Landscape Design Specialist at Element Outdoor Living

Element Outdoor Living is the leading residential landscape Design, Build, and Maintenance provider in Wilmington, NC. We are a dynamic, growth-focused team of landscape professionals located on the coast in beautiful Wilmington, North Carolina. Element offers a collaborative, supportive team environment and welcomes both local and relocating candidates for the position of Landscape Design Specialist.

The Opportunity
We are seeking a Landscape Design Specialist with strong 2D and 3D graphic capabilities. This role focuses on translating initial concepts, sketches, and design direction into refined CAD plans and fully rendered 3D visualizations that communicate design intent and inspire client confidence.

The ideal candidate is positive, proactive, and professional. You should be creative, detail-oriented, and passionate about shaping unique outdoor environments, with the ability to illustrate and present ideas in a way that creates excitement for clients.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary $73,000 plus commission opportunities
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Three weeks paid time off

Key Responsibilities for Landscape Design Specialist:

• Perform analyses including plant evaluation, soil and drainage assessment, lighting, viewsheds, and architectural context.
• Develop design solutions that align with client goals and site opportunities.
• Create concept plans, detailed CAD drawings, and 3D rendered models and graphics. Experience in LandFX, SketchUp, and Lumion is a plus.
• Incorporate environmental regulations, site constraints, and sustainability considerations into design work.
• Assist with preparing proposals, presentations, and project documentation.
• Collaborate with architects, project managers, engineers, surveyors, and build team members to ensure design intent carries through to construction.

Requirements for Landscape Design Specialist:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in residential landscape design or landscape architecture.
• Strong plant knowledge and an understanding of grading and drainage.
• Working knowledge of hardscape design, pools, outdoor kitchens, fire and water features, and outdoor carpentry.
• Skilled in CAD and 3D visualization software (CAD + LandFX and SketchUp + Lumion).
• Ability to work through design challenges with creative problem solving.
• Experience with estimating software or ability to learn quickly.
• Portfolio of completed or representative design work is required.