Firm Profile
BENCH Site Design is a 5-person landscape architecture firm located in Kelowna, BC. We strive to create places that appeal to the senses, improve with time and use, foster ecological literacy and connect people with the landscapes they inhabit. We deeply value the relationships we build along the way - with clients, consultants, builders and users.
As a small firm in a growing city in the Okanagan Valley, we work on a unique blend of rural and urban project types. A few of our current projects include a 60-acre biodynamic winery in the South Okanagan, separated bikeways in downtown Kelowna, a trail network redevelopment for Summerland's Giant's Head Mountain, and a suite of interpretive amenities along the 50-km Okanagan Rail Trail. We are also working on several residential and mixed-use buildings that are targeting Living Building Challenge or Passive House certification.
Position
We are seeking to fill a Junior Landscape Designer position. The successful candidate must have an excellent design sense and an enthusiasm for collaboration and learning. High proficiency in AutoCAD, Creative Suite and SketchUp or Rhino are required. GIS, Map 3D or Civil 3D experience would be considered an asset, as would strong hand graphic skills. If you have a background in ecology, graphic design, civil engineering, planning, social justice, farming, art, arboriculture or construction, tell us about it. All of these things are relevant to the kind of landscape architecture that we practice. Applicants for this position should possess the following:
- A degree in landscape architecture, a diploma in landscape architectural technology, or a degree in environmental design
- Up to 2 years of professional experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Superb time management and organizational skills, and an ability to prioritize tasks within a constantly evolving workflow
- An interest in being involved in projects from schematic design through contract administration, and a desire to learn the skills necessary to do so
- A Class 5 BC drivers license (or equivalent)
- Curiosity, empathy and a sense of humour
Because of our firm's small size, attitude, self-motivation and initiative to solve problems are particularly important to us. Our intention is to cultivate an office of collaborative and conscientious individuals with diverse skills, interests and life experiences. The ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate a desire to continually learn and grow; we are keen to teach and mentor.
We are committed to maintaining a healthy office culture and work-life balance; overtime for our staff is a rare exception rather than the rule. We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, and benefits including a health spending account (HSA), a monthly sustainable transportation/fitness allowance, and support for professional registration with the BCSLA.
How to apply:
Please send a resume and portfolio to [email protected] (maximum attachment size of 15MB) prior to 4pm on Thursday, March 14, along with a cover letter telling us about yourself and why you are interested in the position. Some applicants may be contacted prior to the closing date. We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
