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Better Block Foundation are seeking a passionate Landscape Designer to join their team who not only understands but embraces their mission.

This role goes beyond the conventional office setting, requiring a genuine commitment to hands-on, physical work in the field. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Landscape Designer will have strategic and logistical control over their assigned Better Block projects and will work on the project process as a whole. Better Block is a growing nonprofit, so the position offers the person to
have a great deal of influence on the growth of the organization.

The role of Landscape Deisgner is a second-in-command position. Projects take place in cities around the world, so the position includes frequent travel and work on nights and weekends during project implementation. Better Block projects are temporary, block-level interventions that demonstrate a series of rapid prototypes. The foundation works with the community, using their tools, knowledge, and resources, to revitalize neighbourhoods. Thus, the role is physically demanding, often requiring moving heavy objects and climbing ladders. It is critical that this person be a planner, do-er, and extremely detail-oriented.

Responsibilities:

  • Create the design and approach to Better Block, meaning:
    o Site Design and Presentation Materials
    o Material Sourcing and Ordering
    o Construction Documents so that Volunteers Can Complete Projects
    o Ongoing communication with local team members via regularly scheduled meetings
  • Extreme organization while staying nimble.
  • Helping manage and develop project scope and budget.
  • Tracking expenses, invoicing clients, and tracking time.
  • Space design and material gathering by working within-house architects and project managers as well as community members and municipal leaders.
  • On site management of logistics and volunteer workshops during Better Block implementation weeks. This position is very hands-on.
  • Help in the design, writing, and review of all project-related documents, social media, and reporting/blogging.
  • Planning and executing a public space project both through a long distance, virtual platform and through on site physical and mental leadership.
  • Potential public speaking and development.

Qualifications:

  • The Landscape Designer should be passionate about new urbanism and willing to swing a hammer, get paint on his/her clothing, answer volunteers’ questions, etc.
  • College degree in urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, design, or project management OR 6-plus years’ experience in landscape architecture (in the field of urban design or city planning is a plus).
  • Fluent in Spanish is preferred.
  • Flexibility with work schedule and day-to-day tasks, as they may change as projects evolve.
  • Ability to work independently without much direction, and to make decisions based on Better Block principles and project guidelines.
  • Ability to work in a team, delegate tasks, and hold team members accountable for these tasks.
  • Position will involve leading frequent conversations with city officials and community members. Urban design touches on issues such as social justice and access to public resources, so the Landscape Designer should be comfortable discussing these topics.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage conflicts and resolve problems effectively.
  • Demonstrated ability to secure projects, whether through connections, grants, or RFQs/RFPs.
  • Excellent organizational skills tempered with the ability to pivot and be flexible.
  • Fluent with Adobe, Sketch Up, GIS, AutoCAD, or similar programs.
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 25 percent.
  • Ability to work in a startup atmosphere where projects must be executed from the ground up.

Perks:

  • This position allows travel to the United States and internationally up to 25% of the time for site visits, check in trips, and events.
  • As part of their office, you will have access to their work shop that includes aCNCbed, laser cutters, and 3D printers as well as traditional power tools and supplies for woodworking.
  • The Landscape Designer role is a perfect position for someone who wants to be outside and on site as often as they are in the office behind a desk.
  • 10 flexible PTO days plus holidays, including a closed office between Christmas Eve and New Years. Additional days of PTO offered at director discretion based on project schedule.
  • Creative atmosphere with an open office concept.
  • Better Block offers a group insurance through the company with Better Block paying 60% of the premiums.

To apply to the Landscape Designer position at Better Block, please email Krista@betterblock.org with your résumé, cover letter, and any relevant materials. No phone calls.

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