Landscape Architect 2

Gilder Search Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Annual Bonus

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job summary

Clayco’s LJC Design & Engineering is hiring a Landscape Architect 2 with 8+ years of experience to join our landscape and planning practice in Chicago or St. Louis.

You will lead master planning projects and contribute to urban design while collaborating across architecture, planning, and construction teams. Ideal candidates bring a background in urban planning/design, strong communication, and the ability to connect landscape architecture to community and mobility strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture is required.
• PLA licensure is required.
• 8+ years of professional experience in landscape architecture, urban planning, or urban design.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, GIS, Rhino and SketchUp is expected.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to coach colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support landscape and master planning projects from concept to construction.
• Contribute urban planning and urban design expertise to cohesive visions.
• Collaborate across disciplines to integrate design and constructability.
• Assist with proposals, presentations, and pursuit strategies.
• Provide input on planning, zoning, entitlement, and community engagement.
• Coordinate with internal and external teams to ensure quality deliverables.
• Represent LJC and Clayco at industry events and community meetings.
• Mentor and grow the landscape and planning team.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture

Urban Planning/Urban Design coursework

Excellent written and verbal communication

Interpersonal relationship-building

Mentorship and coaching abilities

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Civil 3D

ArcGIS

Rhino

SketchUp

InDesign

Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

LJC Design & Engineering is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a team of high-energy professionals who share a passion for design, a collaborative approach, and a casual culture. We solve challenges by leveraging the collective expertise and ingenuity of the best and brightest minds across development, design, and construction.

The Role We Want You For

LJC is looking to hire a Landscape Architect 2 (8+ years of experience) to join our landscape and planning practice team in Chicago or St. Louis. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects requiring strong urban planning and master planning skills — from large-scale campus and community plans to detailed site designs. The ideal candidate will have a background in urban planning or urban design, with the ability to connect landscape architecture to the broader context of community, mobility, and development strategy.

We’re looking for a motivated, collaborative designer who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment — working closely with colleagues across architecture, planning, and Clayco’s construction and real estate teams. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to design excellence, strengthen our practice, and help shape communities through integrated, forward-thinking design.

The Specifics of the Role

• Lead and support the design, documentation, and delivery of landscape and master planning projects across all phases, from concept to construction.
• Contribute urban planning and urban design expertise to support the development of cohesive site, district, and campus-scale visions.
• Collaborate across disciplines to integrate design and constructability for high-performing built environments.
• Participate in business development efforts, assisting with proposals, presentations, and pursuit strategies for new and diverse project types.
• Provide creative input and technical expertise in areas such as planning, zoning, entitlement, environmental design, and community engagement.
• Coordinate with internal and external teams to ensure quality, clarity, and consistency in all deliverables.
• Represent LJC and Clayco at industry events, community meetings, and civic engagements.
• Contribute to mentorship and practice growth within the landscape and planning team.
• Embody LJC’s core values of integrity, humility, and fearlessness in all interactions and work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Landscape Architecture; coursework or degree in Urban Planning or Urban Design a strong plus
• 8+ years of professional experience in landscape architecture, urban planning, or urban design
• Professional landscape architect (PLA) licensure (required)
• Competence with AutoDesk (AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D), Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), GIS (ArcView, ArcGIS), Modeling (Rhino, SketchUp)
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrable interpersonal relationship-building and colleague-coaching abilities
• Experience in urban planning and urban design is a plus

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – occasional travel will be part of the job.

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs.

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.