Senior Landscape Architect

Job Description

Bring your curiosity and determination to make a positive impact on the future of transport, and we’ll help you go all the way.

Join our team of globally connected specialists to help solve complex transport challenges and experience groundbreaking projects from idea to delivery, and beyond.

Who are we looking for?

We’re proud to be an employee-owned, value-driven company deeply invested in the communities we serve. As our team grows, we’re seeking a Senior Landscape Architect to join our Toronto studio. You’ll collaborate locally and globally with architects, ecologists, arborists, engineers, transportation planners, urban designers , and environmental specialists .

Our work spans large-scale ecological restoration, water and transit infrastructure, healthcare, parks, trails , and nature-based solutions for riparian and shoreline habitats . This role is ideal for someone who values design excellence, enjoys mentoring others, and wants to make a meaningful impact through their work. We’re seeking a hands-on landscape architect who leads by example, works independently, contributes directly to design and technical delivery, and delegates effectively to support team growth and project success.

We offer a collaborative, engaging, and professionally managed environment where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your landscape architecture expertise is integral to multidisciplinary teams and projects.

We’re guided by a shared purpose: creating lasting community benefit. Our commitment to safety, teamwork, integrity, and respect drives everything we do.

Our Hybrid Model: Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect, and excel in our vibrant environment.

Working with an energetic and high-performing team, this position offers a variety of duties and will see you involved in:

• Collaborating with architecture, engineering, environmental, and land development teams to deliver efficient, cost-effective landscape solutions tailored to each client’s brief.
• Take ownership of the landscape architecture scope for projects of all scales, leading the design response to client requirements while collaborating with landscape architects, designers, and professionals across other disciplines.
• Day-to-day project management of Landscape Architecture projects to meet schedule and budget targets.
• Supervise, share knowledge with, and mentor developing team members, while delegating tasks, scheduling resources, and managing team workflows.
• Interpret and apply relevant client, industry, and GHD standards, including guidelines, codes, and best practices.
• Foster a positive, collaborative team environment and strong working relationships across the company and with clients and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to and author fee proposals
• Develop effective, practical designs and nature-based solutions.
• Use computer-aided design, 3D modelling, rendering, graphic design, and landscape information modelling tools.
  
  

Specific Experience, Skills & Knowledge:

• A passion and track record for design excellence, innovation and successful project delivery and close-out
• Successful leadership, management and delegation experience
• Demonstrated senior-level judgment in resolving complex landscape architecture challenges and developing practical, technically sound, and context-sensitive solutions.
• Solid understanding of site analysis and landscape design
• Site planning and urban planning
• Experience in the history and theory of landscape architecture, sustainable design, construction technology, design precedents, horticulture, urban design, planning approvals, building codes, accessibility, Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
• Proposal writing, fee calculations and scheduling.
• Research, review and synthesis of background information
• Hand sketching of analysis, ideation, design alternatives, plans, sections and details with pencil, marker and/or stylus
• Strong English verbal, written and reading skills
• Development of graphic materials and presentations
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex issues concisely with architecture, engineering, ecology and arborist disciplines.
• Planting design excellence with Ontario native trees, woody shrubs, forbs, grasses, and aquatic design on grade, structures, roofs, and walls
• Public realm design, details and construction
• Ecological restoration planting design of terrestrial and wetland environments
• Construction drawings and specification preparation, review and tendering
• Contract administration including submittal reviews, site meetings, reports, instructions, record drawings, warranty and close-out
• Municipal development approval experience in preparation of plan of subdivision, zoning bylaw amendment, site plan, building permit submissions
• Sustainable guideline experience, including Sustainable Sites, LEED, Toronto Green Standard
• Accessible design and details with the OBC and AODA
• Pet-friendly design and details
• Quantity takeoffs and cost estimating for landscape architecture
• Design of parks, playgrounds, spray pads, skate stops, sports fields, trails, cycling infrastructure and associated planting
• Irrigation demand, design, detailing and specifications
• Low impact development design and details
• Natural area conservation and restoration design experience
• MTO road and highway design experience an asset
• CPTED certification
• Transit facility (new and existing stations, plazas, planting, site furniture, parking, PUDO, emergency exit facilities, multi-use pathways, maintenance, operations)
• Mixed-use and transit-oriented development
• Experience with Integrated Design Process, BIM, and Information Management processes
• Experience with information modelling and collaboration software including Revit, Civil 3D, SketchUp, Navisworks, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bentley ProjectWise
• Expertise with computer-aided design and drafting software: AutoCAD, LandF/X, Bentley MicroStation
• Experience with rendering and animation software: Photoshop, Enscape, Lumion
• Experience with graphics software: Illustrator, After Effects
• Experience with PDF review software: Bluebeam
• Experience with artificial intelligence software such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Midjourney
• Experience with microclimate, carbon analysis, and climate-positive design tools such as Pathfinder, Forma
  
  

What you will bring to the team:

• Bachelors or master’s in landscape architecture degree preferably from a LAAC or LAAB accredited program in Canada or the United States
• Full member of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (with seal)
• Minimum ten (10) years of professional landscape architectural experience (minimum five (5) as a full OALA member
  
  

Cover Letter

Tell us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and values outlined in the job description. Highlight specific projects that demonstrate your leadership, design innovation, and commitment to sustainability. We’d love to hear what excites you about this opportunity and how you see yourself contributing to our team.

CV

Submit a tailored CV (maximum 4 pages) that includes a short bio and three key projects most relevant to this role. Make sure your bio references these projects directly, and feel free to include any additional experience that shows your versatility and growth.

Portfolio

Include only your best and most relevant work, demonstrating clarity and relevance are essential - maximum twenty (20) pages. For each project, briefly describe the context, your role, key design decisions, and outcomes. Focus on work that demonstrates your technical expertise, interdisciplinary collaboration, and design excellence.

The salary range for this position is: $105,680 - $152,000K.

The posted salary range represents the expected hiring range for GHD locations in its major city centres. Ranges may vary for positions in other locations. At GHD, base salary is determined by your skills, experience, qualifications and work location. We are committed to offering competitive compensation and adhere to all relevant pay transparency legislation.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruiting is just getting started and may be used during the process to improve efficiency and fairness. Your application may be reviewed by both AI and our hiring team. While AI supports some steps through the process, all final hiring decisions are made by humans

As a diverse and inclusive organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. Upon request, GHD will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process.

This position is for an existing vacancy.