Landscape Architect I - Lexington, KY

Purpose

Assist in the execution of technical activities required on assigned projects and apply landscape architecture technical policies and procedures in a land development environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

• Receive general instruction on key objectives for execution. Receive direction as needed, and especially on difficult assignments and possible solutions.  Work is completed using standard techniques and design principles and is reviewed by more senior staff to ensure application of sound professional judgement. 

At the Operational and Company Level 

• Work closely with more senior staff members to learn about and assist with landscape architecture work. 

Do the Work

• Assist in the execution of landscape architectural design on assigned projects within a multidisciplinary collaborative setting. 
• Prepare hardscape and landscape plans for urban settings, streetscapes, parks and recreation, etc., including entitlement, site plan and construction documents.  
• Assist with plant inventory and evaluations.
• Support engineering projects and provide state and local permitting assistance.
• Carry out technical and administrative assignments, tabulations, cost estimates, etc. 
• Consult with clients, engineers, and architects on specifications and needs of overall projects.
• Assist in performing onsite landscape inspections during site evaluations and construction and coordinating design requirements with contractors and equipment suppliers. 
• Conduct code research, write specifications, and coordinate permitting. 
• Assist in preparation and presentation of design projects to required legislative bodies or municipality commissions.
• Maintain a working knowledge of federal, state, and local codes and permitting requirements.
• Assist in assembling Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), and Construction Documents (CD) and reviewing jurisdiction submittal packages.

Success Metrics and Competencies

Ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate...

• Ability to review and interpret local zoning regulations in a variety of municipal jurisdictions.
• Ability to use sound judgement and skills to defend decisions and methodologies used to arrive at chosen solution or decision.
• Ability to work both independently and contribute within a highly collaborative team environment.
• Ability to thrive in an environment with iterative feedback from multiple stakeholders.
• Highly motivated and problem-solving attitude.
• Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
• Self-reliance and ability to occasionally operate independently with limited direction.  
• Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality of work.
• Aspirations to grow professionally and advance within the company.
• Effective working relationship with internal leaders and peers, as well as external clients.
• Commitment to becoming a “citizen” of the broader organization, breaking down barriers and silos.
• Commitment to working in partnership with others inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple time-sensitive tasks.
• Strong freehand illustration and rendering skills.
• Ability to actively participate in design and analysis on substantial projects. 

Education, Work Experience, Licensure/Certifications, and Technical Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, or related field; or commensurate relevant work experience in landscape design.
• Master’s degree a plus.
• Entry level position, no prior experience required. Any professional experience working within a landscape architecture studio or design office, or considerable applicable internship experience supplementing degree program a plus.
• Progress toward Landscape Architect Registration preferred (with anticipated completion within 1-2 years).
• Appreciation and understanding of land development process and desire to contribute in design of housing, commercial, mixed use and industrial site plans and work directly with our multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in production of Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), and Construction Documents (CD) including site details, materials and layout selection, and planting design; irrigation design a plus.
• Development of design concepts and preparation of presentation-quality graphics and illustrations.
• Preparation of detailed construction documents, including plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Photoshop, and/or InDesign.
• Experience in 3D Modeling (Sketchup, AutoCAD, Civil3D, Lumion, Land FX, GIS/ArcView) a plus.
• Knowledge of planting design proficiency and knowledge of regional planting materials and techniques.
• Knowledge of water-harvesting/irrigation design principles a plus.
• Must have a solid understanding of site design; grading principles and drainage concepts; construction methods, materials, and details.
• Able to provide professional work portfolio upon request.
• Must hold a valid state driver’s license and successfully pass a motor vehicle check.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Partially indoor professional office environment which may include bright/dim light, noise, fumes, odors, and traffic.
• Partially outdoor work environment which may include adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards.
• Mobility around an office environment.
• Mobility around a job/construction site to include walking, bending, crawling, climbing, squatting, or kneeling and wearing of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Primarily local travel during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be required according to the needs of the business.
• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional pushing or pulling up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional reaching outward or above shoulder.

Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.

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