LANDSCAPE DESIGNER 2

Code: 10693 State Competitive Range: P23 (FY 2027) Work week 40: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $72,896.47 - $106,798.07/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the limited supervision of a Landscape Designer 3 or other supervisory official in a state department, agency, or office, performs complex tasks involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of landscape architecture projects for transportation projects, parks, forests, or botanical gardens; works on various aspects of landscape design and program independently; may take the lead over lower-level staff; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Prepares program documents including the gathering of data and mapping.
• Performs onsite investigations to determine site conditions prior to landscape design.
• Prepares preliminary landscape plans and detail sheets, which may include plant materials, earth forms, street furniture, and paved pedestrian areas.
• Prepares grading plans and cross sections to be used in developing freeways, parkways, other state highways and parks, recreation, and picnic areas.
• Designs architectural details of structures such as rustic guardrails, signs, picnic tables, and recreational structures required for highway and parkway developments, state parks, and forests.
• Assists in the selection of plant materials to be used on assigned projects; inspects plant materials.
• May assist in the oversight and preparation of based plans and final landscape plans and detail sheets.
• Prepares calculations for landscape items.
• Performs phase review for transportation projects.
• Prepares more complex specifications for landscape items.
• May provide guidance and assistance to lower-level Landscape Designers.
• May take the lead in the implementation of the Botanical Garden work programs; inspects other lands associated with the NJ State Botanical Garden to determine the need for ornamental horticulture and landscaping work, lawn care, tree and shrub needs, and greenhouse operations.
• Oversees the labeling of all plant materials in the Botanical Garden with its Latin and common name.
• Maintains and updates a tracking system of information used to monitor historical, cultural, landscaping, and planting techniques, methodologies, and technologies gathered from a national and international exchange.
• Researches old photographs, park histories, and other records to determine original designs and layouts used in the Botanical Garden and for general landscaping.
• Guides staff in the care and maintenance of completed plantings.
• Answers complex public inquiries regarding landscaping or horticultural techniques of the formal and informal gardens, greenhouse, and nursery of the NJ State Botanical Garden.
• Prepares and gives horticultural lectures and visual presentations to garden clubs, professional groups, local and private organizations, general public, special interest groups, and others.
• Works closely with volunteer groups, various garden clubs and plant societies, and other associations to organize, coordinate, and develop programs, lectures, plant sales, and flower shows to promote the Botanical Garden.
• Interprets both Latin and common names of plants and flowers, and keeps current with botanical garden methodologies of fertilizers, pesticides, and related chemicals, their names, applications, and use.
• Takes the lead in designing drafts of planting plans in accordance with plant lists, sizes, specifications, and cost estimates; prepares lists of needed plant materials.
• Prepares correspondence and reports.
• Establishes and maintains records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronics and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in landscape design and construction.

License

Appointees may be required to obtain a New Jersey Pesticide Applicator Certificate or Operators Permit in the required categories.

The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the certification as a Pesticide Applicator, Commercial in the appropriate categories, issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, rests with the Appointing Authority.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to prepare landscape-related specifications.
• Knowledge of the principles of landscape architectural design.
• Knowledge of the types of plant material including their botanical names, growth habits, adaptability to hardiness zones, and environmental requirements in relation to the transportation setting.
• Knowledge of landscape construction details, practices, and maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge of the use and care of equipment, materials, and supplies used in landscape architecture.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques involved in ornamental horticulture for garden design.
• Knowledge of chemical application techniques.
• Knowledge of the methods used to restore, renovate, and maintain grounds, formal gardens, lawns and flower gardens, trees, and shrubs.
• Ability to prepare contract plans.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, rules, and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to take the lead and provide guidance to lower-level staff.
• Ability to select landscape planting materials.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with garden clubs and other associations.
• Ability to prepare reports and correspondence.
• Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

A license as a Landscape Architect issued by the New Jersey State Board of Architects may be substituted for the above education requirement and for one (1) year of the required experience.

When assigned to the Department of Environmental Protection's State Botanical Garden, a Bachelor's degree in Ornamental Horticulture, Aboriculture, or Floriculture, and experience in ornamental horticulture work are also acceptable in meeting the minimum education and experience requirements.