The University of British Columbia

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Job Summary

Campus + Community Planning (C+CP) is a committed group of urban planners, designers, engineers, public consultation professionals, building inspectors and sustainability experts dedicated to creating a vibrant, sustainable, live-work-learn community at UBC.

This position's primary responsibility is leading the evolution of the public realms at UBC's Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.  This is achieved through:  leading and facilitating the public realm vision,  developing public realm policies and plans, overseeing update to and implementation of the public realm plan, guiding the designs of capital project landscapes, providing expertise to major planning and urban design initiatives, and representing campus and community planning on various committees.

The position works in coordination with the Municipal Landscape Architect, UBC Building Operations, who focuses on landscape design as it pertains to the UBC Technical Guidelines, implementation and maintenance. While the Landscape Architect/Planner position focused on considerations such as land-use planning, urban design, ecological systems and community social/cultural needs.

The work will be largely self-directed with verbal directions as the primary means of guidance from the supervisor, the Associate Director, Campus Design. This individual will coordinate multiple projects and issues at any one time and may supervise several resource people and consultants. This position will require work outside normal working hours.

Organizational Status
The position reports to the Associate Director, Campus Design.

Work Performed

Lead and facilitate the public realm vision

The public realm vision for the campus evolves with changing community needs and attitudes, and reflects emerging practices and indigenous understandings. This position leads the process of updating the vision and its application in all policies and projects related to the public realm as part of the Campus Vision 2050 planning process by:

• Monitoring implementation and feedback;
• Researching emerging, promising practices;
• Convening experts and stakeholders to update and review and develop new policies;
• Facilitating and reconciling with other campus community needs; and
• Communicating and championing the vision when carrying out responsibilities listed below.

Develop public realm policies and plans.

This includes policies, plans and guidelines to support the academic mission, campus community and ecology and can vary from the site, precinct or campus scale. These deliverables can range greatly in subject matter, but due to the urban nature of the campuses it consistently involves integrated problem-solving with multiple-stakeholders and divergent interests.  Policies will build on existing best practice while addressing emerging needs such as indigeneity, climate equity, resilience and adaptation, and ecological and community well-being.  Initiatives can also involve collaborations with UBC academics. Responsibilities include:

• Scoping and drafting terms of reference including schedule and budget;
• Project managing;
• Hiring and supervising consultants;
• Leading interdisciplinary staff working groups;
• Overseeing technical research and analysis, and options development and testing;
• Planning and facilitating workshops;
• Generating conceptual and schematic plans/designs;
• Providing subject matter expertise to the development of major plans and policies;
• Preparing written reports, graphics, recommendations and presentations for working groups, committees, public consultation, and the Board of Governors; and
• Co-developing and supporting engagement plans.

Oversee update to and implementation of the Public Realm Plan.

• Oversee updates to the Vancouver Public Realm Plan (a strategic investment plan) by leading a tailored planning process;
• Facilitate coordination of the activities, policies and investments related to the public realm;
• Support the Public Realm Plan Steering Committee which manages budget and schedules;
• Manage the Public Realm Plan Coordinating Group that considers site specific public realm initiatives;
• Prepare plan cost estimates; and
• Oversee the funding plan and its implementation.

Guide the designs of capital project landscapes.

This includes a broad scale of projects from stand-alone landscapes to integrating major building projects into existing landscapes to transportation infrastructure. Responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the siting analysis and siting recommendation for new capital projects; 
• Contributing to the drafting of project design briefs;
• For UBC led projects, guiding consultants from project conception to implementation;
• For third party applications, provide pre-application guidance and development application review and conditions of approval;
• Collaborating and negotiating with project managers responsible for project delivery;
• Engaging with Musqueam and campus community stakeholders;
• Participating in open houses;
• Coordinating application review and construction auditing with the Municipal Landscape Architect who is responsible for design as it pertains to alignment with the UBC Technical Guidelines and operational maintenance; and
• Contributing to post-occupancy feedback.

Provide expertise to major planning and urban design initiatives.

C+CP develops major policies and plans through integrated planning processes that include community engagement. Responsibilities include:

• Contributing to scoping, ideation and concept development;
• Providing expert advice and research findings;
• Drafting subject expert sections; and
• Liaising with stakeholders and expertise such as Ecoservices.

Represent Campus and Community Planning on various committees.

Provide advice and input on committees to ensure adherence to planning policies and plans and negotiate solutions to address opportunities or conflicts with other UBC interests, liaising with other C+CP staff as needed. Provide subject matter expertise. Key committees include:

• University Art Committee’s Subcommittee on Outdoor Art
• Ecoservices Action Team
• Public Realm Plan Coordinating Group
• Development Review Committee
• Streets and Landscape Committee
• Campus Biodiversity Initiative: Research and Demonstration (CBIRD)

Perform other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The position is responsible for expenditure of certain University funds and creates and promotes images and ideas which establish directions for campus/urban design related development. The incumbent will affect the allocation of funding in certain areas within project budgets of up to several million dollars. Errors in this work can cause problems of a financial or political nature, which in turn result in cost and time delays during resolution.

Supervision Received
The position works independently under the supervision of the Associate Director, Campus Design.

Supervison Given

May supervise several resource people and coordinate several issues at any one time. Will also coordinate efforts of department staff as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with a preference for a post graduate degree in a related field. Registration or eligibility for registration in a professional Institute or Association (BCSLA, PIBC). Minimum of six years’ experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated proficiency in landscape architecture, urban design, and project management, with specific experience in sustainable landscape practices, public realm planning, and campus environments is desired. Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams, facilitating public input and bringing projects to completion through effective project management and collaborative problem solving. Ability to review development proposals and provide constructive feedback to applicants verbally and in writing at all stages of the project. Ability to work within a team environment to identify issues and achieve resolution within defined time lines. Ability to work at the complimentary scales of the campus and site-specific projects. Working knowledge of industry tools (digital, diagramming, and sketching) to aid in the successful delivery of projects.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Please APPLY here: https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcstaffjobs/job/UBC-Vancouver-Campus/Landscape-Architect-Planner_JR4394-1

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.