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Landscape Design Internship Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Landscape Design Internship information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a landscape design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Landscape Design Intern, you need a solid understanding of landscape architecture principles, basic plant knowledge, and coursework or a degree in landscape design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as experience with site analysis tools, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate on team projects are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure you can effectively contribute to design projects, translate concepts into visuals, and support the workflow of a professional design team.

What is the difference between Landscape Design Internship vs Landscape Architect?

AspectLandscape Design InternshipLandscape Architect
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate of landscape architecture or related fieldLicensed professional with degree in landscape architecture and licensure
Work EnvironmentAssist in design projects, site analysis, and drafting under supervisionLead design projects, client consultations, and project management
Industry UsageInternship programs offered by firms, educational institutionsLicensed professionals working in firms, government agencies, or private practice

The main difference is that a Landscape Design Internship is an entry-level position for students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, while a Landscape Architect is a licensed professional responsible for designing and managing landscape projects. Internships provide foundational exposure, whereas licensed architects lead and oversee projects in the industry.

What types of projects can I expect to work on during a landscape design internship?

As a Landscape Design Intern, you'll typically be involved in a variety of projects ranging from residential gardens to public parks and commercial developments. Your daily tasks may include assisting with site analysis, creating digital or hand-drawn design concepts, supporting the preparation of planting plans, and helping with client presentations. You’ll often collaborate closely with landscape architects, engineers, and other interns, gaining exposure to both the creative and technical aspects of the field. This hands-on experience is valuable for developing practical skills and building a strong portfolio for future roles.

What is a landscape design internship?

A Landscape Design Internship is a temporary position where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience in designing outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, and commercial landscapes. Interns typically work under the guidance of experienced landscape architects or designers, assisting with site analysis, drafting plans, creating presentations, and sometimes participating in client meetings. This internship helps individuals develop practical skills in design software, plant selection, and project management, preparing them for a career in landscape architecture or related fields.
What are the most commonly searched types of Landscape Design jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Landscape Design jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Landscape Design Internship jobs in Iowa? For Landscape Design Internship jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Landscape Design Internship jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Landscape Design Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Landscape Design Internship job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Civil Engineer I

Sherwood Design Engineers

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Design Engineer I 

DSM


About Sherwood Design Engineers

Sherwood is a civil and environmental engineering firm that is committed to investing in and embracing people, communities and the environment. 

 

Our team has delivered net zero energy and net zero carbon systems, net positive water systems, resilient coastlines, natural resource protection, green streets, living roofs and more for thousands of clients in the region and across the globe. We specialize in sustainable infrastructure, water management strategies, green building design, and systems based solutions for infrastructure and landscapes. Our focus is on the conservation and management of the consumption of all site resources — carbon, energy, water, and waste. We’ve worked on over thirty award-winning projects, and our work has been published locally and internationally.

 

Founded in 2003, our award-winning projects include Hudson Yards in New York (the largest private real estate development in U.S. history), San Francisco Better Streets Plan, Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, revitalization of the iconic waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the 35 square-km Baietan Urban Area Plan in the heart of Guangzhou, China.

Our mission is to engineer an environmentally and socially regenerative planet. Will you join us?

 

Role Summary

At Sherwood Design Engineers, we value collaboration that incorporates multiple perspectives, and believe that diverse ideas produce more robust and equitable solutions. We have an amazing opportunity for a driven and curious Design Engineer focused on land development design to support our team.


Minimum Skills

  • Typically industry internship experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering - Civil and/or Environmental
  • Exercises sound judgment on details of work and in application of standard methods for conventional and innovative work.
  • Ability to work with multiple site base files oriented in different coordinate frames and varying unit­s.
  • Ability to read, understand and design topographic information.
  • Working knowledge of Windows, MS Office, and cloud-based collaboration software (Google Apps, Asana, Dropbox, Sharepoint, etc.)
  • Proficient in AutoCAD


Preferred Skills

  • Knowledge of civil design programs (Civil 3D, LDT, Hydro CAD, Flowmasters, StormCAD, etc)
  • Knowledge of Graphics programs (Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.)
  • Certifications or other sustainability-oriented accreditation preferred (iLEED , EIT, etc.)
  • Knowledge of GIS principles 
  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite


Expected Outcomes

  • Physical Site Assessment and Field Visits
  • Research, understand, and summarize regulatory requirements for residential, commercial, and industrial development projects, public works improvements, or other capital improvement projects using applied knowledge of civil engineering
  • Data Collection and Processing
  • Numerical Computations in the field of CIvil Engineering, Hydrology and Hydraulics, Stormwater management, etc
  • Prepare Technical Reports, Project Specifications, and Cost Estimates
  • Create and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics 
  • Use drafting tools or computer-aided design (CAD) equipment and software in design work. 
  • Design naturally and physically built structures using knowledge of biology, statistics, dynamics, materials, kinematics, hydrology, hydraulics, and geotechnics 
  • Oversee construction of projects to ensure adherence to design specifications 
  • Ensure projects comply with local zoning and ordinances, as well as national regulatory requirements 
  • Identify, evaluate, and document existing structures for signs for disrepair and provide design remedies as necessary 


What We Offer

  • Own a part of the firm with ESOP eligibility after one year
  • Flexible working - with every other Friday off
  • Competitive Health plans, including PPO and HMO options, Dental and Vision plans
  • Learning and Development stipend to use as you see fit
  • Generous PTO and 8 paid holidays
  • Automatic 401k enrollment
  • Fun team events, lunches and happy hours to get to know colleagues outside of work
  • A tangible opportunity to truly help the environment!
 

Compensation:

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Sherwood Design Engineers, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $67,000 to $74,000. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. 


Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Employer will not sponsor visas for position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
 

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