Landscape Construction Admin/Field Inspecting - PLA

Title: Landscape CA            

Division: PLA                            

LJA recognizes that our success depends on the quality of the people we hire. We are currently seeking highly talented individuals that take pride in their work, function exceptionally well in team environments, and contribute to the overall success of the company. As a 100% employee-owned company, we promote an entrepreneurial spirit that helps drive the bottom line and the long-term professional and financial success of our employees. With more than 50 office locations, LJA is growing and ready for talented people to help us build our future.

Summary:  The Landscape Architecture Team at LJA is growing rapidly and is looking for a Construction Administrator (CA). Team members are prepared for the challenge of implementing big ideas. From leveraging internal departments like surveying, GIS, and environmental services to working with various specialists to implement new technologies and software the Landscape Architecture team is building the foundations for a future that integrates data, research, and the latest innovations in our design process.

CAs show a high level of enthusiasm for and commitment to the firm, its mission, and the profession, and demonstrate a growing level of expertise in the foundational principles in our industry. CAs serve as a team representative to observe, document, and report on active construction projects designed in our team. CAs also are leaders on their projects and teams and have the respect of their peers & managers.

General Responsibilities:

• Through the design process, recognize and deliver projects that meet client needs, budgets, and capacity.


• Work closely with team members to continuously develop their construction documentation skills by considering issues seen in the field.


• Identify and Mentor team members to grow and advance their skills in preparation for promotion to next levels.


• Assist other CA Team members in the development of improved procedures and processes for site inspection, RFIs, submittals, pay apps, etc. Work with LJA graphics and admin team members to develop guides for these processes.


• Continuously explore and implement new and innovative technologies, trends, and solutions.


• Be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and jobsite environments.


• Be able to physically navigate (walk/climb) uneven terrain on active construction sites.

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, Certification, or Proven Experience in Landscape Architecture, Construction Management, or Construction Administration (or related fields)

Required Experience:

• PLA licensure a plus


• 4+ years of professional experience


• Ability to consistently perform in a fast-paced environment


• Ability to act independently, especially in site visit scheduling and reporting


• Strong observation skills


• Strong written and oral communication skills


• Experience in Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, Autodesk Construction Cloud/PlanGrid preferred.

Project Responsibilities:

• Shepherd small-large projects from approved construction bidder through final closeout.


• Maintain project design styles, aesthetics, and quality as designed, specified, and regulated to ensure clients’ expectations in budget, construction process, and final completed projects are met.


• Keep Senior leadership team abreast of workloads and project needs to assist in scheduling.


• Serve as the Landscape Architect’s liaison to contractors in understanding the intent of the Contract Documents


• Maintain working knowledge of appropriate construction, finishing, and planting materials & techniques.


• Responsible for keeping up to date on project information and ensuring proper communication between project team members, construction teams, and clients to both successfully deliver high-quality, built projects as well as to develop/maintain long-term relationships.


• Maintain working knowledge of current CSI specifications, ASTM standards, and processes regarding submittals, RFIs, and Pay Estimates.


• Oversee project submittals to ensure design styles, aesthetics, and quality as designed and specified are met.


• Review and process pay applications (estimates) to confirm that projects are being completed and billed per contract.


• Review and process request for information (RFI’s) and project submittals.


• Review and prepare change orders.


• Perform project site inspections to ensure construction quality and completeness at various milestones including layout reviews, substantial completion, punch lists, and maintenance turnovers.


• Review and prepare project closeouts.


• Participate in Milestone reviews of projects during the design & construction documentation process to ensure projects are constructable, keeping within budget, and result in high quality CD sets that limit issues during the construction process.

Leadership Expectations:

• Attend and participate in relevant professional and community organizations to present projects & innovation in practice, grow professional network & skills, and to increase exposure of the team to broader regional and state audiences.


• Actively work with senior project staff to implement new and improve existing techniques, detailing, and processes in both delivery and administration of projects based off experiences and lessons learned from the field.


• Work with Contractors to minimize site visits, construction issues, and schedule delays to help keep projects within budget


• Participate in meetings, conversations, and initiatives with Senior Staff


• Participate in the pursuit and development of materials needed for RFQs, RFPs, proposals, SOQs as part of team project pursuits.


• Pursue/maintain relevant professional certifications and credentials as part of overall Professional Development strategy.