Landscape Architect III

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Landscape Architect

Founded in 1973, DJ&A is a multidisciplinary professional services consulting firm with office locations across the United States. Our team of more than 500 professionals works across the country to deliver a diverse range of engineering, environmental, survey, mapping, landscape architecture, and planning projects for federal, state, local, tribal, and private clientele. 

DJ&A is seeking a Senior Landscape Architect to join our growing team in the Chicagoland area. In partnership with our sister company, Robinson Engineering, this position will report to DJ&A’s landscape architecture team and focus on expanding our presence in the Chicagoland municipal market. Building on Robinson’s established municipal engineering practice and DJ&A’s strong nationwide landscape architecture portfolio, the successful candidate will identify new opportunities, cultivate client relationships, and grow the local practice through the development and delivery of high-quality projects. This role offers the opportunity to lead local and regional landscape architecture and site development projects while serving as a trusted advisor to existing and prospective clients. Additionally, the position offers opportunities to contribute to nationwide federal contracts in collaboration with DJ&A’s partners, including the National Park Service (NPS) and the US Forest Service (USFS).

Please note: A portfolio (PDF or link) showcasing your design, graphic, and 3D visualization work — Lumion renderings in particular — is required for consideration.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

Project Delivery

• 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 the management of scope, schedule, budget, and internal resources to ensure successful project delivery.
• Oversee preparation of landscape plans, specifications, reports, and cost estimates.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary internal teams and external consultants.
• Take ownership of project outcomes by leading with integrity, clear communication, and a commitment to delivering quality work that serves both clients and communities.
• Contribute to QA/QC reviews to ensure accurate, thoughtful, and high-quality deliverables that reflect our commitment to never compromising on quality.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Build on Robinson Engineering’s established municipal client relationships to identify cross-selling opportunities and expand the range of landscape architecture services offered to its clients.
• Lead business development efforts to establish and grow DJ&A’s landscape architecture practice in the Chicagoland market, building a sustainable pipeline of private, municipal, and public-sector LA projects.
• Proactively identify, pursue, and secure new LA project opportunities with municipalities, county governments, public works and parks and recreation departments.
• Develop and execute client engagement strategies to build our local LA presence, expand market awareness, and establish long-term client relationships.
• Serve as a trusted landscape architecture advisor to existing and prospective clients, identifying client needs and connecting them with solutions that leverage DJ&A’s broader technical capabilities.
• Lead and support LA pursuit efforts, including client meetings, relationship development, teaming strategies, proposal development, and interviews, from initial opportunity identification through project award.
• Foster long-term client partnerships through responsive service, reliable follow-through, and transparent communication, positioning DJ&A as a trusted, go-to LA consultant..

The Team

• You would be joining a growing team of professionals, including five other landscape architects and designers located at other DJ&A locations across the country. 
• Virtual communication, remote staff mentoring, and organization are top priorities for this position.
• Be the Landscape Architecture voice for a team of multi- disciplinedisciplined professionals, advocate for the greatest design outcome. 
• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive team culture where people feel supported, challenged, and valued. 

Preferred Project Experience:

• Urban and civic landscape design
• Parks, trails, and open space planning
• Streetscape and transportation corridor design
• Site development for public and private clients
• Municipal coordination and permitting
• Development of exhibits for public display and input. 
• Experience with federal projects, including National Park Service (NPS) and federal project delivery, is preferred, but not required.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from an LAAB-accredited program (required).
• Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) licensure preferred; candidates actively pursuing licensure are encouraged to apply.
• 10+ years of progressive landscape architecture experience.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and/or other industry-standard design software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, attention to detail, and client service.

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to sit, stand, and use computer equipment for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to project sites, including outdoor environments and construction areas.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally.

Salary and Benefits 

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical insurance
  • 401(k) with employer contribution
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Professional development support, including licensure and training
  • Flexible work schedule

Office Location 

• South Holland, IL or Frankfort, IL (Chicagoland area)

Who Will Thrive in This Role

You may thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy landscape architecture and take pride in leading projects from concept through completion.
• Care deeply about quality, accuracy, and delivering work you stand behind.
• Value relationships and enjoy being a trusted advisor to clients and collaborators.
• Are organized, proactive, and comfortable balancing design work with communication and staff mentoring. 
• Appreciate a workplace where integrity, collaboration, and people matter as much as technical expertise.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit the EEO website   here .

DJ&A is committed to providing reasonable  accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and   disabled   veterans   in   our   job   application   procedures.   If   you   need   assistance   or   an   accommodation   due   to   a   disability,   you   may   contact   us   at   View email address on ziprecruiter.com .