Principal Landscape Architect

The Walt Disney Company is a world-class entertainment and technological leader. Walt’s passion was to continuously envision new ways to move audiences around the world—a passion that remains our touchstone in an enterprise that stretches from theme parks, resorts and a cruise line to sports, news, movies and a variety of other businesses. Uniting each endeavor is a commitment to creating and delivering unforgettable experiences — and we are constantly looking for new ways to enhance these exciting experiences. Bring your individual talents here and discover for yourself why a career with Disney is the opportunity you have been looking for.

“It takes people to make the dream a reality.” Walt was on to something when he said that, and it continues to ring true today. No matter the stage in your career, being a part of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts means being a part of a team where you help bring innovation to life through unsurpassed products, services and most importantly remarkable experiences. As a Cast Member you are the steward and connection to our legacy and the backbone of our thriving innovations. Join our team and watch your dreams come true.

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of Disney’s Parks and Resorts business segment. Representing more than 150 disciplines, its talented corps of Imagineers are responsible for the creation of Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions, hotels, water parks, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, cruise ships and new media technology projects.

About the Role & Team

The Landscape Architecture Studio is responsible for all exterior improvements including hardscape, grading, planting, irrigation and water features; research, studies, illustrations, imagery boards and colored renderings; and the integration of facility architecture, rockwork structural elements, lighting, graphics, and utilities for the Area Development of an individual facility/attraction, land, or theme park project.

You will report to the Landscape Architecture Studio Executive!

This is a [36]-month Project Hire position with no guarantee of permanent placement.

What You Will Do

• Responsible for Area development analysis and design for large or highly complex projects at the land level, or such projects that require advanced technical specialty, e.g. master planning, site planning and design, infrastructure planning, grading, irrigation, landscape design, horticultural knowledge, sustainability practices, construction methods, materials applications and specifications.
• Effect close collaboration with the Creative Director, Project Design Manager,  and other Project leadership for establishment of project goals, and design direction; lead implementation of Area Development design intent and support adherence to established project strategies, schedules and budgets
• Support development of landscape architectural specifications
• Primary responsibility for coordination and communication of Area Development design issues with the project lead
• Establish quality assurance and organization of design packages; guide and monitor landscape design team’s work efforts
• Demonstrate leadership through the building of effective design teams; organize landscape architecture staff, delegate tasks appropriately and responsibly and monitor work progress
• Serve as a technical expert, role model and mentor to junior staff

Required Qualifications & Skills

• China or U.S. Professional License credential
• Thorough knowledge and experience in the selection and use of plant and hardscape materials and products for thematic applications
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word and CADD, plus digital design tools such as Adobe Suite, 3D design software and BIM
• Knowledge of life cycle cost and present worth analysis of area development systems
• 12 or more years work experience in landscape architecture
• A minimum of five years leading a team of landscape architects and designers in the production of contract documents for construction
• Broad, in-depth knowledge of landscape architectural design and construction techniques.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of Disney resort and theme park Area Development history, storytelling, narrative design principles, goals and objectives; familiar with recent major developments in Disney’s global portfolios.

Preferred Qualifications

• Membership in one or more professional organizations such as American Society of Landscape Architects, Urban Land Institute, Construction Specifications Institute, U.S. Green Building Council, International Society of Arboriculture, or Green Roof Association is desirable

Education

• A BLA/BSLA degree from an accredited program
• An advanced degree in landscape architecture, horticulture or land planning is desirable

Disability accommodation for employment applications

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

The Walt Disney Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.