Ecological Landscape Architect

SmithGroup is seeking an Ecological Landscape Architect for their Madison, WI office. The role involves developing vegetative habitat assessments, preparing design concepts and construction documents, collaborating with senior architects, and participating in site evaluations and post-construction assessments. The position requires knowledge of ecology and habitat restoration, and may involve travel for project work. Applicants should be passionate problem solvers dedicated to innovative design solutions.
About the position

SmithGroup is an award-winning, integrated design firm that blends research, data, and technology with innovation and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries, and move us closer to a carbon-free future. The Madison office of SmithGroup is looking for an Ecological Landscape Architect to join our team. In this role, you will develop site vegetative habitat identification, evaluation, and reporting. You will prepare concepts, design development, and graphic illustrations for various projects. Additionally, you will assist in preparing construction documents and work closely with senior landscape architects to compile data and prepare design solutions. Your responsibilities will include evaluating habitat quality, identifying plant species, and preparing restoration plans, which will involve the development of planting and seeding lists. You will also collaborate on the design of habitat structures for ecological habitats and work in integrated teams of professionals, including landscape architects, civil engineers, coastal engineers, architects, building systems engineers, planners, and environmental scientists. Moreover, you will consult with product manufacturers, evaluate, and select construction materials, assist in editing technical specifications, and review shop drawings. Site visits will be part of your duties to evaluate construction performance, gather information, and support senior project team members during the construction phase. You will participate in and manage post-construction assessments of habitat creation projects, utilizing your knowledge of habitat and ecology, including trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, and annuals, to prepare planting plans and landscape master plans. Lastly, you will participate in presenting design and restoration work to clients and the public, as well as engage in business development efforts and project-specific pursuits. Travel may be required as needed for project work.

Responsibilities
• Develop site vegetative habitat identification, evaluation, and reporting.
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• Prepare concepts, design development, and graphic illustrations for projects.
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• Assist in preparing construction documents.
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• Work with senior landscape architects to compile data and prepare design solutions.
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• Evaluate habitat quality, identify plant species, and prepare restoration plans including the development of planting and seeding lists.
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• Collaborate on the design of habitat structures for ecological habitats.
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• Consult with product manufacturers, evaluate, and select construction materials.
,
• Assist in editing technical specifications and reviewing shop drawings.
,
• Visit construction sites to evaluate construction performance, gather information, and support senior project team members during the construction phase.
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• Participate in and manage post-construction assessments of habitat creation projects.
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• Use habitat and ecology knowledge in preparing planting plans and landscape master plans.
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• Participate in presenting design and restoration work to clients and the public, business development efforts, and project-specific pursuits.

Requirements
• A bachelor's or master's degree in Landscape Architecture or equivalent along with a secondary degree related to ecological science or a bachelor's or master's degree in ecological or land management science.
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• Minimum 5 years of professional experience with an emphasis on site evaluation and ecological and habitat restoration.

Nice-to-haves

Benefits