Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-19-2002 - 8b Li I ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: March 19, 2002 Action Agenda Item No. �- SUBJECT: Classification Plan Amendment- Open Space Design Specialist DEPARTMENT: Environment and Resource PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No Conservation and Personnel ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Class Specification for Open Space David Stancil, Environment and Design Specialist Resource Conservation Director Extension 2590 Elaine Holmes, Personnel Director, Extension 2550 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To amend the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan to add the new class of Open Space Design Specialist at Salary Grade 71. This grade has a hiring range of$37,351 - $45,397. BACKGROUND: With the June 2001 budget adoption, the Board of Commissioners approved a new permanent full-time Open Space Design Specialist position in the Environment and Resource Conservation Department effective January 1, 2002. As part of its action, the Board asked the County Manager to explore the needs related to future parks development and the relationship between the two County departments most involved in parks acquisition, planning and development-the Environment and Resource Conservation Department (ERCD) and the Recreation and Parks Department. At the November 29, 2001 Board worksession, the Board received the "New Era for Parks" report outlining information on departmental coordination (ERCD and Recreation and Parks); the continuum of parks planning; parks design, maintenance and stewardship; and future resources needs. As outlined in the parks report, the ERCD is taking the lead role in initial planning, site identification and evaluation, land acquisition and concept planning with the Recreation and Parks Director being involved in the process. To this end, the Open Space Design Specialist located in the ERCD will: • Develop concept plans, layout and design for new park facilities. 2 • Identify through field surveys appropriate locations for nature trails/walking trails and other ? low-impact recreation facilities. • Advise on development of park facility to ensure ecologically-sensitive siting and design, and • Develop environmental education and outreach programs at park facilities, and organize and oversee nature trail programs. • Assist the Land Resource Conservation Manager in overseeing stewardship of County lands (nature preserves, conservation easements, and other open spaces). • Work closely with Recreation and Parks staff in programming and maintenance of facilities. Once hired, the initial task for this position will be the design of the soccer field at Maple View Farm. Personnel has reviewed the duties and responsibilities of the Open Space Design Specialist, compared the duties and responsibilities to existing County positions and conducted a market survey, although the available market data was limited. FINANCIAL IMPACT: As part of the budget process for 2001-02, the Board established the Open Space Design Specialist position effective January 1, 2002. Funds for this are included in the approved budget for 2001-02. The estimated annual cost for the position is about $58,000 (salary and benefits). Based on filling the position in May 2002, the estimated cost for fiscal year 2001-02 is about $9,600. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board amend the Classification and Pay Plan to add the new class of Open Space Design Specialist at Salary Grade 71. f r 3 Attachment C3062-03/02 OPEN SPACE DESIGN SPECIALIST GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK: Performs difficult professional work in planning and designing of park facilities; does related work as required. Work is performed under general supervision. TYPICAL TASKS: Develop concept plan, layout and design for new park facilities, working with citizen committees and making public presentations as needed; Advises on development of park facility to ensure ecologically-sensitive siting and design, and field-identifying appropriate locations for nature trails/walking trails and other low-impact recreation facilities; Develop environmental education and outreach programs at park facilities, and organize and oversee nature trail programs; Coordinate and organize volunteer work on trail construction and maintenance. Assists in stewardship of County-owned lands (nature preserves, conservation easements, and other open spaces); Works closely with Recreation and Parks staff in programming and maintenance of park facilities; Monitors consultant contracts for parks design improvements, as needed; Pursues grant funds for park improvements; Conducts public presentations for Board of County Commissioners, concept plan committees, various boards and civic groups; Performs related tasks as required. KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the methods and practices utilized in landscape architecture for the planning and design of park facilities; thorough knowledge of ecological and environmentally- sensitive design; general knowledge of construction administration from inception to completion; general knowledge in identifying and prioritizing natural and cultural resources; general knowledge in land acquisition for resource conversation; ability to present the results of design and research effectively in oral, written and graphic form; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, associates, representatives of other agencies and the general public. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited - college or university with major course work in landscape architecture, land resource management, environmental planning or related field and at least two years professional experience in park planning, development or design.