Now Hiring: Associate Landscape Designer

Position Summary

Regenerative Design Group (RDG) is seeking a production-focused Landscape Designer with a minimum of 3 years of professional experience. This full time 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 is responsible for leading GIS mapping/analysis, field assistance, research support, production graphics, 3D modeling, rendering, and drafting elements of design projects. A high level of professionalism and excellent communication skills with both team members and clients are required. Applicants with prior professional CAD and construction documentation experience are strongly preferred. A successful candidate will have a solid understanding of ecological design processes, and sustainable landscape construction. We seek someone who is excited to work both collaboratively and independently, 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. 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. 

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 site research, analyses, and assessments including topography, sun/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

• Minimum of 3 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, MA or North Andover, MA
• Familiarity with ecological design principles and Northeast ecoregion plant and wildlife communities
• Familiarity with landscape construction and management methods
• Strong verbal,written, and visual communication skills
• Ability to both work closely and collaboratively in small teams as well as independently manage your time well 
• 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
• Proficiency in a full suite of graphic design software (ie. Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) to produce rendered site plans, sections, and illustrations and document layouts
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or Land F/X and experience with construction documentation and/or detailing
• Proficiency in Google Suite, such as Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets preferred

Additional Recommended Qualifications

• Knowledge of, and ability to identify in the field, commonly occurring captive and naturalized plants in the Northeast
• Interest in design research
• Interest in public speaking and education
• Experience in agriculture, permaculture, construction, or landscape installation
• Experience in 3D modeling

Benefits & Compensation

• Starting $27.30 to $29.43 /hr, commensurate with experience, with annual raises.
• Flexible hours + remote work arrangements.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 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.
• Eligible for 401(k) after 1 year of employment.
• Professional development funds and ongoing self-directed training opportunities.
• Business performance bonuses for non-worker owners; profit-sharing patronage for worker-owners.
• Eligibility to become a worker-owner after 2-years of employment.