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Landscape Architects

SOC 17-1012.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the full professional practice of Landscape Architects across residential, commercial, institutional, and public-sector contexts — from supervised site analysis and CAD drafting at entry level through autonomous project delivery and organizational leadership at the advanced level.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Site visit observations — document existing conditions such as soil type, drainage patterns, and vegetation under direct supervision during field inspections.
  2. CAD software and drafting tools — produce basic site plan drawings following established templates and senior architect direction in a studio environment.
  3. Client meeting notes — assist in recording key project requirements and preferences during initial consultations with residential or commercial clients.
  4. Landscape specifications and cost estimate templates — compile preliminary material lists and unit costs under guidance for small-scale land development projects.
  5. Geographic information system (GIS) software — input and query site data to support environmental condition analysis under supervision.
  6. Existing site features and landscaping elements — identify and catalog trees, hardscape, and topographic features on proposed project sites.
  7. Graphics and photo imaging software — prepare basic rendered illustrations of proposed landscape concepts for review by senior staff.
  8. Building and construction knowledge — apply foundational understanding of grading, drainage, and structure placement when reading site plans in a professional office setting.
  9. Design principles and plant biology — select appropriate plant species from approved palettes for climate and soil conditions under mentor review.
  10. Spreadsheet and office suite software — organize project data, schedules, and correspondence to support project teams on active landscape architecture assignments.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Client and engineering stakeholder meetings — communicate project goals, site constraints, and design options clearly with reduced oversight on mid-scale commercial or institutional projects.
  2. Site analysis data including drainage, soil conditions, and structure locations — synthesize findings into coherent sections of environmental reports for land development proposals.
  3. Landscape construction inspections — evaluate material quality and workmanship against project specifications during site visits and provide written compliance documentation.
  4. Site plans, grading drawings, and planting plans — prepare complete construction document sets for routine residential and small commercial landscape projects.
  5. Existing land features and natural systems — integrate topography, native vegetation, and water management infrastructure into cohesive design schemes with limited direction.
  6. CAD and desktop publishing software — produce professional-grade graphic presentations and specification sheets for client review meetings.
  7. GIS and database tools — analyze spatial and environmental datasets to inform site selection and regulatory compliance assessments independently.
  8. Cost estimates and project schedules — develop accurate budget projections and phasing plans for landscape projects in the $250K–$1M range.
  9. Collaboration with architects and civil engineers — coordinate design intent across disciplines to resolve site-structure conflicts on mixed-use development projects.
  10. Critical thinking and systems analysis — evaluate alternative design solutions against performance, aesthetic, and regulatory criteria to recommend preferred approaches to project managers.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Multi-stakeholder project conferences — lead consultations with clients, engineers, and architects to establish design direction and resolve competing requirements on complex land development projects.
  2. Comprehensive site analysis reports — independently synthesize environmental, geotechnical, and regulatory data to produce actionable findings that drive landscape design decisions.
  3. Full construction administration — manage landscape inspections, contractor communications, and punch-list resolution across large-scale or phased construction projects without supervisory review.
  4. Complete site plans and specifications — author detailed construction documents including grading, drainage, planting, and hardscape plans for complex institutional or public-sector projects.
  5. Integrated sustainable design — incorporate existing landforms, ecological corridors, and stormwater management systems into high-performance landscape solutions that meet LEED or equivalent standards.
  6. Whole-building design collaboration — partner with architects and MEP engineers to optimize building envelope orientation, green roofs, and exterior spaces for energy efficiency and user experience.
  7. Advanced visualization and rendering — direct the production of compelling graphic representations including 3D models and fly-through animations to communicate design intent to diverse audiences.
  8. Regulatory and public safety compliance — navigate zoning codes, ADA requirements, and environmental permitting processes autonomously for projects across multiple jurisdictions.
  9. Project financial management — develop, monitor, and reconcile detailed cost estimates and fee proposals throughout the full project lifecycle on engagements exceeding $1M in construction value.
  10. Judgment and decision making under uncertainty — resolve non-routine site conditions, unforeseen subsurface conflicts, or regulatory changes with well-reasoned design responses during construction.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Firm-wide design standards and methodology — establish and codify landscape architecture practice standards, QA protocols, and documentation frameworks adopted across all studios and project types.
  2. Strategic client relationships — cultivate long-term partnerships with public agencies, developers, and institutional clients at the organizational level, securing multi-year program agreements.
  3. Cross-disciplinary project leadership — direct integrated design teams of architects, engineers, planners, and ecologists on landmark or complex public infrastructure projects from inception through occupancy.
  4. Organizational technology strategy — evaluate, select, and champion adoption of emerging tools including parametric design software, GIS platforms, and BIM workflows to advance firm capabilities.
  5. Mentorship and professional development — design and lead structured training programs that develop emerging and developing landscape architects toward licensure and professional independence.
  6. Policy and regulatory influence — represent the profession before municipal planning boards, legislative committees, or industry bodies to shape land use, environmental, and design standards.
  7. Thought leadership and innovation — direct applied research initiatives or publish findings on sustainable landscape systems, climate adaptation, or urban ecology that advance the state of the practice.
  8. Master planning and portfolio-scale design — lead the visioning, stakeholder engagement, and phased implementation strategy for large campus, regional open space, or urban district projects.
  9. Business development and market positioning — define service offerings, geographic markets, and strategic partnerships that drive sustained firm growth in the landscape architecture sector.
  10. Ethical and risk governance — establish organizational frameworks for project risk assessment, professional liability management, and ethical practice consistent with ASLA standards and licensure obligations.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
AP BD+C (Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction) · Environmental Designer · Environmental Planner · Exterior Designer · Golf Course Architect · Golf Course Designer · Indoor Landscape Architect · Land Planner · Landscape Architect · Landscape Architect Project Manager · Landscape Architectural Designer · Landscape Design Assistant
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
SpeakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingCoordinationOperations AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSocial PerceptivenessWritingTime ManagementActive LearningService OrientationMathematicsSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationMonitoringPersuasionNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesInstructing
Knowledge domains
DesignBuilding and ConstructionGeographyEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and ElectronicsPublic Safety and SecurityBiologyAdministration and ManagementLaw and GovernmentMathematicsTransportation
Abilities
Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionVisualizationWritten ComprehensionOriginalityWritten ExpressionFluency of IdeasDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningCategory Flexibility
Work styles
InnovationAttention to DetailDependabilityIntellectual CuriosityAchievement OrientationPerseverance
Technology
Document management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareVideo creation and editing softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareGeographic information systemData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Confer with clients, engineering personnel, or architects on landscape projects.
  2. Analyze data on conditions such as site location, drainage, or structure location for environmental reports or landscaping plans.
  3. Inspect landscape work to ensure compliance with specifications, evaluate quality of materials or work, or advise clients or construction personnel.
  4. Prepare site plans, specifications, or cost estimates for land development.
  5. Integrate existing land features or landscaping into designs.
  6. Collaborate with architects or related professionals on whole building design to maximize the aesthetic features of structures or surrounding land and to improve energy efficiency.
  7. Prepare graphic representations or drawings of proposed plans or designs.
  8. Inspect proposed sites to identify structural elements of land areas or other important site information, such as soil condition, existing landscaping, or the proximity of water management facilities.
CIP education codes
04.040104.0601

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.