Landscape Architecture, Parks and nature areas

Position: Landscape Architect (Parks Development)
Organization: Credit Valley Conservation
Location: Head Office, Mississauga, GTA, Ontario

Salary Range: $88,250.00 To $103,240.00 Annually
Posting Closing Date: November 13, 2025
Anticipated Start Date: January 5, 2026
Hiring for: 1 Full Time Permanent Position (35 hours/week)

Who are we?

Credit Valley Conservation is one of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities dedicated to protecting, restoring and enhancing our local natural environment. We care for the Credit River, its streams and tributaries from the headwaters in Orangeville to the shores of Lake Ontario in Mississauga. We are scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, environmentalists, stewards, planners, foresters, recreation experts and much more. We create connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. We’re leaders and explorers. We are professional and we’re inspired. We know our stuff, and we work every day to make a difference.

Who are you?

You want to be part of an organization with an environmental goal. You get up every day and go to work with purpose. You accept that you may not change the world, but you’ll try to make an impact in your corner. You like to partner with skilled people across many professions. It’s as natural for you think about the outdoors as it is to think out of the box. You’re passionate, responsible and approachable. You do what’s right, not just what’s easy. You care, and it shows.

Why work for us?

We offer competitive public sector pay. We have a good employee benefits program. We’re members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension fund. We have flexible work hours for many positions. We find time to have fun and celebrate successes. You’ll have free access to our parks and discounts on recreational equipment rentals. You’ll know your co-workers by name and will make fast friends. You’ll like being at work.

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

Reporting to the Manager, Capital Projects, the Landscape Architect leads Credit Valley Conservation’s (CVC) Capital Projects program through the development and implementation of capital infrastructure improvements and landscape architectural planning for CVC lands. This position includes planning and implementation of strategic capital initiatives, budget management, project management, design, permitting and construction of capital infrastructure projects, procurement and contract management, the development of conservation area management plans, infrastructure plans, and the provision of subject matter expertise in corporate initiatives for landscape resilience, climate change mitigation, sustainability for CVC’s lands and facilities. The Landscape Architect performs the function of a design professional accredited by the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) in administering and certifying certain plans and specifications for Planning Act, Ontario Building Code, and Construction Act processes where CVC is a proponent in development.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture or Ontario Association of Landscape Architect (OALA) approved education equivalent 
• Full Membership with Seal in the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA), or eligibility to obtain Full Membership within six months of starting the position, is required
• Valid “G” License in good standing 
• Certifications in Project Management, Construction Administration, Contract Law or Asset Management considered an asset
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role
• Experience in design and construction of public amenities (parks, facilities) or green infrastructure
• Progressive responsibility and professional experience in landscape architecture with specialization in municipal and conservation authority projects
• Extensive experience with design and permitting for complex park development capital projects
• Experience working with external stakeholders and government agencies in multi-disciplinary settings with other design professionals
• Experience in procuring and managing consulting services  
• Strong communication skills (written, graphic and oral), hand and digital sketching for ideation, conceptual and schematic design communication, strong negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills, project management experience and excellent customer service with internal and external client groups, consultants, contractors and staff
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of landscape architecture including park design, architectural and construction detailing, planting design, land grading, drainage, irrigation, and ecological restoration
• Very good knowledge of construction contract law, procurement, contract management, risk assessment and mitigation, and dispute resolution processes
• Proficiency in preparing plans, drawings, specifications, presentation graphics, construction documents, written reports and detailed quantity and cost estimates
• Demonstrated proficient and experience related to construction project supervision including the co-ordination of the work of contractors, visits job sites to inspect work and assurance of contract compliance
• Very good knowledge of the Conservation Authorities Act, Planning Act, Greenbelt Act, Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, Oak Ridges Moraine Act and other land management related legislation, regulations and plans 
• Advanced computer skills and working knowledge of CAD, GIS, asset management and project management software (AutoCAD, ArcGIS, CityWide MS Excel and Project)
• Working knowledge of graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite)
• Knowledge of Construction Act, Ontario Building Code, Provincial Offences Act and Trespass to Property Act
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation including the Occupational Health & Safety Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and their application to major task areas
• Knowledge of Green Building Standards and related certifications would be considered an asset

SUMMARY OF MAJOR TASKS

Capital Project Planning and Management

• Plan, design, and implement capital infrastructure improvements and major asset maintenance projects on CVC lands (Trails, Boardwalks, Bridges, Natural Playgrounds, Park Amenities, Facilities, Buildings, Roads, Land Improvements, etc.) in coordination with internal technical teams and consultants/contractors
• Plans for and manages special projects on CVC lands (Indigenous Gathering Spaces, Trailheads, Credit Valley Trail features)
• Prepares and manages project budgets and administers tracking and recording tools
• Lead and prepare applications for infrastructure funding and grants, including supporting materials, budgets, and project rationales
• Supervise and direct staff (Technician, Capital Projects); create and track annual workplan for staff and direct workflow as required
• Leads stakeholder and agency consultation and engagement as required for the design and development of new infrastructure and park amenities
• Prepares annual and 5-year budget projections and project plans for integration in departmental business plans, budget cycles and strategies
• Prepares reports, memos, presentations and forecasts for communicating project and budget status
• Develops and manages project tracking tools for costs, schedule, issue resolutions, and scope changes
• Prepare funding/grant claims, reports, review and approve project financial statements for reimbursement, delegate and supervise project budget tracking as required
• Support the CVC Foundation in the development of fundraising campaigns and the administration of administering funds directed to capital projects on CVC lands.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholder input for capital projects (e.g. public information sessions, technical steering committees, etc.)
• Analyzes projects, conducts research, develops innovative and creative solutions and evaluates viability of solutions (cost/benefit analysis) and decides on preferred options for capital project delivering
• Leads the integration of Corporate Social Responsibility and Climate Change Strategy initiatives into capital projects, landscape projects and park facility development
• Recommends and sets performance targets for new construction to allow for departmental KPI integration and tracking

Landscape Design and Professional Practice

• Manage consultant services and design vendors (landscape architecture, engineering, surveying, etc.), direct workplans, deliverables and manage and track fees and costs from vendors
• Coordinate design and engineering processes through all stages of capital project development (conceptual & design development, detailed design, tender and as-builts).
• Creates conceptual plans, schematic designs, design development packages, construction drawings and specifications, and construction contract documentation for capital infrastructure improvements
• Create drawings and specifications for permits and authorizations under Planning Act and Building Permit processes (Site Plans & SPA’s, Landscape Plans, Grading Plans, Tree Protection Plans, Elevations & Layouts, etc.)
• Act as General Contractor, as required, for small and medium landscape improvements completed using CVC Own Forces (CVC Design-Build Projects)
• Coordinate with Superintendent, Capital Projects to implement CVC Design-Build Projects
• Coordinate design, tendering, and contract administration for subcontractors on CVC Design-Build Projects
• Creates, prepares and authorizes studies and reports for authorizations and external permit approvals (e.g. Urban Design Studies, Visual Impact Assessments, etc.)
• Creates design renderings and visuals of proposed capital projects and landscape amenities for use in communication, master planning, public consultation, presentations and fundraising
• Check and review plans and specifications created by the Technician, Capital Projects under direction.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholder input for capital projects (e.g. public information sessions, technical steering committees, etc.)
• Liaise with approval agencies (e.g. Municipal, NEC, MECP, DFO, etc.) through design and planning stages of capital projects
• Identify and obtain required permits and authorizations and manage critical path approvals.
• Prepare and submit all permit and authorization materials, documents, plans and drawings
• Manage issue and appeal resolutions in approvals process (e.g. NEC development permit appeals, Zoning by-law appeals)
• Review and comment on design memos, drawings, and specifications created by consultants
• Coordinate circulations for commenting and manage iterative design changes
• Ensure compliance with permitting and approvals, including monitoring and reporting

Contract Procurement and Management

• Develop and manage procurement processes for design and construction services in accordance with CVC policy and industry best practice
• Draft and issue RFP, RFT, RFQ, RFPQ and EOI document packages, including detailed terms of reference for the specific work program
• Manage tender and proposal procedures through CVC’s electronic bidding platform
• Coordinate legal review and CVC management review where necessary
• Manage vendor communication and issue bid addenda where required
• Coordinate bid evaluation committees and decision-making processes
• Evaluate and score bids; communicate with vendors, including bid debrief meetings
• Prepare Contract documents (CCDC Construction Contracts, Professional Services Contracts, Division 1 Specifications, etc.)
• Issue and manage contract awards and internal purchase requisition processes
• Coordinate Vendor Management evaluation for assigned capital projects
• Maintain and update cost estimates and budgets based on contract award values

Construction Administration

• Manage lifecycle of construction contracts for assigned capital projects and act as primary CVC contact, including in the role of designated staff/consultant role under CCDC contracts
• Exercise budget and schedule control through diligent monitoring of progress and site decisions
• Coordinate site meetings, monitor construction progress and maintain detailed records
• Facilitate regular communication with site supervisor and coordinate issue resolution
• Coordinate design consultant inspections, reviews and payment certifications
• Review and coordinate Progress Payments in accordance with prompt payment requirements of the Construction Act
• Prepare and coordinate Change Orders, Contemplated Change Orders and Change Directives
• Review and approve invoices relevant to assigned capital project within purchase orders
• Provide regular updates on construction progress including reports, memos or presentations as required
• Administer project close out, including payment holdbacks, warranty inspection and remedial items, as-built drawings/records, maintenance and operation plans, specification documents, asset information, commissioning and performance monitoring
• Integrate capital projects into CVC asset management system and planning, including identification of EUL, lifecycle events (SOGR)

Technical Guidance and Consultation

• Develop and manage CVC technical standards for landscape design and drawing specifications (plant lists, standard construction details, CAD standards, asset metadata standards)
• Author board reports, memorandums, and present to the CVC Board on matters related to capital projects and park infrastructure development
• Appear and present before Municipal Councils as delegate and/or representative of the organization for CVC capital projects as required
• Provide professional expertise to internal and external partners for the development, review and revision of capital project and land development policies, strategies and plans.
• Provide technical input and expertise on CVC strategic reports and initiatives.
• Provide professional subject matter expertise in corporate initiatives for landscape resilience, climate change mitigation, sustainability for CVC’s lands and facilities
• Represent CVC on external committees.
• Attend meetings and forums with other governments, agencies, stakeholders, partners, etc.
• Respond to public inquiries landscape and capital project related queries and issues.
• Manage resolution of issues on capital projects or permits from appellants and members of the public
• Respond to issues of concern raised by politicians, the public, special interest groups, or government representatives regarding capital improvement projects.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, workshops, public meetings and information sessions on CVC capital project initiatives. Support Conservation Ontario conservation area-based initiatives.
• Other duties and projects as appropriate to the position

To apply for this opportunity, please submit a resume and cover letter in a Word or PDF file, one document preferred, via the ‘Apply’ button on the job posting or on our jobs page at: https://cvc.ca/jobs/

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We thank all applicants for their interest. However only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

CVC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), CVC will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require disability – related accommodations, please inform the Human Resources (HR) staff. All personal information is collected under the authority of the municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

This position is deemed critical for business continuity.