Landscape Architect

Salary Range: $83,450 – $104,312 – $125,299

Anticipated Hiring Range: $83,450 – $95,000

The Lake County Forest Preserve District (District) is focused on expanding public access, completing important regional trail sections, furthering habitat restoration and providing meaningful educational opportunities for all ages. With the passing of a $155 million referendum in 2024, this is an excellent time for a professional landscape architect to bring their talents to the District and work collaboratively with other members of the Planning Department to expedite this important work.

The Landscape Architect position applies landscape architectural and engineering knowledge to plan, design and implement recreation and natural resource capital improvement and land acquisition projects throughout the District. They manage project design and planning teams and monitor public access projects, consultants, and project implementation to ensure compliance with budgets, schedules, and contract specifications. The Landscape Architect conducts detailed field investigations, site inventories and technical analysis of soils, slopes, vegetation, drainage, and other existing conditions to determine design opportunities and constraints, and compiles and analyzes data to prepare feasibility studies and master land management plans for District properties.

The position requires managing and directing outside consultants for the preparation of wetland studies, plant inventories, topographic surveying, civil engineering, architecture, contract document preparation, permitting and other specialties for the District’s planning or capital improvement projects.

Bachelor's Degree in landscape architecture. Professional Landscape Architect, registered in Illinois with a license issued by the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Registration. Five years’ experience as a landscape architect including experience in project management, large scale master planning and site design. Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch Up, ArcGIS, and Computer Aided Design software (CAD).

Full understanding of the native trees, shrubs and herbaceous ground cover and plant communities of northern Illinois. Analytical decision-making and organizational skills necessary to design complex engineering and planning projects, to understand and interpret construction plans, contract documents and specifications, and prepare master land management plans. Must possess valid driver’s license.

Candidates will be required to provide proof of registration with the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, documentation of application status for first-time licensure or documentation regarding the status of application for reciprocity.

The District is committed to supporting the well‑being and professional growth of its officers. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) pension program
• Paid time off including vacation, personal, sick, paid parental leave as well as community engagement time.
• Remote Work (up to 2-days per week upon completion of introductory period)
• Strong team culture that values professionalism, camaraderie, and continuous training.

Interest in employment with the Forest Preserve can only be expressed by submitting an application online PD.org . Positions are open until filled.

The Lake County Forest Preserves offers an excellent work environment as well as a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and life insurance, IMRF pension plan, and paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.

As principal guardian of Lake County’s open spaces and natural areas since 1958, we manage more than 31,400 acres of land and offer innovative educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities for all people. Visitors of all ages can enjoy over 210 miles of trail for a variety of outdoor recreation uses, ponds and lakes for fishing, public golf courses, historical and cultural venues, public access to the Fox River and Lake Michigan, and award‑winning nature and history education programs and events.