Landscape Architect Department Manager

American Engineering is a full-service civil engineering and design firm providing innovative solutions for land development, municipal, and infrastructure projects. Our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach brings together engineers, planners, surveyors, and design professionals to serve both private development and public-sector clients.

Our Landscape Architecture & Planning Department Manager will provide leadership, creative vision, and strategic direction for American Engineering's landscape architecture and land planning services. This role blends project leadership, staff management, and business development, with a strong emphasis on growing our client base and expanding the firm's planning and design capabilities.

This position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects that move beyond production-oriented work and into conceptual, creative, and vision-driven planning and design efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage landscape architecture and planning staff, including staff plans, workload management, and professional development.
• Maintain department standards, workflows, and quality control procedures.
• Foster a creative, collaborative environment that encourages innovative thinking and design excellence.

Project Management & Creative Oversight

• Serve as Project Manager and/or technical lead for landscape architecture and land planning projects.
• Lead and oversee a variety of project types, including:

Land planning and rezoning support

Site planning and development layouts

Parks, greenways, and trail systems

Urban design and streetscape projects

Master plans and visioning studies

• Oversee preparation of conceptual and design-level deliverables such as layouts, renderings, schematics, planting plans, details, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Collaborate closely with civil engineers, surveyors, planners, and external consultants to deliver integrated solutions.
• Provide quality reviews of project deliverables prior to submission.

Client Development & Growth Initiatives

• Act as a key point of contact for clients and help position the department as a trusted advisor.
• Contribute to expanding the firm's landscape architecture and planning client base through relationship-building and pursuit strategy.
• Support proposal development, scope definition, and fee preparation.
• Participate in public meetings, client presentations, and community engagement efforts.
• Help define and grow new service offerings within land planning and landscape architecture.

Strategic & Administrative Responsibilities

• Partner with firm leadership on department planning, forecasting, and growth initiatives.
• Support long-term visioning for the Landscape Architecture & Planning Department.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen the firm's creative reputation and market presence.
• Promote a collaborative, professional, and inclusive team culture.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Landscape Architecture
• Licensed Landscape Architect (PLA or RLA); North Carolina licensure preferred or ability to obtain
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in landscape architecture and/or land planning.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects and leading teams.
• Strong understanding of land development, planning, and permitting processes.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and related design software; experience producing concepts, layouts, and renderings.
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.

Preferred

• Experience in land planning, rezoning, and master planning efforts.
• Background in multidisciplinary engineering or land development firm.
• Business development experience or demonstrated interest in growing services.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior staff.
• Familiarity with urban design, public-sector, and community-based projects.

Shaping the Future, Together