SENIOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT (LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT III)
About The Position
The Senior Landscape Architect (Landscape Architect III) 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 role helps deliver safe, environmentally compatible, high-quality, and low-maintenance highway systems in accordance with regional policy. It is based in the Illinois Department of Transportation's Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation, Region 1, District 1, Bureau of Maintenance, in Schaumburg, Illinois. The anticipated hybrid schedule may require one to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. The position prepares and reviews roadway landscape plans and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, develops plans and estimates for landscape construction and maintenance contracts, and provides expertise throughout planning, permitting, and construction. It conducts field inspections and documents contract compliance, while coordinating with engineers, other department bureaus, public officials, and citizens. The role also maintains contract records and carries out its work in accordance with departmental safety rules and professional ethics. This is a full-time, salaried union position. Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a 45-minute lunch. Statewide travel is required. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, three years of landscape architecture experience, one year of supervisory experience involving governmental policies and procedures, and a qualifying pesticide license. The employee must obtain specified Illinois pesticide licensure within five months of hire.
Requirements
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture.
- Possession of a State of Illinois Department of Agriculture pesticide license or an equivalent license from Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, or Kentucky.
- Three years of experience in landscape architecture.
- One year of supervisory experience involving governmental policies and procedures.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to travel statewide.
- Successful completion of a background check.
- Must obtain Rights-of-Way, Turf, Ornamental, and Aquatics pesticide licensure within five months of hire.
- Certain revolving-door restrictions under 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply; employees must notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General before accepting covered non-State employment offers during State employment or within one year after leaving State employment.
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 in interpreting and applying field survey data to verify site conditions, evaluate grading and drainage requirements, and support accurate implementation of roadside landscape features.
- 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 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 roadside-related permit requests and provide technical comments to the Bureaus of Traffic and Utilities.
- Serve as a technical expert for resident engineers, providing landscape and erosion-control guidance during construction.
- Conduct onsite inspections of vegetation materials and erosion-control installation for contract compliance, and submit detailed documentation to the Bureaus of Materials and Construction.
- Perform duties in accordance with departmental safety rules and professional ethics, ensuring 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, life, vision, and dental insurance.
- Pension plan.
- 12 weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave.
- Deferred compensation program and other pre-tax benefit programs, including medical and daycare.
- 12 paid sick days annually.
- 10 paid vacation days in the first year, with the opportunity 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.
- Extensive training and career advancement opportunities.
- Flexible work schedules in several program areas, including flexible time and hybrid scheduling.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
