Senior Landscape Architect (Landscape Architect Iii)

State of Illinois • Schaumburg, IL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Landscape Architect is accountable for the design, review, field inspection, and environmental compliance of roadside landscapes and stormwater systems for complex roadway projects in District One. The position focuses on delivering safe, environmentally compatible, high-quality, and low-maintenance highway systems in line with regional policy.

The role reviews and prepares roadway landscape design plans and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), and provides expertise on landscape restoration, tree preservation, native planting, and roadside aesthetics. It prepares landscape plans, specifications, and estimates for landscape construction and maintenance contracts; develops conceptual designs and plant material appraisals; evaluates roadside-related permit requests; and provides landscape and erosion-control guidance during construction. The position also inspects vegetation materials and erosion-control installation, documents contract compliance, communicates with public officials and citizens, and maintains contract records.

The position is based at the Illinois Department of Transportation’s District One office in Schaumburg. Statewide travel is required. The anticipated hybrid schedule allows one to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., with a 45-minute lunch.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture.
• Three years of experience in landscape architecture.
• One year of supervisory experience involving governmental policies and procedures.
• Possession of an Illinois Department of Agriculture pesticide license, or an equivalent license from Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, or Kentucky.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Statewide travel.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Must obtain Rights-of-Way, Turf, Ornamental, and Aquatics pesticide licensure within five months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced knowledge of urban roadside vegetation, native prairie restoration, and sustainable erosion-control management, with a focus on durability and low maintenance.
• Significant experience using Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) and Geographic Information System (GIS) software for landscape design, spatial analysis, and infrastructure mapping.
• Proficiency interpreting and applying field survey data to verify site conditions, evaluate grading and drainage requirements, and implement roadside landscape features accurately.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical landscape concepts to public officials, contractors, and community stakeholders.
• Strong organizational planning skills and the ability to manage multiple complex contracts, budgets, and timelines simultaneously with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Review and prepare roadway landscape design plans and review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), providing expertise on landscape restoration, tree preservation, native planting, and roadside aesthetics.
• Draft comprehensive landscape plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for landscape construction and maintenance contracts.
• Develop conceptual landscape designs and plant material appraisals for the Bureaus of Programming and Land Acquisition.
• Evaluate and provide technical comments on roadside-related permit requests for the Bureaus of Traffic and Utilities.
• Provide resident engineers with landscape and erosion-control guidance during construction.
• Conduct onsite field inspections of vegetation materials and erosion-control installation for contract compliance, and submit detailed documentation to the Bureaus of Materials and Construction.
• Follow departmental safety rules and professional ethics, and ensure fair and equitable treatment of staff.
• Communicate with public officials and citizens to resolve complaints, mitigate environmental impacts, and promote a positive public image of Department practices.
• Maintain organized, retrievable contract archives and accurate documentation of work performed and materials inspected.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Pension plan
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Deferred compensation and other pre-tax benefit programs, including medical and daycare
• 12 paid sick days annually
• 10 paid vacation days in the first year of service, with the potential to earn up to 25 paid vacation days annually
• 3 paid personal days annually
• 13–14 paid holidays annually, based on start date
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program and/or mental health resources
• Flexible work schedules in several program areas, including flexible time and hybrid scheduling
• Extensive training and career advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

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