Role Overview
The Landscape Designer III/IV supports project delivery through design development, documentation, and coordination while mentoring junior staff and contributing to project management efforts. The role is open at two levels: Designer III (Job Captain, assisting with project management) and Designer IV (Junior Project Manager on small to mid-sized projects and sub-project manager on larger efforts). Both levels work closely with senior leadership and Project Managers and balance hands-on production with growing responsibility in coordination, design leadership, and execution.
Background Profile
- 3-8 years of professional experience (Designer III: 3-6 years; Designer IV: 4-8 years)
- Professional degree in Landscape Architecture (BSLA, BLA, MLA), Architecture (BA, MA), or Planning
Reporting Structure
- Reports to Principal-in-Charge and Project Manager
Key Skills & Competencies
- Ability to take a hand sketch or markup and build it into the CAD base from scratch, accurately and with minimal oversight
- Strong understanding of project roles, scopes, and team responsibilities
- Ability to manage small to mid-sized projects or support larger projects with senior guidance
- Sound judgment in knowing when to seek direction and how to apply feedback effectively
- Clear understanding of consultant, client, and contractor coordination
- Professional communication skills when working with internal teams and external partners
- Proficiency in office standards, documentation protocols, and operational systems
- Ability to mentor junior staff in CAD and Adobe Creative Suite
- Consistent production of high-quality graphic, illustrative, and technical deliverables
- Working knowledge of construction documents and basic specifications
- Ability to assist in leading design development and documentation efforts, including grading, drainage, lighting, planting, and construction details
Responsibilities
- Support development of work plans and project tracking with senior leadership
- Execute project management tasks for small to mid-sized projects
- Maintain clear understanding of project scope, schedule, goals, and budget
- Contribute original design ideas and refine concepts with senior team members
- Communicate with clients as directed by Project Manager or Principal-in-Charge
- Coordinate with consultants and regulatory agencies as needed
- Assist in consultant coordination to ensure alignment on scope, schedule, and deliverables
- Participate in site visits and project reviews
- Direct and contribute to illustrative deliverables using Adobe Suite and hand graphics
- Direct and contribute to construction documentation through CAD drafting
- Conduct materials and product research
- Support efficient staff utilization and communicate resource needs proactively
- Maintain project deadlines, quality standards, and budget awareness
- Organize and participate in internal and consultant meetings
- Provide flexible support across projects, including production and sub-project management roles
Measures of Success
- Demonstrated professional growth and increasing responsibility
- Clear understanding of task objectives and project goals
- Development of project management skills with senior support
- Consistent delivery of high-quality work
- Effective mentorship and guidance of junior staff
- Strong collaboration with project teams
- Contribution to broader office initiatives