A Landscape Architect plans and designs outside spaces and land, including parks, private gardens, subdivisions, highways, and industrial sites. Uses architectural and design skills and knowledge of plants and trees; addresses land use issues; reviews the environmental impacts of construction projects.
In general, the scope and focus of this role will consist of the following competencies:
PRIMARY COMPETENCY
TECHNICAL
EFFECTIVENESS SECONDARY COMPETENCY
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT TERTIARY COMPETENCY
MENTORSHIP
AND LEADERSHIP TECHNICAL EFFECTIVENESS
Boasts 3-10 years of work experience within the Northern Virginia region; specific experience within Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Arlington, Stafford, and Culpeper Counties is preferred. Experience within other adjoining localities, not specifically named, in the region is a plus. Comprehensive knowledge of place-making in both urban and suburban settings. Experience with and ability to complete feasibility studies, yield studies, zoning analyses, due diligence checklists, and identify potential site constraints and remedies. Candidate shall possess experience in preparing design guidelines, master zoning plans, generalized development plans, and conceptual and/or final development plans. Candidate shall possess working knowledge of the entitlement process within one or more of the jurisdictions listed above. The entitlement process may include applications for rezonings, special use permits, special exceptions, special permits, etc. Assist in the preparation of design and construction drawings for both landscape and general site designs including layout, grading, and hardscape. Collaborate with team members to guide and shape the design and delivery of projects of various scales and types. Assist and provide ideas for enhancement in the development of conceptual designs using a variety of hand-drawn and digital techniques. Progressively build and share expertise in design platforms such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite. Prepare digital graphics and renderings with Adobe Creative Suite and presentation software. Provide graphic design, technical production, urban and landscape design, and site planning expertise for a variety of projects including but not limited to mixed-use residential development, streetscapes, parks, and other community facility design. Research zoning codes, entitlement processes, and permit requirements to ensure compliance. Remain current with Local, State, and Federal design standards and regulations to ensure compliance. Maintain excellent knowledge of planting design and plant material suitable for the project region. Perform QA/QC of own work and team members before final submission to the client. Demonstrate expertise in the design of creative exterior amenity spaces. Design and build models in AutoCAD and SketchUp. Learn from previous design efforts to build skillsets.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Assist the Project Manager with the preparation of proposals and Scope of Work (SOWs) sent to clients. Assist the Project Manager with billing and accounting functions. Assist the Project Manager with managing team effort and coordinating with other Project Managers in all phases of projects. Collaborate with the Project Manager to develop, track, and maintain the project schedule to ensure internal deliverables, client expectations, and quality standards are met. Ensure effective communication and coordination on assigned projects between other project participants, including architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and clients. Monitor and maintain project schedule, assist with managing contract budget and billing, and write change orders as necessary to address changes to scope.
MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP
Mentor less experienced staff to promote growth and advancement. Maintain professional licensure. Maintain a presence in Landscape Architecture services through involvement in civic, professional, and business organizations. Utilize internal and external training resources in order to advance required skills. Engage in training that furthers professional development. Seek out and participate in opportunities to share knowledge with staff through formal and informal training processes, including lunch'n'learns and workshops.
RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
(KSAs): High capacity for self-motivation and initiative. Excellent project and time management skills. Exemplary teamwork and interpersonal skills. Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to create and manage detailed project task plans. Eagerness to learn and expand knowledge by proactively seeking out information, resources, and guidance.
