Intern - Planning Landscape Architecture

LJA; McKinney (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

LJA invites talented students to join our Summer Internship Program in McKinney, TX. This fully in-person internship runs mid-May through early August, Monday–Friday, 40 hours weekly, offering hands-on experience with the design team on diverse project types.

You will contribute to presentations, site plans, feasibility studies, and master planning, while receiving mentorship and professional development in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a BA/BS in Architecture, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or related field.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
• Strong communication and graphic presentation skills.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, SketchUp, Acrobat Pro, and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Assist design team in preparing design presentations, feasibility studies, master plans, concept plans, lotting studies, and calculated base files.
• Research planning trends, zoning codes, and jurisdictional ordinances to support project development.
• Visit project sites to photograph conditions, collect data, observe progress, and assist in preparing reports.
• Support filing of plans with various jurisdictions and agencies.
• Collaborate with team members to meet project deadlines and produce high-quality deliverables.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Graphic presentation

Multitasking

Education

BA/BS in Architecture, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Illustrator

SketchUp

Acrobat Pro

Microsoft Office

Job description

What The Lja Internship Experience Has To Offer

Our Summer Internship Program runs from mid-May through the first week of August and is a fully in-person experience, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. As an LJA intern, you'll gain hands‑on experience working alongside experienced professionals and contributing to real‑world projects. You'll be integrated into a team, take on meaningful assignments, and develop the technical and professional skills needed to launch your career.

INTERN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Hands‑on project experience and design support


• Site visits and field exposure


• Mentorship from experienced professionals


• Professional development and communication training


• Lunch & Learn sessions across multiple disciplines


• Career development panels and networking opportunities


• Volunteer activities and intern events

What Makes Lja Different

At LJA, our employee‑owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee‑owned. Client‑focused


• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)


• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace


• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach


• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth


• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication


• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As an Intern at LJA Land Development, you will be responsible for supporting the design team in the preparation of planning and design documents across a diverse range of project types and scales. Working under the guidance of Project Managers, you will contribute to presentations, site plans, feasibility studies, and master planning efforts while gaining hands‑on experience in a collaborative, team‑based environment. This role offers exposure to commercial, mixed‑use, industrial, residential, and urban redevelopment projects.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Assisting the design team in preparing design presentations, feasibility studies, master plans, concept plans, lotting studies, and calculated base files.


• Conducting research on planning trends, zoning codes, and jurisdictional ordinances to support project development.


• Visiting project sites to photograph existing conditions, collecting data, observe construction progress, and assisting in preparing reports.


• Supporting the filing of plans with various jurisdictions and agencies.


• Collaborating with team members to meet project deadlines and produce high‑quality deliverables.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Currently pursuing a BA or BS in Architecture, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field.

IDEALLY, YOU SHOULD ALSO HAVE:

• Strong desire to work in a collaborative, team‑based environment.


• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.


• Strong communication and graphic presentation skills.


• Ability to receive constructive feedback and demonstrate progressive improvement.


• Knowledge of graphical representation techniques and presentation development.


• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, SketchUp, Acrobat Pro, and Microsoft Office.

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we’re 100% employee‑owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long‑term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee‑owners (and growing), we’re building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

• Community Impact: Company-driven volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.


• Professional Development: Professional growth through hands‑on experience and a structured mentorship program.


• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, and team engagement opportunities, etc.


• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Hours worked during your internship are applied to your ESOP (employee stock ownership plan)