Associate Landscape Designer - 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.

WHAT MAKES LJA DIFFERENT

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)
• Consistently ranked as 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

POSITION OVERVIEW: As an Associate Landscape Designer on the Planning and Landscape Architecture team at LJA, you will support the development of landscape architecture projects with growing independence, professional judgment, and responsibility. This role works closely with project and team leaders under general supervision while contributing to design concepts, plans, specifications, cost analyses, and quality control reviews. The ideal candidate is collaborative, detail-oriented, technically capable, and committed to continued professional development.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Participating in the development of preliminary design concepts.
• Preparing comparative cost analyses, drafting plans, and writing preliminary specifications.
• Recognizing discrepancies in results and making appropriate changes.
• Scheduling meetings to discuss project direction and following procedures through completion.
• Taking increasing responsibility for task management.
• Maintaining familiarity with LJA’s practices, procedures, and standards.
• Performing limited quality control reviews within areas of expertise.
• Working as a team member on unusual or complex problems.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/

CERTIFICATIONS:

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

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in landscape architecture.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• A strong understanding of the professional role.
• Continuing on-the-job training and participating in outside seminars.
• Involvement in related professional organizations, professional development programs, and training.
• Basic knowledge of local applicable codes, including TAS, pool, mitigation, sign, and minimum compliance plans.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch Up, and Microsoft Office.

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE:

• Growing independence with the ability to exercise professional judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work closely with project and team leaders under general supervision.
• Willingness to share knowledge with technical and support staff.
• Strong attention to detail when reviewing plans, specifications, and project information.
• Ability to collaborate effectively on unusual or complex problems.

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we’re 100% employee-owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long‑term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee-owners (and growing), we’re building something big! We want you to be part of it.
Your future grows here.

• 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 to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education…