Landscape Architect

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

PLANNING AND LAND PRESERVATION - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is accepting resumes for a Landscape Architect in the Planning and Land Preservation Department at the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet, IL. This full-time position is responsible for creative planning, design, and development of high-quality recreational facilities that enhance the environment, including production of design and contract documents, budget management, construction supervision, site restoration supervision and coordination of staff, contractors, agencies, and citizens. The role includes a mix of office and field responsibilities.

See the attached Job Description outlining duties, skills, abilities, training, experience, and working conditions, or visit ReconnectWithNature.org for more information. 

Resumes will be accepted for the Landscape Architect Position until June 12, 2026.

Application Procedure: Send a cover letter describing your interest and a resume to:

Veronica Frausto-Sarwark, Director of Human Resources

Forest Preserve District of Will County

17540 W. Laraway Road

Joliet, Illinois 60433

815-722-5669 (desk)

815-722-3608 (fax)

[email protected]

The Forest Preserve District of Will County does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, or disability. In offering employment opportunities to the public, the Forest Preserve District will make reasonable modifications to ensure that all people have an equal opportunity. To request this document in large print, audio, or Braille, contact the Director of Marketing and Communications, Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Road, Joliet, IL 60433; [email protected]; 815.722.9383 (voice); 800.526.0844 (TDD). Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance. While the Forest Preserve District of Will County will make every effort to meet requests in a timely fashion, some requests may take longer than others to fulfill. Persons believing that they have been discriminated against by the Forest Preserve District of Will County may file a complaint alleging discrimination with the Forest Preserve District or the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.doi.gov.

WILL COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

DEPARTMENT: PLANNING & LAND PRESERVATION

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

DATE: MARCH 2026

LOCATION: SUGAR CREEK ADMINISTRATION CENTER

BASIC FUNCTION

The Landscape Architect is responsible for creative planning, design, and development of high-quality recreational facilities that enhance the environment, including production of design and contract documents, budget management, construction supervision, site restoration supervision and coordination of staff, contractors, agencies, and citizens.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Chief Landscape Architect

Supervises: None

This position requires the coordination and facilitation of District Staff, Design Consultants, and Contractors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  Serve as a project manager/team leader for all phases of site design and development.
2. Prepare master plans, coordinating staff from other departments in the master planning process for new and redeveloped sites.
3. Coordinate the public input process on District projects, including mailings, public meetings, and website information.
4. Prepare documents and manage the selection process for consultants; defining the scope of services; ranking and interviewing. 
5. Direct consultants in the preparation of construction documents that meet District standards and are coordinated with necessary departments and agencies. 
6. Coordinate with federal, state, county, and local government agencies, organizations, and volunteer groups. Ensure completion of necessary reviews, permits, approvals, zoning changes and compliance with policies, plans and regulations.
7. Prepare bidding documents and administer the competitive bidding and quote process.
8. Supervise construction and site restoration projects assuring the contractor’s work conforms to the project specifications; coordinate testing, verify quantities, and evaluate recommended changes.  
9. Prepare in-house site design, development plans, native landscape planting plans, and construction documents for development and renovation projects.
10. Assist in departmental team reviews of environmental assessments, impact statements, use requests, and off-site developments that impact District properties.
11. Participate in District-wide work groups related to planning and development issues. Assist other departments and teams needing planning and design skills.
12. Assist with long- and short-range planning for future projects, preparing schedules, estimates, and needs analysis.
13. Prepare presentation materials, graphics, written reports, and grant applications. 
14. Other duties as assigned by supervisor or director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must possess a high degree of knowledge of construction, design, and engineering standards and principles and techniques of landscape architecture as they relate to construction materials and methods.
• Proficiency in reviewing and preparing plans and specifications.
• Knowledge of native landscapes and design with native plant material and related landscaping materials.
• Must have knowledge of Midwest natural communities, native and non-native plant species identification, natural area management techniques, and ecology.

• Must effectively communicate, both written and oral, with professional staff, consultants, citizens, and volunteers.
• Current knowledge and skill in AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and basic computer skills in Microsoft Office products.

• Must possess and maintain a current and valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Education:           Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture

Experience:        Entry-level candidates are welcome. Five years of experience in professional level landscape architecture/design work with an emphasis on recreational facilities and experience with supervision of construction projects is preferred. 

Certifications:    License in Landscape Architecture from the State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulation preferred. Candidates are required to attain licensure within 3 years of employment. 

 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Semi-active job: while performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to manipulate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, talk, and hear.
2. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving parts; traverses uneven terrain; works in outside extreme heat or cold weather conditions; lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds; is exposed to fumes, airborne particles, smoke, and toxic or caustic chemicals, and potentially hazardous plants and animals.
3. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
4. The noise level in this job is usually moderate but can be high.

OTHER INFORMATION

This 40-hour/week position entails working Monday - Friday with the possibility/option to work flexible weekday, evening, and weekend shifts. Occasional extended hours and weekend workdays will be required. This position includes the option of a maximum of 16 hours of remote work per week, after 6 months per the District’s remote work policy, subject to the supervisor’s approval.

 

PAY RANGE, ANNUAL SALARY, AND BENEFITS

Pay range: Grade 13

Minimum: $71,502

Midpoint: $84,014

Maximum: $98,717

Schedule: Full-Time

Benefits: Medical HMO/HDHP, dental, vision, basic life/AD&D, and voluntary life/AD&D,

IMRF pension, paid sick time, vacation, and holidays following the current handbook, employee

assistance program, options to purchase voluntary insurance, and deferred compensation.