Project Assistant, Continued Landscape Management - Chicago

Position Overview: We are seeking a talented project assistant to join our creative team.

 The ideal candidate will have a passion for plants and details with a deep understanding of horticulture, combined with artistic flair and technical expertise in landscape design.

If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to e-mail us your resume and portfolio to Meg Graham, Director of HR: [email protected].

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with landscape architects and clients to develop planting plans and furniture designs that align with project goals, site conditions, and environmental considerations.
  • Visit project sites to assess planting progress, provide guidance to installation teams, and ensure design fidelity.
  • Update and maintain digital and physical records of selections, layouts, and design revisions.
  • Participate in design meetings, client presentations, and project reviews to refine and finalize planting designs.
  • Select appropriate plant and flower species based on factors such as climate, soil conditions, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements.
  • Create container, annual and vegetable garden layouts, including plant quantities, spacing, and arrangement.
  • Prepare and present design proposals, mood boards, and visualizations to convey concepts to clients and stakeholders.
  • Oversee the implementation of planting plans during construction, ensuring quality and adherence to design intent.
  • Provide ongoing support and guidance to contractors and maintenance teams regarding plant care and management post-installation.
  • Review project specifications and site analysis to inform planting design decisions.
  • Conduct research on plant species, including growth characteristics, seasonal variations, and environmental tolerances.
  • Develop planting and site furnishing schedules and procurement lists for project implementation.
  • Communicate with vendors, suppliers and nurseries to source high-quality materials and samples.
  • Coordinate with project managers and construction teams to integrate planting plans into overall project timelines.
  • Source, order and coordinate delivery of plant material, containers, furniture and fabrics from a variety of vendors, nationwide.
  • Compile vendor billing for review, recording and submission to clients, yearly maintenance budget reconciliation, proposals and presentations.
  • Follow up internally and with contractors on upcoming schedules, outstanding project items and maintenance
  • Create presentations for clients using InDesign
  • Source annuals, bulbs, finish samples, containers and furniture, in person and online, from vendors across the country
  • Create plant and site furnishing lists using Excel
  • Manage contractor billing, record keeping and yearly budget presentation
  • Visit project sites to install plant material, review garden, receive deliveries, etc.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, or a related field.
  • Proven experience as a Planting Designer or similar role in landscape architecture or garden design.
  • Proficiency in CAD software, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant design tools.
  • Strong knowledge of plant materials, their growth habits, and maintenance requirements.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Creative vision combined with a meticulous attention to detail.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Additional Information:

  • Work Environment: Monday through Friday 8:30-5:30 with an hour for lunch/breaks.
  • Benefits: Health benefits, paid time off, 401(k), to/from office commute paid, or parking provided, and opportunities for career growth within a dynamic and expanding company.
  • Salary: Range is $62,000-80,000; the offer will be based on experience, skills and background in similar positions.

Physical requirements of the role:

  • Lifting, Carrying and Moving: Frequent lifting, carrying and moving up to 20 lbs. or more of plant and landscape-related materials (paint, stakes, tools, lasers, samples etc.) onsite or to/from the site and in the office. Specifically, during layouts, occasional lifting, carrying and moving can be large parts of the workday.
  • Mobility: Frequent visits to jobsites require being outdoors for extended periods from time-to-time in variant site conditions, and this position will require walking, hiking, kneeling, and standing for extended periods of time during the day on varied terrain: dirt, rocks, concrete, grass, wet and dry surfaces, finished and unfinished landscapes and varied ground conditions.
  • Working conditions: Our clients’ projects are across the USA, and therefore this position requires the ability to work outdoors frequently at jobsites in all weather conditions and throughout all seasons: sun, rain, ice, snow, etc., depending on location.
  • Protective Gear: Requirement to wear clothing for the expected site and weather conditions, including protective clothing and hard-toed boots/shoes (where dictated)