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Designer I - Land Planning

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation and geomatics firm located in North Carolina, Texas and Florida. We seek a partnership with our clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design. Our employees are what makes McAdams different. We bring experiences to the forefront of everything we do and to do that takes special people.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in the preparation of landscape design concepts, plans, and drawings for various projects, including parks, commercial developments, residential communities, and public spaces
  • Prepare accurate CAD drawings and construction documents ensuring all materials meet industry standards and project requirements, including McAdams CAD and other standards
  • Demonstrate basic graphic communication skills necessary to communicate design concepts, contribute to the ‘visioning’ process, and document the progression of a design
  • Conduct site analyses, including measurements, observations, and assessments of existing conditions to inform design decisions
  • Utilize design software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite) to create visual representations of landscape designs and prepare presentation materials
  • Develop plant schedules, details, and specifications to ensure alignment with project design goals, environmental considerations, and aesthetic requirements
  • Review project deliverables for accuracy and quality, ensuring that all designs meet firm standards and regulatory requirements
  • Collaborate with senior design staff and project managers to develop project proposals, presentations, and design reports
  • Assist in coordinating with other disciplines (e.g., civil engineering, etc) to ensure integrated project delivery
  • Participate in internal design charrettes and brainstorming sessions to generate creative ideas and solutions
  • Participate in client meetings and site visits (as needed) to gather feedback and ensure alignment with project goals
  • Research and stay updated on industry trends, materials, plants, and sustainable design practices
  • Begin developing a foundational understanding of local municipal codes and regulations, applying this knowledge to ensure that proposed design solutions comply with zoning, permitting, and environmental standards throughout the project lifecycle
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Skills + Experience 

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture, City/Community/Regional Planning, Urban Planning, or related field required
  • 0 – 2 years’ experience (internships, full time, etc.) in Landscape Architectural design or equivalent required
  • Intends to seek LA licensure
  • Basic knowledge of AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, 3-D software such as SketchUp, and hand/digital graphic rendering capabilities preferred
  • Excellent communication, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills
  • Self-starter with strong drive for personal growth and a commitment to continuous improvement
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills to facilitate accurate, efficient, and quality project deliverables 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team

Work Environment + Physical Demands

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the company), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

  • Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited opportunities to be exposed to adverse
  • environmental conditions, however when conducting field work, exposure to outside environmental conditions should be expected. 
  • Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion. 
  • Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
  • When working in the field, the need to carry, lift and push/pull up to 50 or higher pounds may occur. 
  • Field based work will involve long-term standing and frequent walking as well as include common hazards encountered while maneuvering through project sites. 
  • Must have the ability to see, smell, hear, talk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel and twist, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, sit, stand, and walk. 
  • Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.

McAdams is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other legally protected status.

If you need assistance with our online application system process, please contact the Human Resources Team at 919.361.5000 or hrteam@mcadamsco.com. 

Please read these notices for important information regarding applying for work with McAdams.

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