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    December 2022  

    Grounding the Green New Deal: A Summit on Design, Policy, and Advocacy

    ABOUT
    Addressing the climate crisis will require an unprecedented scale, scope, and pace of physical landscape transformation. There is an essential role for the built environment disciplines to play in reimagining this future and translating the goals of decarbonization, jobs, and justice into on-the-ground practices and built works.

    Through panel discussions with leading changemakers, this summit examines the intersection of policy, design, and advocacy to identify ways to accelerate individual and collective actions to effect change.

    The summit builds from the Green New Deal Superstudio, a year-long open call that attracted the participation of more than 3,000 students and practitioners in the built environment disciplines. Some 670 design and planning projects were submitted to give form to the goals of the movement-led vision, and a select set will be on display during the event.

    The summit is being presented in partnership with the National Building Museum as part of its Climate ABC (Action/Building/Community) program series. Climate ABC’s goals are to educate the public on innovative climate action initiatives and to drive substantive action in the building industry to reduce environmental impact.

    *Doors open at 11am for pre-event exhibit and networking. All tickets include access to the post-summit reception (5-7pm) with drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

    FAQS
    What about COVID and its emerging variants? While we are thrilled at the prospect of gathering in person again, please know that protecting everyone’s health is our top priority. With that said:
    • Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative result from a test taken within 72 hours will be required for entry. COVID-19 protocols are subject to change depending on local regulations and venue/organizer policies.

    Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No.

    Will any content be available online? Recordings of all sessions will be available on LAF's website after the Summit.

    Will continuing education credits be available? The summit is being submitted for the following continuing education credits, which are pending approval:

    • 4.5 LA CES/HSW (ASLA)
    • 4.5 LU/HSW (AIA)

    Is parking available at the National Building Museum? Parking is challenging near the Museum, and we recommend using public transportation whenever possible. For those who plan to drive, the National Building Museum has partnered with SpotHero to help visitors find and purchase guaranteed parking at many convenient locations in the area.

    To reserve your parking spot, visit the National Building Museum SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.

    Is my registration transferrable/can I update my registration information? Yes. If you can no longer attend and would like to send someone in your place, you can update your registration via the Eventbrite website through Friday, March 25th. After that date, please contact Justin ([email protected]) with any modifications.

    Where can I contact the organizer with additional questions? For questions regarding your registration, please contact Justin ([email protected]).

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    Classified Ads

    2026-10-06:

    SALARY

    ANNUALLY $52,000.00 - $81,120.00

    LOCATION Metro Parks Headquarters, 1069 W. Main St., Westerville, 43081, OH

    JOB TYPE Full-Time

    CLOSING DATE 10/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

    SUMMARY Plans and designs parks, trails, and facilities, and assists in the administration of park development.  

    DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform essential duties to expected performance standards. Reasonable accommodations are made as required for persons with disabilities as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.

    • Plans and designs construction and renovation projects. Prepares park master plans, conceptual plans, site plans and detailed designs for Metro Parks administration and field staff, and/or contractors; prepares construction documents for park construction, renovations and improvements; develops final cost estimates (independently or in conjunction with consultants), consultant work plans, and site and utilities layouts.
    • Assists in the development of park master plans including the completion of site, facility, cultural, and archaeological inventories; incorporation of park maintenance and resource management inventories and plans; and related activities.  Addresses soil hydrology, drainage, spatial relationships, utilities, and traffic flows utilizing appropriate park design principles.
    • Develops bid or request for proposal documents; manages the bid process; evaluates bids and quotes; prepares contracts for assigned construction projects.
    • Oversees assigned projects through all phases including programming, planning, design, and contracting.  
    • Prepares requisitions, processes purchase orders, negotiates and writes change orders for in-field corrections, authorizes payments, and performs final punch list inspections.  
    • Coordinates projects with managers, Roving Construction crew, contractors and applicable government agencies.
    • Manages assigned capital improvement projects, including design and construction. Prepares graphics involving maps, designs, charts, and other visual aids.
    • Performs field supervision of outside contractors and park staff on projects to ensures work conforms to plans, specifications, quality control, budget adherence, and schedule performance. Proactively works with and supervises consultants involved with assigned projects. Manages contracted engineers, planners, and consultants.
    • Makes presentations to the public, special interest groups, governmental agencies, and other organizations to provide information on Metro Parks, including its development, facilities, programs, and services and/or to collect feedback on park development vision and plans.
    • Maintains records, reports, and documentation related to planning, development, and construction projects. Tracks project expenses and payment tracking.
    • Ensures regulatory compliance.
    • Makes recommendations for the Capital Improvement Project budget.
    • May assist with the preparation of maps, diagrams, illustration, and exhibits through geographic information systems (GIS) and other software applications.
    • May research, prepare, and write grant proposals and award applications.
    • Performs special projects and related duties as required or assigned.

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

    Attendance: Being present at work is an essential function of the position.
     
    Team-Oriented:  Works on a team. Outstanding customer service, communications and interpersonal skills.
     
    Language Skills:  Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with coworkers, general public, contractors, zoning officials, planning and design professionals, and officials from various public agencies; ability to prepare meaningful, concise and accurate reports; ability to make presentations regarding capital improvement projects.

    Technology Skills:  Demonstrated experience using computers, web-based programs, e-mail, internet, intranet, CADD and/or GIS systems, Microsoft Office products, phones, and other basic office equipment.  
     
    Mathematical Skills:  Ability to apply concepts of math to the type and level required for the design of projects, cost estimates/changes, and budgeting. Strong knowledge of basic mathematics; ability to deal with symbols in formulas, equations or graphs; ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports; ability to calculate fractions, decimals, percentages; ability to recognize errors and make corrections. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Ability to proofread technical materials, recognize errors, and make corrections.

    Reasoning Ability:  Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; interpret a variety of technical materials in books, journals and manuals. Ability to utilize professional experience to discover innovative solutions to challenges and facilitate the modifications to solve those challenges.

    Licenses, Registrations:  Certified as a Registered Landscape Architect in the State of Ohio required within two (2) years of hire date. Possession of a valid Ohio Driver License and ability to be insured by the Park District's insurance carrier.

    Physical Demands:  While performing the duties of this job the employee frequently sits when working in the office and frequently walks and stands when working project sites and in the parks. The employee regularly talks and hears. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, and feel and reaches with hands and arms to survey, prepare drawings, sketches, and models and use instruments utilized in such preparation. The employee occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls, and climbs or balances.  The employee may occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds with or without assistance. The employee is required to use computers, survey equipment, cell phones, prepare reports, file paperwork, etc.

    Work Environment:  While performing the regular duties of this job, the employee works both in an office environment and out in the parks. The employee is frequently required to travel to parks throughout the Park District. When onsite of development/ construction projects, the employee may be exposed to outdoor weather elements, natural hazards such as insects and poison ivy, and may be required to walk on uneven terrain.

    Any Additional Information:  Knowledge of drafting, blueprint reading, structural design, and construction and design codes. Ability to establish effective working relationships with coworkers, other professionals, and the general public. Knowledgeable of all federal and state requirements that impact park district projects.

    The above Description represents the essential and most significant duties of this position.  It is not intended to exclude other work duties, assignments and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. A suitable combination of education, training, coursework, and experience may be accepted as evidence of an applicant’s ability to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Architecture, or other relevant field. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in park planning, landscape architecture, capital project development, or closely related field, or relevant combination of education and experience. Possession of Landscape Architect License desired. Possession of a nationally recognized Project Management Certification (PMP, CAPM, etc,) desired. Certified as a Registered Landscape Architect in the State of Ohio within two (2) years of hire date required.

      Demonstrated experience with CADD, GIS, and other design and applicable software programs.

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    Candidates must successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening test prior to employment.

    Please see Landscape Architect | Job Details tab | Career Pages to apply.

    2026-10-09:

    EDGE is an integrated team of planners, landscape architects and development consultants. We are project leaders and collaborative partners that invigorate the human experience by exploring the boundless potential of outdoor environments. We’re a cutting-edge firm whose work is as economically, socially, and environmentally impactful as it is beautiful and enjoyable. Our team provides a boutique-level of service for architects, engineers, corporate clients, private developers, private and non-profit institutions, public agencies and municipalities across America’s fast-growing cities and emerging communities.

    We are currently seeking a creative and motivated entry-level landscape designer to join our team. This individual will have the opportunity to work in a flexible, collaborative environment with the chance to collaborate with EDGE team members across our Columbus and Toledo, Ohio offices. This individual will have the opportunity to provide graphic support and design documentation for a wide range of project types.

    Key Responsibilities:

         Collaborate with team members across multiple offices to deliver high-quality, impactful solutions.

         Be involved in the inventory, analysis, and construction administration phases of various projects.

         Work closely with Principals and Project Managers to develop creative concepts, create detailed sketches and renderings, and engage with clients and stakeholders to bring projects to fruition.

    Desired Skills & Experience:

    •      0-5 years of professional experience in professional setting
    •       Passion for creativity and design
    •     Strong design skills with site planning experience across a variety of projects.
    •     Excellent verbal, written, and graphic communication skills.
    •     Strong work ethic – independently and in a collaborative team environment.
    •     Highly organized with excellent time management skills
    •      Willingness to learn and stay on the forefront of tools, technology, and industry trends.
    •     Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, AutoCAD and/or Revit.
    •     Experience with SketchUp, Lumion, D5 or other 3D modeling and rendering software is a plus.
    •      Experience with or interest in AI-assisted rendering, visualization, and other emerging design technologies.
    •     Bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture, urban design, or related field.

    Why Work at EDGE?

    Work in a creative, collaborative, and flexible environment.

    Be part of a team that values thoughtful, impactful design that positively affects communities.

    Grow professionally with opportunities for development and involvement in diverse, exciting projects.

    If you’re passionate about collaborating with other design professionals to explore the boundless potential of outdoor environments, we’d love to hear from you! Please email resume and portfolio to: [email protected]

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