SPFHS-2026-7 Landscape Designer Trainee

NJ Department of Environmental Protection • Ringwood, NJ

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the close supervision of a Landscape Designer 3 or other supervisory official in a state department, agency, or office, as a trainee, learns to perform the design, construction, and maintenance of landscape architecture projects for transportation projects, parks,
forests, or botanical gardens; does other related duties as required.

Specific to the Position
This position, based at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden, learns to assist with data gathering, mapping, site investigations, and the preparation of landscape plans, details, and grading designs; supports the design of planting plans and landscape features, including related calculations, specifications, and plant lists; learns to inspect and document plant materials while maintaining labels, records, photographs, and cultural information; learns to evaluate horticultural needs across gardens, grounds, and greenhouse operations; learns to conduct historical research to support restoration of original designs; learns to provide basic public guidance on horticulture and garden features; learns to deliver horticultural presentations; collaborates with volunteers and partner groups on programs and events; and is required to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license.

Due to nature of the role, this position is performed exclusively on-site.

Requirements

• EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture.
• NOTE: Possession of a valid license as a Landscape Architect issued by the New Jersey State Board of Architects may be substituted for the above education requirement.
• NOTE: When assigned to the Department of Environmental Protection's State Botanical Garden, a Bachelor's degree in Ornamental Horticulture, Aboriculture, or Floriculture, are also acceptable in meeting the minimum education requirements.
• NOTE: All U.S. degrees and transcripts must be from an accredited college or university. All foreign degrees and transcripts must be evaluated for accreditation by a recognized evaluation service by the closing date of this posting. Failure to provide documentation may result in ineligibility.
• Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
• All persons newly hired on or after September 1, 2011, have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain principal residence in the State of New Jersey subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L.2011, Chapter 70), also known as the “New Jersey First Act”.
• Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques involved in ornamental horticulture for garden design.
• Knowledge of the methods used to restore, renovate, and maintain grounds, formal gardens, lawns and flower gardens, trees, and shrubs.
• Ability to prepare preliminary landscape design plans.

Responsibilities

• assist with data gathering, mapping, site investigations, and the preparation of landscape plans, details, and grading designs
• supports the design of planting plans and landscape features, including related calculations, specifications, and plant lists
• learns to inspect and document plant materials while maintaining labels, records, photographs, and cultural information
• learns to evaluate horticultural needs across gardens, grounds, and greenhouse operations
• learns to conduct historical research to support restoration of original designs
• learns to provide basic public guidance on horticulture and garden features
• learns to deliver horticultural presentations
• collaborates with volunteers and partner groups on programs and events
• is required to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license

Benefits

• Paid Benefit Leave
• Holiday Pay
• Alternative Workweek Program
• Telework
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation
• Health Benefits (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Commuter Tax Savings Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Tuition Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level