Introduction
Landscape architecture in local government is all about places and spaces.  A landscape architect could be involved in designing any number of outdoor areas, from an inner city park or urban regeneration project, to a woodland play area or a historic garden.
Local government landscape architects are employed in most large councils, usually within the parks, leisure or cultural services department.

Work Environment
Local government landscape architects are usually office based, but generally do a significant amount of outdoor work too.
Hours of work are usually a standard 37 per week.

Daily Activities
Local government landscape architects plan, design and manage outdoor spaces that are fit for purpose, attractive and sustainable.  They regenerate and develop old, neglected landscapes and design and create new ones.
Their duties might include some or all of the following:

• agreeing a design brief with clients;
• preparing drawings, sketches and cost estimates;
• developing detailed design proposals and health and safety plans;
• preparing tenders and contract documentation;
• writing technical reports;
• carrying out site visits to make surveys or supervise works in progress;
• keeping accurate records of designs, costs and monitoring visits;
• providing landscape advice to colleagues within the council, for example, to planning officers regarding the impact of planning applications and redevelopments;
• working in partnership with other professionals during the design and implementation process, for example, engineers, architects and planners;
• dealing with enquiries and consulting the public about new landscape design projects.

A local government landscape architect’s work will depend on their location.  In rural areas the emphasis might be on agricultural, forest and tourist landscapes, whilst in urban areas the work is often concerned with the regeneration of public housing areas, road works, parks and other recreation areas.
 
Skills & Interests
Local government landscape architects need:

• excellent graphic design and IT skills,
• good communication skills,
• accuracy and attention to detail,
• creativity and innovative problem solving skills,
• good report writing skills,
• project management skills.

 
Entry Requirements
To become fully qualified you need to become a full Member of the Landscape Institute (MLI).
You should start by gaining a degree accredited by the Landscape Institute.  Entry to an undergraduate degree is usually with a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.  Postgraduate courses are available for those who already hold a first degree.  A list of accredited university courses is available on the Landscape Institute website.

Once you have successfully gained your degree, you will also gain Associate Membership of the Landscape Institute.  If you have gained relevant work experience rather than the accredited degree, you may also be able to gain Associate Membership.
In order to work towards your full MLI, you need to complete the Pathway to Chartership.  This is about developing knowledge and experience through professional practice.  Individuals progress at their own pace on the pathway, but most people need about two years before they are ready to complete the final oral exam, the successful achievement of which, leads to full MLI status.
Once you become an MLI, you have the right to use the title Chartered Landscape Architect.  However, continuous professional development is required throughout your career in order to ensure your skills are up to date. 

Estimated salary range
Those local government landscape architects with Associate Membership working towards MLI can expect to earn around £16,000 – £20,000.
Chartered Landscape Architects can expect to earn £20,000 to £32,000 depending on experience.
 
Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities
There is a clear professional development from Associate to Full Member of the Landscape Institute.  Those with more experience may progress into senior/principal landscape architect roles.  There may also be opportunities to progress into management, either within the landscape design department, or more widely across other local council departments, such as architecture, building control and planning. 

Related Occupations
Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Building Your Community.
Further Information & Services

Lantra www.lantra.co.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under HB.

What should I do next?
Look for current local government Landscape Architect vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - our official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.