Job Description
Campus Landscape Architect – Senior Planner
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Planning Design & Construction (PD&C) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Campus Landscape Architect – Senior Planner! This position plays a key role in shaping the University of Colorado Boulder campus environment by providing leadership and expertise in landscape architecture, open space planning, and site development, and guiding the design of capital and non-capital projects. It develops strategies to enhance landscape connectivity while preserving the campus’s historic character and supporting thoughtful new development.
As the campus subject matter expert, the role stewards landscape design and advances the Campus Master Plan through framework plans, design standards, and project implementation. It promotes sustainable, high-quality, and context-sensitive outdoor environments that support academic success, campus identity, accessibility, water and stormwater management, resilience, and long-term maintenance.
The position works with Planning & Design leadership, project managers, engineers, campus departments, and external partners. The position manages the work of landscape architecture staff and outside design consultants and serves as the primary leader and manager for landscape-only projects. This position directly supervises up to 3 FTE members of the P&D staff, such as landscape architects, campus planners, or public art administrators.
The PD&C department is responsible for the planning, design and construction of buildings on campus, in support of CU Boulder's academic mission. Campus planning focuses on long-range planning and capital development functions of the organization as a balanced counterpart to the project-related functions of Campus Design & Construction. Campus Planning staff strive to guide campus development in a way that gives physical form to the university's mission, vision, and programs through the effective use of human, environmental, and financial resources.
Campus Landscape Planning & Design Leadership
- Provide professional leadership for landscape architecture, open space planning, and site development across the Boulder campus.
- Interpret, implement, and advance the Campus Master Plan, precinct plans, and landscape standards through specific projects and planning initiatives.
- Serve as the campus authority for landscape and hardscape design intent, plant material selection, and exterior site quality. Direct the design of landscape and hardscape components and planted areas.
- Participate in the review and construction management, including irrigation, site furnishings, etc. for public space, pedestrian areas, campus grounds, gardens, athletic fields, parking, and other projects.
- Establish objectives and strategies for the development, enhancement, and long‑term management of campus landscapes and open spaces.
Capital Project Planning & Design Management
- Act as the owner’s representative for landscape architecture and site planning on assigned capital construction projects.
- Lead or support site planning, programming, and design coordination during early project phases, ensuring scope, budget, and schedule alignment.
- Administer the selection of consultants and execution of contracts for landscape projects. Supervise and review the progress and quality of the work performed by contracted consultants. Review consultant‑prepared plans, specifications, and cost estimates to ensure compliance with campus standards, sustainability goals, accessibility requirements, and design intent.
- Partner with P&D Planners and Design & Construction project managers during documentation and construction to maintain landscape design quality.
Professional Planning & Project Delivery
- Prepare or supervise the preparation of landscape and site‑related concept designs, construction documents, and procurement materials.
- Manage consultant selection processes related to landscape architecture, site engineering, and related fields.
- Oversee budgets and contracts for outsourced landscape and site improvement projects.
- Manage and allocate campus funds for small-scale landscape improvements on an annual basis.
Open Space, Landscape Systems & Sustainability
- Develop strategic campus‑wide open space and landscape planning documents grounded in professional planning principles and standard processes.
- Provide guidance on planting strategies, landscape materials, water‑wise design, climate resiliency, and long‑term maintainability.
- Advise Facilities Management and other campus units on landscape maintenance and improvements that balance aesthetics, performance, and operational efficiency.
Collaboration, Review & External Coordination
- Represent Planning & Design in campus and external review processes, including the University Design Review Board, campus planning bodies, and advisory committees.
- Serve as a liaison with the City of Boulder, RTD, and other agencies on landscape, transportation, and site related initiatives related to transit or other infrastructure on campus property or in adjacent rights-of-way.
- Coordinate with the campus ADA Coordinator on exterior accessibility improvements, identification of barriers, and implementation of corrective actions.
- Collaborate with University System and campus partners to ensure branding and signage standards are applied consistently across the campus exterior landscape.
This position has the ability to work in a hybrid work modality, and has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday during regular business hours.
- The salary range for this position is $116,500 - $135,000 annually.
- Relocation assistance is available within department guidelines.
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
- Licensure as a Landscape Architect in the State of Colorado, or licensure in another jurisdiction with ability to obtain Colorado licensure within 3 months of start date.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in landscape architecture or a closely related field. Relevant experience can substitute for the degree on a year for year basis.
- 6 years of professional experience in landscape architecture, site planning, and project coordination.
- Demonstrated experience managing or supporting complex projects within institutional, campus, or public‑sector environments.
- Familiarity with capital project delivery processes, consultant management, and public procurement.
- Knowledge of accessibility requirements, sustainability practices, and landscape performance metrics.
- Proven ability to oversee landscape planning solutions and lead/participate in the resolution of planning and technical issues on landscape projects. Ability to synthesize technical programmatic needs and develop alternative planning solutions to use as tools for establishing design.
- Proven knowledge of landscape architecture design and construction technology, theory, practices, and principles. Demonstrated proficiencies in grading, horticulture, and planting design. Experience with institutional landscapes, accessibility issues and solutions, large-scale capital construction programs, and project management responsibility.
- Knowledge of project budgeting, development, and execution.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including an ability to collaborate with diverse partners.
- Professional judgment and independent decision‑making.
- Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Collaborative leadership and conflict resolution.
- Design excellence with practical implementation focus.
- Stewardship of campus resources and public funds.
- 10 or more years of progressively responsible landscape architecture or campus planning experience.
- Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture or related field.
- Significant experience implementing landscape architecture services at a comprehensive research university or comparably complex, multi-facility setting.
- Knowledge of financial practices including capital budget planning, planning strategically, and life-cycle cost analysis.
- Knowledge of building codes, zoning ordinances, and related regulations.
- Active participation in professional organizations such as the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by June 7, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: [email protected]