Significant PointsMore than 26 percent of all landscape architects are

self employed. A bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture is the

minimum required for entry-level jobs.Landscape architect jobs are expected to increase due

to a growing demand for incorporating natural elements into man-made environments.

Nature Of The Work Design areas that are functional, beautiful, and

compatible with the natural environment. Help determine the best arrangements of roads and

buildings. Collaborate with to other professionals to find best

way to conserve or restore natural resources.

Communication Skills Mediation and Negotiation. Team Building. Technical Writing. Project and Draft Presentation. Dispute Resolution.

Communication Skills Cliental Meetings. Communication with peers, supervisors, or

subordinates. Communication with people from outside of the

organization. Work with the public. Establish and maintain relationships.

Interpersonal Relationships High level of social contact. Working closely with clients, experts, and office staff. Often work as a group or as a part of a team. Communicate by phone, letters, memos, and in person

on a daily basis. Are moderately responsible for the results of work

done by others.

Technical SkillsArchitectural construction methods. Preservation and compliance.Working knowledge of landscape preservation

materials and processes.Basic construction cost estimating.

Technical SkillsConstruction management.Codes.Reading, writing, and interpretation of specifications. Technical reporting. Sustainable practices.

Work Activities Observe and gather information about the site, such as

lighting, water flow, and surrounding buildings. Create the design, considering how the area will be

used. Discuss project with architects, engineers, and

environmental scientists. Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) for many stages

of design and drawing. Use Geographic Information System (GIS) on larger

jobs to gather information.

Work Activities Present drafts to clients and get feedback. Submit plans to government agencies for approval. Prepare final proposal, including cost estimate, site

plans, or models. Outline in detail the methods of construction and draw

up a list of needed materials. May supervise planting and construction.

Common TasksMake decisions and solve problems.Think creatively.Provide information about devices, equipment, or

structures.Organize, plan, and prioritize work.Schedule work and activities.

Common TasksMonitor events, materials, and surroundings.Evaluate information against standards.Update and use job-related of others.Judge the value of objects, services, or people.Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.Identify objects, actions, and events.

Physical Working Conditions Work both indoors and outdoors. May on occasion be exposed to hot temperatures. May be exposed to hazardous equipment. May on occasion be exposed to hazardous situations.

Physical Demands Sit for a long periods of time. Speak clearly so listeners can understand. See details of objects that are either less or more than

a few feet away. Determine the distance between colors, shades, and

brightness. Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls. Focus on one source and ignore others.

Work Performance Must be exact in their work. Make decisions that affect workers and clients on a

daily basis. Work in a highly competitive environment. Almost always set their daily tasks and priorities

without consulting a supervisor first. Abide by strict daily deadlines. Work is always on display to the public, and can affect

their company’s reputation. Many rely on reputation and word of mouth to attract

new clients.

Hours and Travel Usually work regular hours during the off season. May work overtime during the warm season to meet

project deadlines. May work evenings of weekends to meet with clients. Often travel to work sites in a company car, van, of

truck. May travel to sites outside the local area.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Possession of at a minimum a bachelors degree or

equivalent qualifying experience. Experience in civil, electrical, mechanical,

architectural engineering, architecture or landscape architecture.

Ability to hold and maintain a valid state drivers license in required categories necessary to operate government vehicles and equipment assigned.

Ability to apply basic professional knowledge to design of entry level complexity and construction management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to perform on-site design services, interpret

drawings, specs, codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.

Ability to review project work performed by other engineers.

Knowledge of special requirements of the contract as safety, EEO, labor standards park rules and regulations to ensure contractor compliance.

Leadership and Management SkillsProgram and budget formulation.Project management.Creative problem solving.

Employment Opportunities Landscape architects held about 25,000 jobs in 2004.6 out of 10 workers were employed in firms that

provide architectural, landscape architectural, engineering, and landscaping services.

State and local governments were the next largest employers.

About 1 out of 4 landscape architects was self-employed.

Employment Opportunities Employment of landscape architects is concentrated

in urban and suburban areas.Most landscape architects work in suburban areas.Few landscape architects work in rural areas.The Federal Government employees landscape

architects to plan and design parks and recreation areas.

Job Outlook Employment is expected to increase faster than

average through the year 2014. The need to replace architects who retire or leave the

labor force will produce additional jobs. Employment will grow because of the expertise of

landscape architects. The development of new residential, commercial, and

other types of construction to meet the needs of a growing population will continue to produce in this field.

Earnings Median annual earnings are $53,120. The middle 50 percent earned between $40,930 and

$70,400. The lowest 10 percent earned less then $32,390. The highest 10 percent earned over $90,850. The average annual salary for all landscape architects

in the Federal Government in non-supervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions was $74,508.

Related OccupationsArchitects.Surveyors.Cartographers.Surveying Technicians.Civil Engineers.Urban and Regional Planners.

Final Thoughts Everyone enjoys attractively

designed residential areas, public parks, playgrounds, college campuses, shopping centers, golf courses, parkways, and industrial areas. As a landscape architects, you will help to design areas so they are not just functional, but also beautiful, and compatible with the natural environment.

What did I gain from this project?A better understanding of career opportunities in

Landscape Architecture.Community contacts Potential Employment OpportunitiesA better understanding of the potential earnings of

Landscape Architecture.Understanding of audio “overdub” technology.Understanding of the need for good communication

skills.Greater confidence in my own ability to gain

employment in Landscape Architecture.Gained insight into academic needs for advancement

in this field.

CreditsProduced By: Hendrix BradfordCreated By: Hendrix BradfordExecutive Producer: Hendrix BradfordProject Advisor: John D. StoryProject Advisor: Dianne Phillips