Job Description
Landscape Designer at LKM Mowing & Landscaping
On-site at 2020 Eagle Rd, Normal, IL 61761 (serving Bloomington-Normal and surrounding areas)
Full-time, Year-round employment (32–36 hours per week)
LKM Mowing & Landscaping, a family-owned company established in 2001, is seeking a dedicated Landscape Designer to support our design-build services for residential and commercial clients in central Illinois. This primarily office-based role focuses on creating high-quality landscape designs, preparing proposals, and enhancing our bidding processes. The position is full-time year-round with a schedule of 32–36 hours per week, offering stability and the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of outdoor projects in the Bloomington-Normal community.
Role Breakdown
- Design/Estimate Proposals — 97% of role: Help with the creation of landscape designs, site layouts, proposals, and estimates.
- Improve existing bid process efficiencies — 3% of role: Identify and implement improvements to streamline bidding and estimating workflows.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and layout properties, developing site plans that include hardscape (patios, walkways, retaining walls), softscape (plantings, turf), grading, and other landscape features.
- Produce detailed 2D construction documents and planting plans using AutoCAD with Land F/X for landscape-specific tools, planting databases, symbols, and annotations.
- Create 3D models and renderings in SketchUp to visualize designs and present concepts to clients.
- Select, annotate, and specify plants suitable for central Illinois (Zone 5/6), including botanical/common names, quantities, sizes, and installation details.
- Compile project details, material quantities, takeoffs, and costs into bid sheets or estimating documents for accurate proposals.
- Collaborate with team members, clients, and subcontractors to refine designs based on site conditions, budgets, preferences, and local regulations.
- Revise plans as needed during design development and project phases.
- Occasionally perform on-site measurements or consultations to support designs.
- Contribute to ongoing improvements in bid/estimate processes for greater efficiency.
Required Qualifications
- Proven experience in landscape design, ideally in a design-build or service-oriented company (residential/commercial focus preferred).
- Strong proficiency in AutoCAD and hands-on experience with Land F/X
- Working knowledge of SketchUp for 3D modeling and rendering.
- Solid understanding of landscape design principles, plant materials for Illinois climates, hardscape elements, and sustainable practices.
- Ability to interpret site surveys, plans, and client needs accurately.
- Excellent attention to detail for plant annotations, quantity takeoffs, and bid data entry.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills to manage projects and improve processes.
- Reliable transportation for commuting to the Normal office.
- Equivalent experience or education in Landscape Design, Horticulture, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a design-build landscaping company.
- Familiarity with central Illinois plant palettes, soil conditions, and local codes.
- Knowledge of hardscape detailing, low voltage lighting, and outdoor spaces.
Compensation & Benefits
- $25.00-$27.00/hr based on experience
- Health Insurance Package: Employer contributes toward employee's personal health, dental, vision, and life insurance (after 30 day evaluation period).
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued per pay period. Up to five 8 hour days available to accrue.
- Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
- Retirement Plan: IRA; LKM matches up to 3% of employee contributions each calendar year.
- Clothing Allowance: $250.00 annually for work attire purchased through LKM.
- Stable year-round employment in a collaborative, family-oriented team environment.
We encourage skilled designers passionate about creating outdoor spaces to reach out—we look forward to potentially welcoming you to the LKM team!
Job Tags
Full time, Part time, For subcontractor, Work at office, Local area