Senior Landscape Architect

SpruceLab is an Indigenous and women-owned planning and landscape architecture firm based in Toronto and Edmonton, and we are seeking a new team member to work with us as a Senior Landscape Architect. This is a critical position on our design team to help provide services across a broad spectrum of landscape types and locations, including working on complex civic and infrastructure projects with multidisciplinary teams. Please refer to our website for more information about our work and team. This position is full-time (34 hours a week typically, with Friday afternoons off), and a hybrid of remote work and in-person work at our Toronto or Edmonton offices. 

Applicants must have proven project management experience (including overseeing the production of construction drawings, and also more junior staff), and demonstrate evidence of being team members with a passion for landscapes and communities. In addition to technical expertise, they must also be creative with strong critical thinking abilities, be motivated, and committed to sustainability. Experience or an interest in working with Indigenous Peoples is an asset, and Indigenous awareness training will be provided as needed. Experience with a minimum of 10 to 15 years producing and managing projects from concept phase to project close-out is required, including grading and planting design work. Willingness to travel periodically to support projects is important, as SpruceLab provides professional services across Canada. 

Applicants must possess project managment experience, excellent communication skills (writing, graphics), time management skills, and experience or an interest in working with a range of communities and project partners on designs. Full membership in CSLA is required (registration with Province associations). A high level of proficiency with AutoCAD is required, and experience with Vectorworks Landmark will be considered an asset. 

As Senior Landscape Architect, this person will be required to perform the following duties and responsibilities in a professional manner:  

• produce landscape architectural works (drawings, graphics, presentations, reports, etc.) 

• lead quality control in terms of drawing review and mentoring of intermediate and junior landscape design staff 

• landscape conceptual design (e.g. sketches, master plans, sections, elevations, renderings) 

• place-based design and sustainable site design (including nature-based solutions) 

• design development (e.g. construction drawing sets, planting design for ecological restoration) 

• creation and/or review of landscape specifications and related contract documents 

• landscape design cost estimation, and working with professional cost estimators 

• on-site contract administration related to landscape architectural services 

• attend project team and client meetings, and preparing formal notes and minutes as needed 

• support senior management in tasks related to invoicing for services rendered 

• support  Indigenous engagement, and First Nations consultation and accommodation 

• support community and stakeholder engagement 

• plan and facilitate design workshops, focus groups, open houses, etc. 

• create presentations for projects and engagement meetings and events 

• create graphic materials  

• contribute to the writing of reports and proposals 

• represent SpruceLab as needed (e.g. public meetings /talks related to projects) 

• project management to help keep projects on time and on budget 

• support teaching / training related to all of the above 

• collaborate with colleagues to support partners and clients 

• contribute to helping the company grow, such as strategic planning, co-creating organizational systems, templates and supporting a social media presence 

• support Senior Management in searching for new projects and clients 

• help implement SpruceLab communications and marketing efforts 

• Document and post events for website and social media 

• support the creation of blog postings (ideas, edit, finalize, post) 

• support our Earth Tending and Dbaajmowin programs on an as-needed basis 

• Note: Other tasks may be assigned as needed. 

A competitive salary will be offered to the successful applicant based on experience and information shared (a portfolio and references are required (and will be contacted)). Health benefits and life insurance are provided by SpruceLab following a three month probation period. In addition, SpruceLab is committed to creating a working environment that supports professional development and work-life balance (for example, having regular team meetings with mentorship and training, and closing the studio on Friday afternoons). Applicants must agree to completing security screening by the Government of Canada to be allowed to work on confidential federal government projects and programs (including transfer of existing clearances). Online presence on our website (team photo, headshot and bio) to help support marketing and communications efforts.

No phone calls please. Candidates will be contacted by email if an interview is to be requested.