Assistant Studio Lead - PLA

LJA is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands‑on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

At LJA, our employee‑owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee‑owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in‑house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

LJA recognizes that our success depends on the quality of the people we hire. We are currently seeking highly talented individuals that take pride in their work, function exceptionally well in team environments, and contribute to the overall success of the company. As a 100% employee‑owned company, we promote an entrepreneurial spirit that helps drive the bottom line and the long‑term professional and financial success of our employees.

With over 90 office locations, LJA is growing and ready for talented people to help us build our future.

As an Assistant Studio Lead at LJA Planning and Landscape Architecture, you will support project managers in coordinating landscape architectural tasks, schedules, and deliverables across multidisciplinary land development teams. The position carries the same career level as the Assistant Project Manager, with emphasis on design and graphic communication: concept development, illustrative exhibits, planting and materials direction, and review of drafted plans.

• Design Development:
  • Prepare, design, and develop landscape and site systems.
  • Prepare concepts, illustrations, and design exhibits requiring knowledge of design goals, standard principles, and techniques.
  • Develop planting design, hardscape materials, and site details.
• Documentation and Specifications:
  • Prepare specifications, research investigations, and reports.
  • Prepare advanced cost estimates and analyses.
  • Review drafted plans and identify missing content or content in need of refinement.
• Quality Control:
  • Perform quality control reviews and assist with quality assurance procedures within areas of expertise.
  • Select appropriate procedures and specifications for basic issues and project related tasks.
  • Maintain familiarity with QA/QC procedures and with basic business practice and laws related to the area of practice.
• Task Leadership:
  • Take increasing responsibility for project phases as Task Lead.
  • Supervise or coordinate the work of others on specific projects or tasks.
  • Coordinate with other disciplines, support staff, and clients, checking in periodically with your supervisor.
• Client and Consultant Support:
  • Assist with client communication and entitlement processes.
  • Prepare design documents and exhibits for client and agency review.

• Degree in landscape architecture or related field.
• Licensure not required at this level.

• 4+ years of experience in landscape architecture.
• Developing technical expertise in construction techniques, planting design, and applicable local and State codes.
• Ability to make basic decisions regarding alternative procedures when information is not given.
• Ability to work as a team member on unusual or complex problems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch Up, and Microsoft Office.

As an Assistant Studio Lead at LJA Planning and Landscape Architecture, you will shape the built landscape of the communities we work in, and build the design judgment that leads to a Studio Lead role.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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