Job Summary:

AKS Engineering & Forestry has an opening for a landscape designer in our Vancouver, Washington office. This is a full-time position working closely with project managers, land use planners, civil engineers, and various other design professionals, clients, and jurisdictions. Typical project work will include commercial, residential subdivisions, industrial, streetscapes, parks, public infrastructure, and other miscellaneous site improvement projects. We are looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented person who takes full ownership of their work and who works well as part of a team.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

• A Baccalaureate degree in landscape architecture, planning, or similar field from an accredited landscape architecture program.
• A minimum of 0-3 years related work experience.
• Desire to works towards Registered Landscape Architect licensure preferred.
• Skilled in the use of AutoCAD, Adobe PhotoShop, Bluebeam, and similar landscape architecture and design software.
• Knowledge and understanding of landscape design and construction principles, methods, and techniques.
• Irrigation design experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of construction project budgeting and cost estimating principles desirable.
• Knowledge of plants found in the varying regions of the Pacific Northwest.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and schedule work assignments to meet deadlines.
• Take personal responsibility for completing quality work within budgets and timelines.

Job Functions & Responsibilities:

This individual will be responsible for the landscape architecture of a variety of projects, including: urban regeneration schemes (public parks and squares, open spaces, playgrounds); pedestrian schemes; retail and industrial schemes (business parks); roads/transport corridors (and occasionally the structures within/surrounding them); residential subdivisions (including open space, street trees, stormwater facilities, parks, and trails) and a wide variety of other work. Responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and accurately producing detailed plans and working drawings, including construction details and specifications for the project using AutoCAD/Land FX including setting up sheets, line work/drafting, etc.
• Conducting preliminary studies of existing site conditions, contours, soils, vegetation, site features, drainage, ecology, buildings, roads, and paths.
• Establishing general landscape requirements with clients.
• Preparing perspective drawings, color renderings, and other presentation materials.
• Preparing color master plans and other renderings.
• Preparing planting plans using appropriate plant material for the climate and site conditions.
• Preparing irrigation plans and details.
• Selecting and specifying equipment, site furnishings, and other site amenities and contacting and coordinating with manufacturers and suppliers.
• Satisfying both the client's wishes and your knowledge of what will work best.
• Seeking and taking into account the views of local residents and other potential users in the design process.
• Reviewing contractor submittals and RFI’s during construction.
• Coordinating with other in-house experts including arborists, engineers, surveyors, planners, and natural resource scientists.
• Monitoring and checking work on-site.
• Ensuring deadlines are met.
• Learning/studying the landscape architecture profession to increase knowledge.
• Completing projects and special assignments as requested.

Company Overview:

AKS Engineering & Forestry is a locally owned multi-discipline engineering consulting firm focused on developing infrastructure for private and public clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. Remaining true to our values and diligently maintaining our focus on quality enables our staff to thrive and grow. With six offices and over 26 years in business, AKS is a well-respected and trusted resource to a broad portfolio of clients providing a unique and diverse combination of services.

- Civil Engineering - Land, Aerial, and Hydrographic Surveying
- Land Use Planning - Landscape Architecture
- Forestry/Forest Engineering - Arboriculture
- Natural Resources - Water Resources
- Construction Support Services - GIS

Culture:

AKS is recognized annually as one of the Top Workplaces in Oregon and Southwest Washington. With a reputation built on personal responsibility, straight answers, practical solutions, and client and employee service, AKS has become a highly sought-after place to work. We care deeply about building long-term relationships at all levels of our organization and look for opportunities to share meals together every week, go on teambuilding adventures, make team site visits, and host events that bring our people and clients together.

We are organized around multidisciplinary teams that follow a project from conception through construction. We function as one team, one company, one community, and empower our employees to deliver their best work to evolve, grow, and succeed.

Benefits:

AKS proudly offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, immediately vested 401k matching, and additional benefits and special perks. Including:

• Opportunities for personal and professional development, mentorship, advancement, and training.
• Collaborative team environment, fun atmosphere, all staff, and team events.
• Security working for an established, reputable, stable, and successful company.
• Weekly lunches with dining area set up to encourage staff to spend unstructured time together.
• Flexible work schedule, vacations, and time off.

Visit our website for more information on the work we do, and all that AKS offers.