Job Description
Job Title: Landscape Designer

SUMMARY: Position: Full-time Landscape Designer to assist the Elizabeth River Project’s Restoration department with planning, designing, and coordinating river restoration Best Management Practices (BMPs), with a special emphasis on planning and permitting “living shorelines.” This is a
salaried position to include assisting with managing all aspects of the design and permitting of restoration projects to improve water quality and habitat in the Elizabeth River watershed. The Landscape Designer will design and permit residential BMPs (including rain gardens, conservation landscaping, living shorelines, and riparian buffers) to be implemented by
subcontractors, Elizabeth River Project staff and volunteers, or homeowner DIY.

Overall goals include:
1) Meeting and working with homeowners and other landowners to understand their concerns and
desires regarding their property and their relationship with the Elizabeth River;
2) Utilize design software, such as AutoCAD, to create tangible plans of residential BMPs;
3) Permit designs through regulatory agencies (including but not limited to, local wetlands
boards, United State Army Corps of Engineers and Virginia Marine Resources Commission);
4) Other duties as assigned to support overall Elizabeth River Project initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Meet with landowners in a timely manner to understand their needs and make recommendations to enhance their properties while also restoring habitat and improving water quality;
• Use design software (such as AutoCAD) to generate designs that satisfy both the landowner and Elizabeth River Project mission;
• Complete permit process to ensure they are issued in a timely manner;
• Problem solve design and site issues that may arise with input from Deputy Director – Restoration and River Star Homes Program Manager;
• Assist as time allows with other Elizabeth River Project efforts supporting River Star Businesses, River Star Schools, large-scale restoration initiatives and more.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• A degree and experience in horticulture, conservation landscaping or closely related fields is appropriate.

A minimum of two years experience is recommended working in conservation or landscape design.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD or other similar software.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills including prompt site visits and development of designs to present to homeowners.
• Ability to identify native plants of southeast Virginia and identify and plan for effective removal of invasive species. Experience with creating and carrying out landscape plans to achieve goals in both aesthetics and environmental enhancement.
• Ability to work outdoors in all conditions for long periods of time, ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Proven experience working in a team setting; proven ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, understand budgets, manage contractors and volunteers.
• Ability to problem-solve and think independently.
• A strong understanding and commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification recommended.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
The Elizabeth River Project offers a full range of benefits including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave; medical, dental, life and disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

Equal opportunity employer. The Elizabeth River Project encourages diverse candidates to apply and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified candidates will be
considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

INSTRUCTIONS: Submit resume and cover letter to bgavin@elizabethriver.org or mail to our 205
Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23508.