Career Opportunities: Ecological Landscape Architect (11013)

SmithGroup, an award-winning design firm in Milwaukee, WI, seeks an Ecological Landscape Architect. The role involves habitat evaluation, design development, construction documentation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Ideal candidates should have a degree in Landscape Architecture or ecological science, with at least 5 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in design software is required. SmithGroup offers a competitive benefits package, including flexible scheduling, hybrid work options, and professional development opportunities.
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. Care to join us?

The Madison office of SmithGroup is looking for a Ecological Landscape Architect to join our team.

Working with us, you will:
• Develop site vegetative habitat identification, evaluation, and reporting.
• Prepare concepts, design development and graphic illustrations for projects.
• Assist in preparing construction documents.
• Work with senior landscape architects to compile data and prepare design solutions.
• Evaluate habitat quality, identify plant species, and prepare restoration plans including the development of planting and seeding lists.
• Collaborate on the design of habitat structures for ecological habitats.
• Work in collaborative integrated teams of professionals that include landscape architects, civil engineers, coastal engineers, architects, building systems engineers, planners, and environmental scientists.
• 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, review design intent, inform and support senior project team members during the construction phase.
• Participate in and manage post construction assessments of habitat creation projects.
• Use habitat and ecology knowledge and experience of trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials, and annuals in preparing planting plans and landscape master plans.
• Participate in presenting design and restoration work to clients and the public, business development efforts, and project specific pursuits.
• Travel as needed for project work.

An ideal candidate has:
• 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.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience with an emphasis on site evaluation and ecological and habitat restoration experience.
• Restoration construction and management experience.
• Proficiency in current design software including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, and the Microsoft Office Suite.

SmithGroup's competitive compensation and benefit package is designed to meet the needs of a diverse staff. It includes flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 401(k), parental leave, wellbeing resources, PTO immediately available to new hires, plus 15 extra Fridays off - on top of holidays. Join us and see first-hand how these and other programs - like one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities - build culture, enhance collaboration and yield richer, more inclusive solutions.

If you are not sure that you meet all of the suggested qualifications described above, please don't leave this page. Your talents and attributes could be just what we're looking for - and we strongly encourage you to apply. If you need additional accommodations to complete the application process, please contact careers@smithgroup.com