Landscape Architect & Certified Arborist

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position oversees in-house landscape operations and enhancements, including planning, design, and execution of landscape initiatives. It also leads the comprehensive management of the university’s tree canopy and serves as a liaison between Facilities Services and campus stakeholders. The role involves team leadership and resource management for landscape, arboricultural, and enhancement crews.

Requirements

Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience.
Certified Landscape Architect designation (state license).
State-level Certified Arborist credential (e.g., ISA, USDA).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture or related discipline.
7–10 years of progressive landscape design, construction management, and arboricultural experience in a campus or institutional setting.
Working knowledge of native species in north central Florida.
Experience managing large-scale university landscapes or large-scale landscapes of similar scope.
Certified Arborist Knowledge.
Proven team-leadership record, especially supervising hard-scape contractors and planting crews.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
CAD (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit), GIS, and plant science software proficiency.

Responsibilities

Planning, design, and execution of landscape enhancement initiatives utilizing in-house landscape crews.
Develops and implements planting plans, seasonal bed rotations, and campus beautification projects.
Oversees project scheduling, budgeting, and field execution for landscape projects.
Provides technical guidance to internal teams performing installation of plant materials, irrigation improvements, and minor hardscape work.
Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and university policies for landscape operations.
Promotes sustainable practices including native plant use, water conservation, and reduced maintenance strategies.
Leads the comprehensive management of the university’s tree canopy.
Conducts tree inventories, condition assessments, and risk evaluations.
Establishes standards and protocols for tree planting, preservation, pruning, and removal.
Provides co-oversight of the internal tree crew to ensure safe and effective operations.
Administers the UF Tree Mitigation Fund and ensures compliance with applicable regulations and campus policies related to tree management.
Serves as a primary liaison between Facilities Services and campus stakeholders.
Collaborates on project prioritization, gathers input on landscape improvements, and ensures alignment with campus-wide initiatives and branding standards.
Communicates project scope, timelines, and impacts effectively.
Provides supervision, mentorship, and development of in-house landscape, arboricultural, and enhancement crews.
Establishes performance expectations and ensures ongoing training in horticulture, arboriculture, safety practices, and construction techniques.
Develops and manages operational and project budgets.
Guides procurement decisions for plant materials, equipment, and supplies.