Associate Landscape Designer - PLA

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• Degree in landscape architecture or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in landscape architecture.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• 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, SketchUp, and Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• 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 provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Rewards for referring great talent.
• 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: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, and more.

About LJA

LJA is an employee-owned firm where team members take pride in their work and 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 Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace.
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry.
• Flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach.
• A culture that champions continuous learning and personal growth.
• Passion for having fun and making money while creating impact.