Landscape Architect III

DJ&A•South Holland, IL

19d•$75,000 - $100,000

About The Position

DJ&A is seeking a Senior Landscape Architect to join its growing team in the Chicagoland area. Working in partnership with sister company Robinson Engineering, the role reports to DJ&A’s landscape architecture team and focuses on expanding the firm’s presence in the Chicagoland municipal market. The successful candidate will build on Robinson’s municipal engineering relationships and DJ&A’s nationwide landscape architecture portfolio to identify opportunities, cultivate clients, and grow the local practice through high-quality project development and delivery. The position offers opportunities to lead local and regional landscape architecture and site development projects, advise clients, and contribute to nationwide federal contracts with partners such as the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. The role contributes to projects from concept through construction, including site design, planning, planting plans, grading, hardscape, irrigation design, and coordination with municipalities and stakeholders. It also involves managing project scope, schedule, budget, and resources; overseeing plans, specifications, reports, and cost estimates; coordinating multidisciplinary teams and consultants; and participating in quality reviews. The Senior Landscape Architect will lead client engagement and business development for the Chicagoland practice. This includes identifying and pursuing municipal, county, public works, parks and recreation, private, and public-sector opportunities; developing client engagement strategies; supporting proposals and interviews; and cultivating long-term client relationships. The position also serves as the landscape architecture voice on a multidisciplinary team, mentors remote staff, and supports a respectful and inclusive team culture. The role is based in the South Holland or Frankfort, Illinois, office. Occasional travel to project sites, including outdoor environments and construction areas, is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an LAAB-accredited program.
At least 10 years of progressive landscape architecture experience.
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and/or other industry-standard design software.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Demonstrated commitment to quality, attention to detail, and client service.

Nice To Haves

Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) licensure; candidates actively pursuing licensure are encouraged to apply.
Experience with urban and civic landscape design.
Experience with parks, trails, and open space planning.
Experience with streetscape and transportation corridor design.
Experience with site development for public and private clients.
Experience with municipal coordination and permitting.
Experience developing exhibits for public display and input.
Experience with federal projects, including National Park Service projects and federal project delivery.

Responsibilities

Contribute to landscape architecture projects from concept through construction, including site design, planning, planting plans, grading, hardscape, irrigation design, and coordination with municipalities and stakeholders.
Assist with managing project scope, schedule, budget, and internal resources.
Oversee preparation of landscape plans, specifications, reports, and cost estimates.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary internal teams and external consultants.
Lead projects with integrity, clear communication, and a commitment to quality work serving clients and communities.
Contribute to quality assurance and quality control reviews.
Build on Robinson Engineering’s municipal client relationships to identify cross-selling opportunities for landscape architecture services.
Lead business development efforts to establish and grow DJ&A’s landscape architecture practice in the Chicagoland market.
Identify, pursue, and secure landscape architecture project opportunities with municipalities, county governments, public works, and parks and recreation departments.
Develop and execute client engagement strategies to expand local presence, market awareness, and long-term client relationships.
Advise existing and prospective clients, identify their needs, and connect them with solutions using DJ&A’s broader technical capabilities.
Lead and support pursuit efforts, including client meetings, relationship development, teaming strategies, proposals, and interviews, through project award.
Build long-term client partnerships through responsive service, reliable follow-through, and transparent communication.
Mentor remote staff and support virtual communication and organization.
Represent landscape architecture on a multidisciplinary team and advocate for strong design outcomes.
Contribute to a respectful, inclusive team culture.
Travel occasionally to project sites.