Landscape Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

RIOS is an international design collective. We are actively in pursuit of wonder within the design of the built environment. We believe design is an act of optimism through which invention and ideas change the world. We practice interconnected design across architecture, placemaking, landscape architecture, and experience design to define design as a continuum.

We follow a process that begins with attunement, where program and context shape strong conceptual thinking to establish a holistically informed big idea through which we develop form, confirm function, and define experience. This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic expression. We are known for bold solutions that are inclusive of the wider context and grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, resulting in resilient, innovative, and meaningful design outcomes.

The Senior Landscape Associate role is responsible for leading the design and delivery of complex projects with a high degree of independence, technical expertise, and accountability. Associates serve as leaders within project teams by managing project coordination, advancing design excellence, mentoring staff, and contributing to the continued growth of RIOS through collaboration, innovation, and technical leadership.

• Lead innovative multidisciplinary design and technical project work with minimal oversight while maintaining accountability for project outcomes.
• Manage the design and delivery of multiple projects, ensuring alignment with project goals, design intent, schedule, scope, and budget.
• Guide project teams through design development, documentation, visualization, sustainability integration, and technical execution across all project phases.
• Coordinate project workflows, consultant collaboration, internal communication, and milestone readiness to support successful project delivery.
• Contribute to project pursuits through participation in proposals, RFP responses, fee proposals, design narratives, and presentation materials.
• Support client and consultant communication with confidence, bringing contextual understanding and design objectives into project decision-making.
• Lead quality assurance and quality control efforts for assigned project scopes while proactively identifying project risks and coordinating solutions.
• Mentor junior staff through coaching, feedback, and professional development while contributing to an inclusive, collaborative studio culture.

All positions at RIOS are hybrid with three days in office.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Strong leadership abilities with demonstrated success managing complex design and project delivery efforts.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities while fostering collaboration across interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and team coordination skills.
• Strong technical expertise in project delivery, documentation, quality control, and construction coordination.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Outstanding written, verbal, visual, and interpersonal communication skills with clients, consultants, and project teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainability, innovation, and design excellence.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior staff while contributing positively to RIOS culture and practice.
• Strong understanding of project management processes, budgeting, scheduling, and consultant coordination.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Landscape Architecture or equivalent professional experience.
• 10+ years of professional experience in Landscape architecture or related project delivery roles.
• Professional licensure or other relevant professional qualifications.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a Job Captain on complex and/or multiple projects and leading project delivery responsibilities on smaller projects.
• Experience managing multiple project workflows, coordinating interdisciplinary teams, and supporting project budgets and schedules.
• Experience communicating directly with clients and consultants with minimal senior oversight.
• Proficiency with Rhino, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, Lumion, Grasshopper, and Dynamo.
• Strong understanding of BIM workflows, digital project coordination, and project management tools.
• Working knowledge of software Deltek and Tonic.

Benefits & Perks:
RIOS offers a variety of benefits that support work-life balance, professional growth and personal well-being. This includes a hybrid work environment, comprehensive healthcare benefits, 401k matching, PTO package, and reduced summer work hours.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
RIOS is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Additionally, pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified candidates with arrests/ conviction records will not be excluded from consideration.