Landscape Designer

About the Role

Ruppert Landscape is a leading provider of commercial landscape maintenance and installation services with more than 3,500 employees serving customers from 55+ branches across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern US. We take pride in delivering reliable, high-quality services on a wide range of commercial properties and construction projects. For over 50 years, our mission has been to provide opportunities for our people, take care of our customers, and be good stewards of the environment and our community.

The Designer is responsible for developing high-quality enhancement designs for our existing and potential commercial Landscape Maintenance customers. This includes working with the branch team to prioritize design needs, conducting site visits to capture existing conditions, and understanding client needs to produce final visual designs. The role also involves presenting concepts and designs to customers as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage design workflow to provide complete proposals before bid deadlines.
• Communicate with internal team members and external subcontractors regarding pricing and availability of plants, site furnishings, and hard materials to estimate costs and project timing.
• Prepare, log, and distribute proposal packages to Area Managers.
• Participate in regular branch meetings and complete additional duties or assignments as directed by the Branch Manager.
• Develop a clear understanding of the company’s philosophies, goals, and financial position.
• Build good working relationships with the branch team.

Qualifications

• Ability to develop creative designs that are functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Proficiency in design software such as Realtime Architect, DynaSCAPE, Photoshop/Gimp, and InDesign.
• Extensive understanding of landscape installation and construction methods.
• Thorough knowledge of plant material and best horticultural practices.
• Ability to read and understand plans and specifications.
• Strong relationship-building skills with subcontractors and customers.
• Professional demeanor and positive attitude in all situations.
• Excellent presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in PC and business software (Excel, MS Word, PowerPoint).
• Bachelor’s degree in design or architecture and/or four years of experience in landscape design and sales.
• Professional certification is a plus.

Physical Demands

The role frequently requires sitting, standing, walking, using hands and fingers, handling or feeling, reaching, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, talking or hearing, and tasting or smelling. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work takes place in a clean, pleasant, and comfortable office setting or on commercial or landscape construction sites. The noise level ranges from quiet to loud. The position typically involves a 40+ hour week but may require long hours, including evenings and weekends. The role is fast-paced and often involves working under pressure. Travel to local branch locations in Northern Virginia, including Dulles and Gainesville, is required.

What We Provide

• Salary Range: $55,000 to $75,000 per year based on experience
• Company Vehicle
• Medical benefits with dental and vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) plan
• Flexible work/life balance
• Family-oriented company culture

Please attach a design portfolio with clear examples of all abilities along with a resume.