Now Hiring: Associate Landscape Designer

Complete this form by March 31st, 2024 to be considered for first-round interviews.

Position Summary

The Regenerative Design Group (RDG) is seeking a production focused Landscape Designer with 1-5 years of professional experience. This full time (37.5 hours/week average) team member will work directly with Associate + Senior Designers and Project Managers throughout each phase of a project from proposal through site analysis, design development, and construction documentation. This position, which involves GIS mapping/analysis, field assistance, research support, production graphics, 3D modeling, and drafting, requires a high level of professionalism and communication skills with team members and clients. Applicants with CAD and construction documentation experience are strongly preferred. A successful candidate will have a solid understanding of ecological planning and design processes and software. We seek someone who is excited to work both collaboratively and independently, who can learn new design software and help improve systems and workflows, and who can manage their time effectively.

Firm Background

Regenerative Design Group is a worker-owned ecological design practice dedicated to creating productive landscapes and resilient communities. We work across scales, offering innovative, practical, and flexible solutions for individuals, institutions, and communities.  Our capacity for interdisciplinary thinking is informed by our backgrounds in ecology, agriculture, conservation, architecture, and education. Grounded in the principles of ecological design, our team weaves the elements of any project into a high-functioning whole system. Together, we work on a variety of public and private projects ranging from small residential design to bioregional planning.

Our projects span the three wings of our company: Ecological Site Design, Climate Resiliency Planning, and Regenerative Agriculture. Across disciplines, we prioritize climate resilience, social equity, ecological + public health, and cultural sensitivity. We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to fostering a work environment that supports and celebrates diverse perspectives. Employees become eligible to become worker-owners of the company after 2-years of employment. We strive to create a flexible, supportive work environment for individuals to thrive personally and excel professionally.

RDG is an equal opportunity employer. Age, color, creed, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation does not affect RDG’s hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, development opportunities, pay, or benefits.

Description of Role and Responsibilities

Site Analysis + Research

• Research state and local regulations and produce materials for permitting processes such as Wetlands Protection Act and building permits.
• Conduct precedent studies and other research on materials and systems.
• Assist with on-site research and assessment including topographic survey and analysis of site conditions such as sun and shade patterning and drainage.
• Research and summarize relevant ecological and legal existing conditions.
• Assist in the analysis of field observations and site data to communicate findings and design implications with clear writing and illustrative graphics.

Design

• Work as part of a design team and independently to think creatively and pragmatically and employ regenerative design principles.
• Use hand drawing, digital, and hybrid methods to create professional graphics and renderings.
• Draft grading plans, drainage plans, planting plans, sections, details and specifications for construction documents.
• Compose descriptive text for design components and reports.
• Review project work and incorporate feedback to meet quality objectives.

Required Qualifications

• 1-5 years of professional experience
• BLA or MLA, Masters in an associated field, or equivalent work experience
• Ability to work in person or hybrid from Greenfield, Massachusetts or North Andover, Massachusetts
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently when needed and manage your time well
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and experience with construction documentation and/or detailing
• Proficiency in Google Suite, such as Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets preferred
• Strong creative problem-solving skills + initiative
• Strong visual representation skills
• Aptitude for hand sketching and analog model making
• Ability and desire to contribute to an office culture centered on respect, compassion, humor, lifelong learning, social + environmental equity and health, and collaboration.

Additional Recommended Qualifications

• Proficiency in Blender and/or Sketch Up
• Knowledge of New England ecological communities and nursery plants
• Interest in design research
• Experience in agriculture, permaculture, construction, or landscape installation

Benefits + Compensation

• Starting $21.50 to $23.75 /hr ($43,000 to $47,500 annual FTE), commensurate with experience, with annual raises.
• Flexible hours + remote work arrangements.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Our policy accrues PTO time at one (1) hour of PTO for every twenty-five (25) hours worked; Roughly equivalent to 2-weeks/year for full-time employees.
• Dental and vision plans with 75% premium coverage for employees; family coverage available.
• Professional development funds and on-going self-directed training opportunities.
• Performance bonuses for non-worker owners; profit-sharing patronage for worker-owners.
• Eligibility to become a worker-owner after 2-years of employment.