Landscape Architect

SUMMARY

The Landscape Architect utilizes landscape architectural and engineering knowledge to plan, design and implement recreation and natural resource capital improvement and land acquisition projects for the Lake County Forest Preserve District (District). Manages project design and planning teams and monitors public access projects, consultants, and project implementation to ensure they comply with budgets, schedules, and contract specifications.  Conducts detailed field investigations, site inventories and technical analysis of soils, slopes, vegetation, drainage, and other existing conditions to determine design opportunities and constraints, and compiles and analyzes data to prepare feasibility studies and master land management plans for District properties.  Manages and directs outside consultants for the preparation of wetland studies, plant inventories, topographic surveying, civil engineering, architecture, contract document preparation, permitting and other specialties for the District’s planning or capital improvement projects.

EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in landscape architecture.  Professional Landscape Architect, registered in Illinois with a license issued by the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Registration.  Five years’ experience as a landscape architect including experience in project management, master planning and site design.  Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, ArcGIS, and Computer Aided Design software (CAD).  Full understanding of the native trees, shrubs and herbaceous ground cover and plant communities of northern Illinois.  Analytical decision-making and organizational skills necessary to design complex engineering and planning projects, to understand and interpret construction plans, contract documents and specifications, and prepare master land management plans.  Must possess valid driver’s license.  

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Anticipated Hiring Range: $83,450 - $95,000.

The Lake County Forest Preserves offers an excellent work environment as well as a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and life insurance, IMRF pension plan, and paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.