What are the responsibilities and job description for the Landscape Designer / Estimator position at Highridge Landscapes?
Landscape Designer & Estimator
Full-Time | Bozeman, MT | Competitive Salary Commission
About Highridge Landscapes
Highridge Landscapes is a high-end residential landscaping company based in Bozeman, Montana. We work with discerning clients across the valley and take pride in delivering exceptional design and craftsmanship on every project. We are a growing, multi-crew operation with a team-oriented culture built around quality work and continuous improvement.
We offer a collaborative environment where team members have real ownership over their work and a direct impact on the client experience and company growth.
Role Summary
The Landscape Designer and Estimator is a dual-function role responsible for translating client vision into thoughtful design proposals and accurate project estimates. This person serves as a key connection point between the client relationship and field execution, guiding projects from initial consultation through proposal approval and production handoff.
We are looking for someone who brings both creative and analytical strengths to the role. The ideal candidate is comfortable in client conversations, confident in design software, and detail-oriented when it comes to scoping and pricing work accurately.
Core Responsibilities
Design
- Conduct on-site consultations with residential clients to understand scope, aesthetic preferences, budget parameters, and site conditions
- Develop full landscape design plans using LandFX, including planting plans, hardscape layouts, grading concepts, irrigation zoning, and lighting integration as applicable
- Produce both 2D construction plans and 3D renderings to effectively communicate design intent to clients through the approval process
- Produce client-ready design packages including plans, planting palettes, material selections, and renderings that reflect Highridge's high-end positioning
- Revise and refine designs through the client approval process with a focus on speed, clarity, and conversion
- Stay current on plant material availability, regional growing conditions, design trends, and material costs in the Bozeman market
Estimating
- Build detailed, line-item estimates within Aspire for all designed projects, including labor hours, material costs, subcontractor allowances, and equipment requirements
- Collaborate with production leadership to validate labor estimates against crew capacity and field execution realities
- Identify scope creep risks and build proposals that protect margin while remaining competitive
- Produce polished client proposals that clearly communicate scope, value, and investment, consistent with Highridge's brand standards
Sales and Client Management
- Present designs and proposals directly to clients and lead the approval process through close
- Manage the handoff from signed proposal to production team with complete documentation and clear scope transfer
- Track proposal pipeline and conversion rates and report on sales activity within Aspire
- Build and maintain strong client relationships that generate referrals and repeat business
Qualifications
- 3 or more years of experience in landscape design, with a portfolio of completed residential projects
- Proficiency in LandFX or AutoCAD, including 2D drafting and 3D rendering capabilities
- Experience with estimating software, preferably Aspire or comparable job costing platform
- Strong understanding of plant material, hardscape systems, and residential landscape construction processes
- Ability to read and interpret site surveys, architectural plans, and grading documents
- Excellent verbal communication and client presentation skills
- Degree in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, Horticulture, or a related field preferred
- Montana or comparable regional plant knowledge is a significant advantage
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary plus commission tied to sold project volume
- A high-quality client base and the creative latitude to execute work you are proud of
- Modern tools including LandFX and Aspire with ongoing training and support
- A performance-driven culture where your work directly influences your compensation and your growth
- A leadership team that is invested in building the company the right way