AKS Engineering & Forestry

Landscape Architect

Landscape Architecture - Vancouver, WA - Full Time

Job Summary
AKS Engineering & Forestry has an immediate opening for a Senior Landscape Architect. This is a full-time position working closely with company Project Managers and Land Use Planners, Civil Engineers, and various other design professionals, clients, and jurisdictions. Typical project work will include commercial, residential subdivisions, industrial, streetscapes, parks and other public infrastructure, and other miscellaneous site improvement projects. We are looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented person who takes full ownership of their work and who works well as part of a team.   

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

  • A Baccalaureate degree in landscape architecture from an accredited landscape architecture program.
  • A minimum of 5 years’ related work experience is required, 7+ years desirable.
  • Professional licensure as a Landscape Architect in Oregon or Washington State, or able to obtain reciprocity within a reasonable amount of time.
  • Skilled in the use of AutoCAD, Adobe PhotoShop, Bluebeam, and similar landscape architecture and design software.
  • Knowledge and understanding of landscape design and construction principles, methods, and techniques as well as familiarity with local jurisdictional requirements.
  • Knowledge of construction project budgeting and cost estimating principles.
  • Knowledge of plants found in the varying regions of the Pacific Northwest.
  • Irrigation design experience.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and schedule work assignments to meet deadlines.
  • Take personal responsibility for completing quality work within budgets and timelines.
Job Functions and Responsibilities
This individual will be responsible for the landscape architecture of a variety of projects, including: urban regeneration schemes (public parks and squares, open spaces, playgrounds); pedestrian schemes; retail and industrial schemes (business parks); roads/transport corridors (and occasionally the structures within/surrounding them); residential subdivisions (including open space street trees, stormwater facilities, parks, and trails), and a wide variety of other work. Responsibilities will include:
  • Coordination with clients, jurisdictions, the public, subconsultants, and other in-house design professionals such as arborists, engineers, surveyors, planners, and natural resource scientists.
  • Establishing general landscape requirements with clients. Satisfying both the client’s wishes and using your knowledge of what will work best.
  • Selecting appropriate landscape materials for the project scale and budget, working creatively within set design parameters to ensure a successful outcome.
  • Conducting preliminary studies of existing site conditions and analyzing these conditions to further advance the design goals of the project.
  • Writing proposals and estimating project budgets.
  • Preparing and accurately producing detailed plans and working drawings from schematic design through construction documentation using AutoCAD/LandFX. Work may include setting up sheets, line work/drafting, planting and irrigation plans, site furnishing plants, detailing and product selection, notes and technical specifications, etc.
  • Preparing color renderings and other presentation materials.
  • Leading or participating in public outreach efforts, including seeking and taking into account the views of local residents and other potential users in the design process.
  • Preparing or assisting with construction cost estimates.
  • Mentoring junior landscape architectural staff.
  • Monitoring and checking work on-site, reviewing submittals and RFI’s, and preparing substantial completion punch lists and other project closeout tasks related to landscape construction.
  • Project management, including reviewing billing, establishing schedules and tasks, overseeing project progress, attending meetings, managing subconsultants, and ensuring deadlines are met.
  • Overseeing the tasks of junior staff and collaborating job priorities and schedules with other senior landscaping staff on a weekly basis.
  • Periodically review company standards (details, notes, processes, etc.) with other senior landscape staff to ensure these standards are accurate, relevant, and up to date with current best practices.

Company Overview
AKS Engineering & Forestry is a locally owned multi-discipline engineering consulting firm focused on developing infrastructure for private and public clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. Remaining true to our values and diligently maintaining our focus on quality enables our staff to thrive and grow. With six offices and over 28 years in business, AKS is a well-respected and trusted resource to a broad portfolio of clients providing a unique and diverse combination of services.
     - Civil Engineering                              - Land, Aerial, and Hydrographic Surveying
     - Land Use Planning                           - Landscape Architecture
     - Forestry/Forest Engineering             - Arboriculture
     - Natural Resources                            - Water Resources
     - Construction Support Services          - GIS

Culture
AKS is recognized annually as one of the Top Workplaces in Oregon and Washington. With a reputation built on personal responsibility, straight answers, practical solutions, and client and employee service, AKS has become a highly sought-after place to work. We care deeply about building long-term relationships at all levels of our organization and look for opportunities to share meals together every week, go on teambuilding adventures, make team site visits, and host events that bring our people and clients together.

We are organized around multidisciplinary teams that follow a project from conception through construction. We function as one team, one company, one community, and empower our employees to deliver their best work to evolve, grow, and succeed.

Benefits
AKS proudly offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, immediately vested 401(k) matching, and additional benefits and special perks. Including:

  • Opportunities for personal and professional development, mentorship, advancement, and training.
  • Collaborative team environment, fun atmosphere, all staff, and team events.
  • Security working for an established, reputable, stable, and successful company.
  • Regular lunches and staff events to encourage staff to spend unstructured time together.
  • Flexible work schedule, vacations, and time off.

Visit our website for more information on the work we do, and all that AKS offers.

AKS Engineering and Forestry does not work with third-party recruiters or agencies. Candidates should be warned that third-party recruiters may misrepresent themselves as working on behalf of AKS. Candidates should only communicate directly with AKS employees.

Third-party recruiters and agencies should not contact AKS Engineering and Forestry employees directly. Any resumes sent from third-party recruiters or agencies to an AKS employee or submitted through the AKS website are considered unsolicited and the property of AKS. AKS will not pay a placement fee unless the recruiter or agency has a signed contract with AKS before submitting a candidate for consideration.

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