Explore how your federal experience as a Landscape Architecture (GS-0807) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Landscape Designer, Junior Landscape Architect, Assistant Landscape Designer | Assists in the preparation of landscape designs, including drafting plans and identifying plant materials. Supports senior staff in project management and implementation tasks. | $42,000 - $55,000 |
| 5-7 | Landscape Architect, Project Landscape Architect, Landscape Design Coordinator | Develops detailed landscape plans, site designs, and construction documents. Collaborates with clients, engineers, and contractors to ensure project objectives are met while adhering to regulations. | $55,000 - $80,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Landscape Architect, Landscape Architecture Project Manager, Lead Landscape Designer | Leads complex landscape architecture projects from conceptual design through execution. Oversees project teams, coordinates with multidisciplinary teams, and manages budgets and timelines. | $80,000 - $110,000 |
| 10-11 | Principal Landscape Architect, Senior Project Manager for Landscape Architecture, Urban Design Leader | Directs multiple landscape architecture projects. Provides strategic direction and vision for design initiatives. Mentors junior staff and builds client relationships to secure new projects and contracts. | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| 12-13 | Senior Principal Landscape Architect, Director of Landscape Architecture, Landscape Architecture Practice Leader | As an executive leader, oversees all landscape architectural services and team management across multiple regions. Sets strategic goals, ensures high-quality design standards, and fosters innovation in design practices. | $140,000 - $180,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Landscape Architecture, Chief Landscape Architect, Executive Director of Environmental Design | Provides executive leadership in landscape architecture at the corporate level. Defines organizational vision and strategic plans, influences industry trends, and serves as the primary liaison to clients and stakeholders at the highest levels. | $180,000 - $225,000 |
| SES | Senior Executive Landscape Architect, Executive Landscape Architect Advisor, Landscape Architecture Policy Director | Advises on national landscape architecture policies and practices. Leads high-stakes, complex landscape projects with significant impact on urban planning and environmental management. Engages in high-level advocacy and public relations on behalf of the firm and profession. | $225,000 - $300,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Registered Landscape Architect (RLA)
Achieving the Registered Landscape Architect designation demonstrates advanced proficiency in landscape architecture principles, which is crucial for ensuring compliance with the regulations and standards in civilian projects. This certification contributes to professional credibility and is often a requirement for higher-level positions in architecture and urban planning.
LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
The LEED AP certification signifies expertise in sustainable design, which is increasingly valued in civilian landscape architecture roles focused on environmentally friendly projects. Holding this credential can set professionals apart in competitive job markets, especially in firms that prioritize green building practices.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
PMP certification equips landscape architects with essential project management skills, allowing them to effectively oversee large-scale projects and manage budgets, timelines, and teams. This understanding is crucial in the civilian sector, where the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget is highly regarded.
Certified Arborist
Becoming a Certified Arborist ensures knowledge of tree health and management, which is vital in landscape design and maintenance within urban environments. This certification is particularly appealing to employers focused on sustainable land management and urban forestry initiatives.
Landscape Industry Certified Technician (LICT)
This certification provides hands-on knowledge of the landscaping maintenance and installation processes, which is beneficial for practical, field-based roles in the civilian sector. Employers often prefer candidates who have demonstrated technical competence along with theoretical understanding.
Environmental Planning Certificate
An Environmental Planning Certificate offers foundational knowledge in applying environmental principles to land use planning, which is critical for landscape architects working on projects that impact natural ecosystems. This credential can enhance job opportunities in both government and private sectors that focus on environmental sustainability.
Urban Planning Certificate
An Urban Planning Certificate provides skills in zoning, land use, and urban design, making it essential for landscape architects involved in city planning projects. This education bridges the gap between landscape architecture and urban development, making candidates more versatile in the job market.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-0807 Landscape Architecture role to the private sector can be an exciting and fruitful journey. This change can open new pathways for creativity, innovation, and professional growth. Here are some comprehensive tips to help you navigate this transition successfully:
Transitioning from the federal sector to the private sector will require a shift in how you think about work, productivity, and career progression. In the federal environment, processes can be lengthy and bureaucratic, while private-sector companies often emphasize agility, innovation, and rapid decision-making. Embrace these aspects as opportunities to enhance your work and contribute dynamically.
In the private sector, you'll need to think more in line with a business mindset. Understand the impact of your work on profitability and efficiency. This shift can help you sell your value better to potential employers and articulate how you can contribute to their bottom line.
The job search process can be challenging, so it's important to remain resilient. You might face competition from candidates with more private-sector experience. However, remember that your federal experience brings unique skills and perspectives that can set you apart.
One of the biggest challenges when moving to the private sector is translating your federal experience into terms that resonate with private employers. Use language that aligns with industry standards rather than federal jargon. For instance, instead of “managed a team of GS employees,” you could say “led a multidisciplinary team in the successful execution of multiple landscape design projects.”
Highlight quantifiable achievements from your federal role. For example, if you improved project efficiency or secured funding for a project, state it clearly: “Increased project efficiency by 20% through innovative design solutions and strategic planning.” Use metrics that demonstrate results and effectiveness.
Consider a functional resume format that emphasizes skills and accomplishments over chronological job history, especially if your past roles don’t directly align with the positions you are applying for. Start with a strong summary that includes your core competencies related to landscape architecture and project management.
Prepare for competency-based interview questions such as, "Can you give me an example of a challenging project you managed?" Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses effectively.
Be ready to discuss how your background brings a unique perspective to the position. You may be asked how your federal experience translates to corporate success; highlight your ability to work across various stakeholders, manage compliance, and deliver results under regulatory frameworks.
Express enthusiasm for the potential changes and opportunities that come with working in the private sector. Hiring managers often seek candidates who are genuinely excited about their company and the role.
Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with former colleagues, alumni, and industry professionals. Join landscape architecture groups or associations such as the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) to expand your network.
Reach out to individuals in positions that interest you for informational interviews. This practice will help you gain insights into industry trends and company culture while giving you an opportunity to practice your conversational skills.
Participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops related to landscape architecture. Networking at these events can lead to valuable connections and job leads. Be proactive and introduce yourself, discussing your transition and what you're looking for in new opportunities.
Familiarize yourself with terms commonly used in the industry. Understand the role of private organizations versus government roles in project development and execution.
Federal roles often require working with multiple agencies and stakeholders. Emphasize your experience in collaboration and leadership in a way that aligns with the private sector's drive for teamwork and flexibility in project management.
Showcase your capacity for innovation. Private sector roles frequently seek out candidates who can bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches to problem-solving.
Embarking on a career transition from a federal GS-0807 Landscape Architecture role to the private sector may seem daunting, but with the right mindset, approach, and resources, it can lead to rewarding opportunities. Focus on articulating your unique value, adapting to the new work environment, and actively networking to navigate this transition successfully. Embrace this new chapter with confidence, knowing that your experiences and skills can lead to making meaningful contributions in the private sector!