape Architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces in undeveloped parkland for extended periods of time.
• May be required to move event materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• This position will be a hybrid role - work is done largely in a work-from-home office, with exceptions for in-person meetings and site visits multiple times a week.
• Must be able to attend site visits with potentially minimal notice.
• Must reside in Austin, TX or the surrounding area in order to accommodate frequent site visits to various locations around the city.
• Required to work some evenings and weekends.

Benefits

APF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, dental, vision, disability, 401K match program, and generous PTO.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Equal Opportunities Commitment

We value collaboration, innovation, dependability and inclusiveness. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, and we are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

Salary Range Transparency

$65,000 - $85,000 USD per year

Salary Range Disclaimer

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience, certifications and credentials. The range listed is just one component of APF total compensation package for employees.

How to Apply

Submit cover letter, resume, three references, examples of relevant work and a summary of two projects that you have managed that include:

• Scope
• Budget
• Timeline
• Plan Graphics
• Lessons Learned
• Successes

No phone calls, please.