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Entry Level Landscape Designer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

ZGF is seeking an Entry-Level Urban Designer to be based in our Portland office. At ZGF, we thrive ... Perform elementary planning or landscape assignments and work collaboratively with others toward ...

New

Entry Level Landscape Designer information

See Oregon salary details

$34.9K

$69.2K

$112.6K

How much do entry level landscape designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level landscape designer in Oregon is $69,171.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $78,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level landscape designers in their first year?

In your first year as an Entry Level Landscape Designer, you may encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with practical site constraints and client budgets. Learning to interpret and prepare detailed technical drawings, as well as adapting to changing project requirements, can be demanding but vital for your professional development. Collaborating with senior designers, engineers, and contractors often involves managing multiple deadlines and clear communication. However, these experiences quickly build your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and confidence, which are key to success and future advancement in the field.

How to get started as a landscape designer?

To start as an entry-level landscape designer, obtain a relevant degree such as landscape architecture or horticulture, and develop skills in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. Gaining experience through internships or assistant roles helps build a portfolio and understanding of site planning, plant selection, and environmental considerations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Landscape Designer position, and why are they important?

Entry Level Landscape Designers need a foundational understanding of landscape architecture principles, basic design skills, and a degree or coursework in landscape design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is usually required, and some employers may value knowledge of regional horticulture or sustainable design certifications. Strong communication, teamwork, and time management skills help candidates collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients. These skills ensure projects are completed efficiently, designs meet client needs, and career growth potential is maximized.

Is landscape design hard to get into?

Entry level landscape design can be competitive, but gaining skills in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects. Many positions value a combination of education, creativity, and practical experience, often gained through internships or apprenticeships.

What does an Entry Level Landscape Designer do?

An Entry Level Landscape Designer assists in designing outdoor spaces by creating plans, selecting materials, and supporting senior designers. They use software like AutoCAD and SketchUp to draft designs and may conduct site visits to assess project needs. Their role includes collaborating with clients, engineers, and contractors to ensure projects meet aesthetic and functional goals. This position serves as an introduction to landscape architecture, helping designers gain experience and develop their skills in the industry.

Is there a demand for landscape designers?

Landscape designers are in steady demand as they help create sustainable and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as environmental awareness increases and urban development continues, requiring skills in design software and knowledge of horticulture.

Will AI replace landscape architect?

AI technology can assist landscape architects by automating tasks like site analysis and design visualization, but it is unlikely to fully replace the profession. Landscape architects rely on creativity, environmental understanding, and client collaboration, skills that are difficult for AI to replicate. Human expertise remains essential for complex, site-specific projects and sustainable design solutions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Landscape Designer jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Landscape Designer jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Landscape Designer jobs in Oregon? For Entry Level Landscape Designer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Landscape Designer jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Landscape Designer jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Entry Level Landscape Designer jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Entry Level Landscape Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Landscape Designer job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,171 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Entry-Level Urban Designer

Entry-Level Urban Designer

ZGF Architects

Portland, OR • On-site

$69K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

ZGF is seeking an Entry-Level Urban Designer to be based in our Portland office. At ZGF, we thrive on multi-disciplinary engagement at the intersection of architecture and urban design and are distinguished by creative and intellectual curiosity. We are looking for thoughtful individuals with excellent communication and design skills.

As an Entry-Level Urban Designer, you will…

  • Be part of a community focused on design excellence and innovation.
  • Collaborate with the design team for generating and developing design ideas.
  • Perform elementary planning or landscape assignments and work collaboratively with others toward design solutions, compile data, develop elementary design studies and option, consider material and assembly cost data, prepares reports, plans and renderings, and inspect existing conditions and work in the field
  • Work on projects from concept design through construction administration.
  • Produce design drawings, construction documents, presentation drawings, graphic design work, and digital and physical modeling in support of Urban Design, as well as marketing efforts.
  • Research products and materials, observe existing projects and those under construction to inform the production of reports and design documentation
  • Help us tell the story of our projects through various media.
  • Work under design supervision and receive instruction and mentoring.
  • Perform fundamental planning and urban design tasks and work collaboratively with others toward design solutions for our projects.

Qualifications:

  • You have a Landscape Architecture, Architecture Degree and/or Urban Design Degree.
  • A basic understanding of design and construction principles and building types
  • A creative problem solver with well-rounded Urban Design skills and the ability to work independently, with multi-disciplined teams, and balance multiple projects, often with short schedules and quick deadlines.
  • Experience with complex multi-phased higher education, large transit, healthcare, civic and/or commercial development projects is desired.
  • You are interested in honing your technical ability with materials and constructability.
  • Proficient in Adobe Suite, Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, Sketch-Up, and Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to illustrate urban planning and design concepts graphically in a clear and effective manner.
  • Organizational and critical thinking skills to create materials for engaging and creative presentations through storytelling.

Base Salary Range: 

$69,250/yr - $70,787/yr 

Benefits 

ZGF Employees Enjoy Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with a generous employer contribution, HSA with employer contribution, 401k with employer match, 4 weeks of PTO and 10 paid holidays per year, paid parental and family leave programs.

Apply With: 

  • Cover letter 
  • Resume 
  • Portfolio 

We know that great projects take more than a design team to become a reality. Studies show that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t check every box—your skills and experiences may be exactly what we need.

ZGF Architects is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings to our team. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. Regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, we are excited to consider qualified candidates.

If you're ready to contribute to meaningful work, we invite you to submit your cover letter and resume online.

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