Landscape Designer

Landscape Designer at LKM Mowing & Landscaping
On-site at 2020 Eagle Rd, Normal, IL 61761 (serving Bloomington-Normal and surrounding areas)
Full-time, Year-round employment (32–36 hours per week)

LKM Mowing & Landscaping, a family-owned company established in 2001, is seeking a dedicated Landscape Designer to support our design-build services for residential and commercial clients in central Illinois. This primarily office-based role focuses on creating high-quality landscape designs, preparing proposals, and enhancing our bidding processes. The position is full-time year-round with a schedule of 32–36 hours per week, offering stability and the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of outdoor projects in the Bloomington-Normal community.

Role Breakdown
- Design/Estimate Proposals — 97% of role: Help with the creation of landscape designs, site layouts, proposals, and estimates.
- Improve existing bid process efficiencies — 3% of role: Identify and implement improvements to streamline bidding and estimating workflows.

Key Responsibilities
- Design and layout properties, developing site plans that include hardscape (patios, walkways, retaining walls), softscape (plantings, turf), grading, and other landscape features.
- Produce detailed 2D construction documents and planting plans using AutoCAD with Land F/X for landscape-specific tools, planting databases, symbols, and annotations.
- Create 3D models and renderings in SketchUp to visualize designs and present concepts to clients.
- Select, annotate, and specify plants suitable for central Illinois (Zone 5/6), including botanical/common names, quantities, sizes, and installation details.
- Compile project details, material quantities, takeoffs, and costs into bid sheets or estimating documents for accurate proposals.
- Collaborate with team members, clients, and subcontractors to refine designs based on site conditions, budgets, preferences, and local regulations.
- Revise plans as needed during design development and project phases.
- Occasionally perform on-site measurements or consultations to support designs.
- Contribute to ongoing improvements in bid/estimate processes for greater efficiency.

Required Qualifications
- Proven experience in landscape design, ideally in a design-build or service-oriented company (residential/commercial focus preferred).
- Strong proficiency in AutoCAD and hands-on experience with Land F/X
- Working knowledge of SketchUp for 3D modeling and rendering.
- Solid understanding of landscape design principles, plant materials for Illinois climates, hardscape elements, and sustainable practices.
- Ability to interpret site surveys, plans, and client needs accurately.
- Excellent attention to detail for plant annotations, quantity takeoffs, and bid data entry.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills to manage projects and improve processes.
- Reliable transportation for commuting to the Normal office.
- Equivalent experience or education in Landscape Design, Horticulture, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a design-build landscaping company.
- Familiarity with central Illinois plant palettes, soil conditions, and local codes.
- Knowledge of hardscape detailing, low voltage lighting, and outdoor spaces.

Compensation & Benefits
- $25.00-$27.00/hr based on experience
- Health Insurance Package: Employer contributes toward employee's personal health, dental, vision, and life insurance (after 30 day evaluation period).
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued per pay period. Up to five 8 hour days available to accrue.
- Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
- Retirement Plan: IRA; LKM matches up to 3% of employee contributions each calendar year.
- Clothing Allowance: $250.00 annually for work attire purchased through LKM.
- Stable year-round employment in a collaborative, family-oriented team environment.

We encourage skilled designers passionate about creating outdoor spaces to reach out—we look forward to potentially welcoming you to the LKM team!