Practice Leader, Landscape Architect

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At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM is actively seeking a Practice Leader, Landscape Architect in our award winning Northern California Urbanism + Planning studio. This is an opportunity to take on a leadership position in a multi-disciplinary practice focused on high-performing landscapes that tackle climate change, interconnectivity and mobility, smart growth, ecological systems, and natural resources. Our studio designs a broad range of urban public realm projects including streetscapes, parks, ecological restoration, and green infrastructure. For this role, AECOM offers the freedom and flexibility to work on our hybrid schedule being a combination of in-office time and remote work.

We are looking for a passionate leader who is energized by a collaborative design process that engages colleagues, clients, and the communities we serve. A key quality of a candidate will be their ability to bring design leadership and foster a culture of design to an established design practice and a diverse set of internal and external collaborators. This leader will have a broad sphere of influence throughout Northern California, based out of our Bay Area offices in San Francisco and Oakland, CA.

The Associate Principal, Landscape Architect’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Actively leading and managing projects from initiation through design and implementation with a focus on design and technical excellence, budget, and schedules.
• Develop and execute a strategic growth plan for the Northern California Urbanism + Planning practice, including growing our landscape architecture and urban design studio that supports our practice and projects locally and across the region.
• Acting as an ambassador to the communities, agencies, and organizations we work with and contributing to the visibility of AECOM’s brand.
• Build client relationships, pre-position for opportunities, and secure a portfolio of work that aligns with growth objectives.
• Contribute to AECOM’s “think and act globally” philosophy by creating a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Proactively supporting and advancing the professional growth of all team members by cultivating a challenging, inspiring, and collaborative studio culture
• Collaborate with other studio leads regionally to support the regional Urbanism + Planning practice within AECOM

Minimum Qualifications:

• Landscape Architecture degree (BLA/BSLA/MLA) from an LAAB accredited institution or demonstrated equivalency
• 8 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education
• Licensed Landscape Architect, preferably registered in California
• Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of professional Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, and Master Planning experience
• 2+ years of applicable design leadership experience.
• Proficiency in Autocad, Adobe Creative Suite, and at least one of the following 3D modeling and rendering platforms (Revit, Rhino, Sketchup)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and excellent graphic, verbal, and written communication skills

• Deep knowledge of the marketplace and industry trends in Northern California and regionally
• Proven experience delivering innovative and multi-benefit waterfront, civic and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Ability to integrate seamlessly into both landscape architecture and multi-disciplinary design teams.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and self-edit work
• Demonstrated experience in delivering technical drawings, specifications and reports.
• Experience providing construction phase services and working with clients, collaborators, and builders to realize built work.
• Experience with RFP/RFQ processes for public agencies, institutions, organizations, and private entities
•  LEED GA/AP, SITES AP, or ENV SP credentials
• Strong computer skills and experience of the following software packages would be an advantage; AutoCAD, Revit, Civil3D, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino
• Possess the initiative to conscientiously tackle tasks autonomously, employing a systematic problem-solving approach.
• Minimum of 5 years of applicable design leadership experience.
• Demonstrated evidence of Non-mandatory participation in civic-minded organizations
• Evidence of third-party recognition of your work or projects you have played a significant role in, e.g., ASLA, AIA, design awards and/or publications and presentations with a focus on design

• This role requires U.S. Citizenship and sponsorship is not available. 

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.