Development Services - Landscape Designer II

Job Title: Landscape Designer II
Department: Development Services
Reports to: Project Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000

GENERAL SUMMARY
The Landscape Designer II works under the direction of a Project Manager to support the planning, design, and delivery of landscape architecture projects from design development through construction administration. This role performs a broad range of technical, design, and coordination tasks and may independently manage defined project components or smaller projects while contributing to larger, multidisciplinary efforts. Responsibilities may overlap with those of a Project Manager but are limited in scope, authority, and project complexity.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities. May provide technical guidance and informal mentoring to junior staff as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Project Design & Technical Production

• Participate in all phases of landscape architecture projects, including schematic design, design development, construction documentation, bidding, and construction administration.

• Prepare construction documents, including planting plans, hardscape plans, details, specifications, and supporting documentation.

• Develop reports, studies, cost estimates, and permit submittal packages as required.

• Contribute to master planning and detailed design efforts as both a project contributor and, when appropriate, task-level project lead.

• Prepare and review project deliverables such as drawings, renderings, specifications, reports, and cost estimates for accuracy and quality.

Project Coordination & Client Support

• Assist the Project Manager in coordinating project tasks, schedules, and deliverables.

• Help identify and understand client expectations related to quality, budget, and schedule.

• Maintain regular communication with the Project Manager regarding project progress, scope, budget, and schedule.

• Participate in client meetings, consultant coordination, and agency interactions as assigned.

• Maintain accurate project budgets and track expenditures for assigned tasks; proactively communicate potential issues or risks.

Construction Administration

• Support construction administration activities, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, preparing site observation reports, and coordinating with consultants and contractors.

• Maintain communication with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout construction to support successful project delivery.

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Work collaboratively within an interactive studio environment on multiple concurrent projects.

• Provide technical assistance and informal mentoring to junior staff, as appropriate.

• Stay current with industry standards, codes, regulations, and emerging design tools and technologies.

Business Development (as assigned)

• Support business development efforts through proposal preparation, graphic support, and participation in interviews or networking activities, as appropriate to experience level.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proficiency in AutoCAD; working knowledge of Revit preferred.

• Experience with graphic and visualization tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Familiarity with 3D modeling and rendering software such as 3D Studio, Form-Z, or similar.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Strong graphic presentation skills, including hand sketching and digital rendering.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities.

• Effective organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.

• Demonstrates professionalism through reliability, integrity, respect, accountability, and positive communication.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (BLA, BSLA, or MLA).

• Actively pursuing licensure or planning to begin licensure path.

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a professional landscape architecture or design office.

WHY YOU'LL WANT TO WORK AT GF
Join a team where you can contribute and grow your career without limits. At GF, you’ll help build community through meaningful work while shaping your professional growth and career path. Our team brings together diverse talents and backgrounds, creating an environment where you can explore fresh ideas, navigate new challenges, and adapt as your career and goals evolve. From our 4½-day workweek and comprehensive benefits to intentional mentorship and career development, GF provides an environment where growth, balance, and job satisfaction go hand in hand.

CAREER PROGRESSION
We are passionate about supporting your career progression and professional growth. GF maintains a career progression framework that illustrates typical advancement in both title and responsibility. During the annual performance review process, and at other appropriate times, we will discuss the skills, experience, and competencies that may be demonstrated to achieve the next level position.

Career progression is not prescriptive. Advancement is based on a combination of demonstrated capability, technical and interpersonal skills, experience, initiative, attitude, performance, and overall contribution to the firm. We encourage open, direct, and ongoing conversations with your manager regarding your career goals and professional development.

We also recognize that not every employee aspires to continued upward advancement. If you are content in your current role, we are committed to supporting your growth through expanded responsibilities, new challenges, and horizontal development opportunities that allow you to remain engaged, challenged, and professionally fulfilled while maintaining your current level.

BENEFITS
Health and Wellness Support
We prioritize the well-being of our team members through comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a generous Firm contribution to health savings accounts. Other programs that further emphasizes our dedication to the holistic health of our employees include: voluntary short- and long-term disability; voluntary life insurance; accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity benefits; monthly wellness reimbursements; telehealth benefits; mental health counseling; employee assistance programs; Medicare transition services; and financial wellness benefits.

Professional Development Opportunities
Dedication to continued learning is ingrained in our culture. Our tuition reimbursement program empowers employees to pursue continuous learning, enhancing their education and skill sets to excel in their careers. Mentorship opportunities and benefits such as paid membership to a professional organization and opportunities for selection into our Next Generation Leadership Training or Associates and Directors Program further supports the growth and development of our team.

Ownership and Prosperity
As an ESOP company, GF takes pride in offering every team member a stake in our success. Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, our employees benefit from shared company prosperity, creating a culture of shared goals and achievements. You fund your 401(k) through paycheck deferrals, and GF matches your deferrals into the ESOP with shares of company stock.

Work-Life Integration
We understand the importance of Work-Life Balance. Our commitment to flexible work schedules, paid time off, paid holidays, half-day Fridays, and paid parental leave allows our team members to achieve professional success while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, partnership status, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY
Where required by applicable law, the pay range for this position is provided in the job posting. Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, education, internal equity, geographic location, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and or benefits in accordance with applicable plans and policies.

PAYROLL
Employees paid on a bi-weekly basis, consisting of 26 pay periods annually, and is issued in arrears. Direct deposit is available.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
Employment with GF is at will, which means that either the employee or GF may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description or posting creates a contract of employment or alters the at-will nature of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work may be performed in a standard office setting, onsite at client locations, and or on active construction or project sites. Work environments may include exposure to weather conditions, uneven terrain, construction equipment, and other site-related conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires sufficient physical ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform essential job functions. These may include sitting or standing for extended periods; walking on uneven surfaces; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting; lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling light to moderate amounts of weight; operating office and field equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination; communicating verbally and in writing; visual acuity within normal range with or without correction; and hearing within normal range with or without correction. This position may require physical mobility on and around active construction sites before and after installation of infrastructure and site improvements.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform essential job functions, please notify us. Reasonable accommodations may include modifications to the application process, work procedures, equipment, or work environment, in accordance with applicable law.

BACKGROUND CHECK
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, reference check, and or drug screening, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including fair chance and ban-the-box requirements.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
Employees are required to comply with all Company and client on-site safety policies and procedures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when working on construction or project sites.

WORK AUTHORIZATION
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. GF participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility in accordance with federal law.

HARASSMENT-FREE WORKPLACE
We are committed to maintaining a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and inappropriate conduct. All employees are expected to uphold these standards and will attend annual harassment prevention training.

DISCLAIMER
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications and may be modified at any time to meet business needs.

Thank you for your interest in applying for a position at GF. We appreciate you taking the time to submit your information. Our team will review your qualifications, and if your skills and experience align with the needs of the role, a member of our recruitment team will reach out to begin the next steps in the process. We look forward to reviewing your information.