Preserve Project Designer

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County•Wheaton, IL

19d•Onsite

About The Position

Join our Planning and Development team as a Preserve Project Designer and put your technical, design, and communication skills to work on meaningful projects across the Forest Preserve District. In this role, you'll support the planning, design, administration, and implementation of a wide range of architectural, engineering, landscape, and natural resource restoration projects. The district is currently in the process of updating our masterplan and has ongoing construction and design projects.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.
Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture, Planning, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field; less than 1 year of experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Valid Driver's license in good standing.
Must pass a medical evaluation and fit test, per OSHA regulations, to ensure a respirator can be safely worn when required
Proficiency in computer design applications, such as Autodesk Civil 3D, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp Pro, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Thorough understanding of survey equipment, including GPS devices, Total Station, and laser levels.
Adept at report writing, conceptual design sketches, and hand-rendered graphics.
Familiar with project management processes, construction methods, materials, detailing, and specification preparation.
Well-versed in the theory, principles, and practices of interdisciplinary design professions, including construction, landscape architecture, civil engineering, architecture, planning, and natural resource restoration.
Skilled in coordinating and preparing comprehensive construction documents, including site layouts, grading, drainage, construction details, and planting design.
Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships.
Strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.

Responsibilities

Assist with preparing design details, construction documents, specifications, quantity takeoffs, and cost estimates for capital improvement projects.
Conduct site analysis and collect field data, including surveys and tree inventories, using traditional, GPS, and Total Station equipment.
Support the development of project scopes, design concepts, goals, cost estimates, and permitting needs.
Provide technical assistance to District departments to evaluate facility needs and help develop action plans.
Assist with contract administration and the design–bid–build process, including meetings, plan reviews, site inspections, and punch-list closeout.
Help prepare long range master plans for preserves through inventory, analysis, public input, design recommendations, and cost projections.
Create visual materials such as graphic exhibits, 3D/BIM models, and other imagery to communicate project ideas.
Present project information to district staff and assist with coordinating licenses and easements with outside agencies.
Promote safe work practices and maintain an organized and hazard-free work environment.
Provide excellent internal and external customer service and support other duties as needed.