Associate Landscape Designer - PLA

POSITION OVERVIEW

As an Associate Landscape Designer at LJA Land Development, you will work with internal departments such as surveying, contract administration, and environmental engineering. Your role involves collaborating with various specialists to implement new technologies and software, and contributing to the Landscape Architecture team’s goal of integrating data, research, and the latest innovations in our design process.

• Manage task assignments from multiple projects on varied timelines.
• Maintain company design styles, aesthetics, and quality to ensure clients’ needs in decision‑making and marketing are met.
• Assess time needed for assigned tasks and communicate issues with project managers.
• Know appropriate construction, finishing, and planting materials for our geographic areas of work.
• Assist Project Managers and project staff to produce graphic and construction documents based on project needs and requirements, and maintain project files and documentation.
• Communicate efficiently with the project team.
• Apply basic graphic communication skills in site design, planting design, and constructability.
• Actively work with senior staff to implement new and improve existing techniques, tools, and processes in project delivery and administration.
• Regularly communicate with PMs and senior staff about issues and time delays to adjust scheduling and workloads.
• Participate in meetings, conversations, and initiatives with senior staff as needed or assigned.
• Attend internal and external leadership and management workshops as available.
• Begin to develop proposals and SOQs with more senior staff to learn the process of bringing new projects to the firm.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture or related fields.
• 1‑5 years of experience, capable of independent work and managing assigned tasks from multiple PMs/APMs on multiple projects.

• Ability to consistently perform in a fast‑paced environment.
• Capable of exploring solutions to design problems and presenting options to Project Managers and Principals.
• Proficiency in CAD and Project Assembly.
• Strong foundation in graphic communication.
• Strong site and planting design skills.
• Strong foundation in presentation skills.
• Familiarity with commonly used software:
  AutoCAD, GIS, Sketch Up, Lumion, Photoshop, InDesign, Revit/Vectorworks/Rhino, Blue Beam, Plan Grid.

• Actively work towards a positive environment and motivate team members to improve.
• Collaborate with senior staff to update existing techniques, tools, and processes in delivery and administration.
• Mentor entry‑level staff on company culture and team design processes.
• Participate in relevant professional, young professional, and community organizations to grow your professional network and skills.
• Build a foundation of strong verbal, written, and graphic communication skills.
• Attend relevant regional/state conferences and workshops to stay current on trends and techniques, expanding professional network and business development exposure.
• Develop a basic understanding of relevant regulations at local, regional, and federal levels.
• Work with Project Managers to develop and maintain libraries of construction details to uphold high quality standards and keep up with changing trends, innovations, and technologies in the AEC industry.

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year's.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets, along with mental health support.
• Family Support:
  Paid maternity and parental leave.
• Education Support:
  Tuition reimbursement and in‑house courses by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses:
  Rewards for helping grow our team.
• Community Impact:
  Company‑sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development:
  Memberships to industry organizations.
• Career Growth:
  Internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture:
  Social events, employee sports teams, and bring‑your‑kid‑to‑work day.