Landscape Architect onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: State landscape architect license, LARE (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: autoCAD; sketchUp and Rhino; adobe Creative Suite; GIS
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Landscape Architect training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Use PPE on construction sites
Watch for traffic and equipment during site visits
Design for accessibility and safety
Follow codes and standards
Shadow an experienced landscape architect through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: conduct a site analysis
Supervised practice: design a rain garden
Supervised practice: present a design to the public
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Analyze sites and client needs: independently
Develop design concepts: independently
Select plants and materials: independently
Plan grading and drainage: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, State landscape architect license)
Discuss the career path: Landscape Designer → Licensed Landscape Architect → Project Manager
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Conduct a Site Analysis
Design a Rain Garden
Present a Design to the Public
Site design
CAD and design software
Plant knowledge
Grading and drainage

How to measure onboarding success

Time to independent work
Injuries and equipment damage
Quality checks, client complaints or animal outcomes
Seasonal return rate

How Landscape Architect training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Landscape Architect Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Landscape Architect Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Landscape Architect Career
Final Knowledge Check

Get team pricing

Landscape Architect Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)