LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

State of Illinois; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Landscape Architect to serve as Chief Landscape Architect for Region 3, preparing annual regional budget proposals and evaluating lands for conservation and recreation programs.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, a valid IL license, and 2+ years of professional experience, with strong knowledge of landscape theory and practice. Hybrid in-office work is available, with potential travel across Region 3 counties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture and two years of professional experience.
• Valid Illinois Landscape Architect license.
• Thorough knowledge of landscape architectural theory, principles and practices.
• Ability to travel in Region 3 counties and beyond as needed.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Chief Landscape Architect for Region 3 and provide leadership for site and facility design.
• Provide design and planning services for site developments (roads, parking, utilities).
• Analyze resource management and outdoor recreation issues and develop solutions.
• Oversee land studies and initiatives and participate in multi-disciplinary task forces.
• Develop department recommendations on land acquisition proposals and land offerings.

Skills

Leadership

Site design

Planning

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture

Illinois Registered Landscape Architect

Job description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

Please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID: 58738
Opening Date: 10/05/2026
Closing Date: 11/04/2026
Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Class Title: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT - 23145
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $7,602 a month; Full Range: $7,602 - $11,110 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and Physicians AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: N/A
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 2 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: 1 Natural Resources Wy, Springfield, Illinois, 62702
Work County: DeWitt
Agency Contact: Vicky Fowler, [e-mail], 217-785-5387

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking to hire a Landscape Architecture for the Office of Reality and Capital Planning. This position serves as Chief Landscape Architect for Region 3, prepares annual Regional Budget proposals, evaluates the suitability of lands for conservation and recreation programs, and provides landscape architectural technical and research studies. We welcome interested applicants who would like to be part of this team to apply today.

Essential Functions

• Under general direction, serves as Chief Landscape Architect for Region 3 and provides leadership and direction for site and facility design
• Provides design and planning services for site developments e.g., roads, parking signs, utilities, to ensure the quality of facilities and protection of resources
• Analyzes resource management and outdoor recreation issues and develops recommendations for their resolution
• Oversees land studies and initiatives
• Develops Department recommendations on land acquisition proposals and land offerings
• Participates as a member of multi-disciplinary task forces in the preparation of comprehensive plans and special studies
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture supplemented by two years progressively responsible professional experience in landscape architecture work
• Requires possession of a valid Illinois certificate as a registered landscape architect

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of landscape architectural theory, principles, and practices
• Two (2) years of extensive knowledge of methods and procedures utilized in developing project plans and specifications
• Two (2) years of working knowledge of federal and state environmental protection statutes and regulations
• Two (2) years of experience in developing comprehensive master management plans
• Two (2) years of experience in conducting on-site inspections to determine program specifications
• Two (2) years of experience in analyzing various environmental factors for landscape architectural purposes
• Two (2) years of experience in determining environmental impact of landscape projects

Employment Conditions

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
• Requires appropriate, valid Driver's license
• Requires ability to travel in performance of dutes in Region 3 counties, including Livingston, Ford, Iroquois, McLean, DeWitt, Macon, Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion, Moultrie, Douglas, Shelby, Coles, Edgar, Cumberland and Clark
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description

Agency Statement

Charged with preserving, protecting and promoting Illinois’ natural and cultural resources, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) employees oversee water, wildlife, wetlands and oil wells, parks, historic sites – and everything in between. Employment opportunities vary greatly, often providing employees the chance to work indoors and out in a dynamic yet relaxed environment. Working for the State of Illinois, IDNR employees receive excellent benefits, including, vision health and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; as well as pre-tax benefit programs.

Office of Realty and Capital Planning

The Office of Realty & Capital Planning (ORCP) provides Agency-wide support services related to capital improvement projects of a variety of scales, along with support services related to land acquisitions, concession and farm leases, and natural and cultural resource protection.

This position [DOES NOT] contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

REVOLVING DOOR Requirements:
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

ECONOMIC INTEREST STATEMENT:
This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.