• Prepare site plans, specifications, and cost estimates for land development, coordinating arrangement of existing and proposed land features and structures.

• Confer with clients, engineering personnel, and architects on overall program.

• Compile and analyze data on conditions such as location, drainage, and location of structures for environmental reports and landscaping plans.

• Inspect landscape work to ensure compliance with specifications, approve quality of materials and work, and advise client and construction personnel.

• Develop, design, or create new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

• Provide documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Career Profile

Sources: Occupational Information Network, O*Net Online, http:/online.onetcenter.org.** U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://stats.bls.gov/oco

Do YouLike

The Typeof Work

A weekly series devoted to providing information on career exploration Brad S. Thimke Sr., speaks athttp://www.chroniclet.com/Nie

United 2006 Yearly $34,200 $55,100 $95,400States

Ohio 2006 Yearly $34,400 $46,600 $77,400

ClevelandElyria- 2006 Yearly $41,000 $45,600 $50,300Mentor, OH MSA

Source: Occupational Information Network, O*Net Online, http:/online.onetcenter.org

• Managing one’s own time and the time of others?• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time

to understand the points being made, and asking questions as appropriate?

• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems?

• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions?

• Using mathematics to solve problems?

EarningsPotential

to increase by 16 percent during the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Landscape architects held about 28,000 jobs in 2006. Employment will grow because the expertise of landscape architects will be sought after in the planning and development of new construction to meet the needs of a growing population. With land costs rising and the public desiring more beautiful spaces, the importance of good site planning and landscape design is growing.

JobOutlook

• Appreciate nature, enjoy working with their hands, and possess strong analytical skills.

• Have creative vision and artistic talent.

• Possess good oral communication skills.

• Are able to convey their ideas to other professionals and clients and to make presentations before large groups.

• Have strong writing skills, knowledge of computer applications of all kinds, including word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheets to develop presentations, proposals, reports, and land impact studies for clients, colleagues, and superiors. Are able to draft and design using CAD software.

• Have an understanding of the day-to-day operations of the business, including how to win clients, generate fees, and work within a budget.

WhatEmployersLook For

to be licensed. While requirements vary among the states, they usually include a degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school, work experience, and the passage of the Landscape Architect Registration Exam. In 2007, 61 colleges and universities offered 79 undergraduate and graduate programs in landscape architecture that were accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Courses required in these programs usually include subjects such as surveying, landscape design and construction, landscape ecology, site design, and urban and regional planning. Other courses include history of landscape architecture, plant and soil science, geology, professional practice, and general management.

Pathwaysto Success

Local Education Websites

Lorain County JVSwww.lcjvs.com

Lorain County Community Collegewww.lorainccc.edu

NAME: Brad S. Thimke Sr.,Designer/Project Manager

COMPANY: Don Mould’s Plantation Inc.

Q. When you were a young child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A. I wanted to be a millionaire . . . not quite there yet.

Q. How did you become interested in your particular field?A. My great grandfather had a nursery and I guess it is in my blood. I

love to be outside.

Q. Who or what influenced your decision the most and why?A. This started as a summer and part time job. After high school, it

became full time and the next thing I know, it is 25 years later.

Q. What is your educational background?A. I graduated in 1986 from Elyria Catholic High School, and attended

LCCC off and on. Mostly I am self taught. If you can read, you can teach yourself.

Q. What was the most critical class or training you took and why?A. Life! There are no classes out there that teach what you can

experience and learn from life.

Q. How did you get to where you are today? What path did your employment journey take?

A. I am 40 years old and have been with the Mould’s for 25 years. The company has been very diversified and I find myself going in different directions. It is never boring.

Q. What skills do you think are needed to be successful in this field?Q. You have to love to be outside and have a sense of creativity.

Become a certified landscape technician, take some horticulture classes or pursue a bachelor degree in design or horticulture.

Q. Did you have any words of advice for someone considering a career in your field?

A. Work in the field first. This field can be very rewarding but, can take its toll on you physically. Not a good career if you have severe allergies or a bad back. So stay in shape.

Landscape Architects