Landscape Designer - Entry Level - AutoCad

Join Hicks Nurseries – Long Island’s Largest Garden Center!
Located in Westbury, NY | $40 Million Annual Revenue | Retail, Wholesale & Landscape Design & Build

Position: Landscape Designer - Entry Level

Hicks Nurseries, the premier retail and wholesale garden center on Long Island, is looking for Landscape Designer to join our team. With a proud legacy in the industry, Hicks offers a fast-paced, friendly environment where customers and team members alike love to grow.

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated Entry Level Landscape Designer to assist the Sales and Design teams with technical and creative support throughout all phases of landscape design/build projects. This role is ideal for a student or early-career professional looking to gain hands-on

experience while building foundational skills in drafting, design, and project coordination. The position works closely with the Landscape Designer and supports the Sales team in preparing plans, presentations, and client materials.

Essential Functions

1. Drafting & Design Support

• Assist in the development of preliminary and final landscape design plans, including:
• • Site plans
  • Hardscape layouts
  • Planting plans
  • Construction documents
  • Elevations
  • Local building code research
• Support Design and Sales teams with presentations using:
• • AutoCAD
  • Hand renderings
  • SketchUp, Lumion, and other industry software
  • Plant books and visual presentation materials
• Participate in site visits to:
• • Verify surveys
  • Evaluate existing conditions (topography, soil, sunlight)
  • Identify and resolve discrepancies between plans and site conditions
• Conduct research for new and ongoing projects
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and quality standards in all work
• Maintain organized records of drawings, revisions, and project files
• Assist in creating material take-offs, lists, and cost estimates
• Provide creative input to enhance project aesthetics and functionality
• Support administrative tasks as assigned

2. Client Interaction & Sales Support

• Assist the Sales team in client meetings to understand project vision, preferences, and functional needs
• Help prepare construction documents and material specifications
• Communicate companywide using industry-standard software
• Support Sales with maintaining accurate and up-to-date CRM opportunity pipelines

3. Collaboration & Project Support

• Work closely with the Senior Landscape Designer and project teams

Assist with coordination across departments to support project success

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree or certificate in:
• • Landscape Architecture
  • Landscape Design
  • Horticulture
  • Or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and/or Lumion
• Relevant coursework or experience in landscape design, drafting, or architecture

Physical Requirements

• Regular physical activity including standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and grasping
• Ability to lift and carry:
• • Up to 10 lbs independently
  • Occasionally up to 20 lbs

Required Skills

Creative Skills

• Basic hand rendering skills for visual presentations

Technical Skills

• Basic proficiency in AutoCAD
• Working knowledge of MS Office
• Basic understanding of:
• • Plant materials, growth habits, seasonal changes, and maintenance needs
  • Hardscape materials and applications

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills (English)
• Ability to collaborate with team members and interact professionally with clients

Management Skills

• Effective time management across multiple projects
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Personal Traits

• Innovative and creative problem-solver
• Detail-oriented and accurate in drafting and documentation
• Enthusiastic about landscape design and eager to learn
• Resilient and receptive to feedback and revisions

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced.

• Team focus.

• Indoor and outdoor activities in all types of weather conditions

We sell trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, tropicals, houseplants, garden and plant care merchandise, decorative pots and containers, patio furniture, outdoor living accents and décor, and more. Additionally, we are Long Island’s largest Christmas store selling fresh trees, wreaths, roping, and centerpieces; artificial trees and greens; indoor and outdoor lights and lawn décor; ornaments and collectibles of all types; and much more!