Definition of Occupation

Plans, designs, preserves, restores and manages land development projects and outdoor environments; integrates artificial structures--buildings, roads, walkways--with site's natural features--topography, vegetation, water, drainage, wildlife and climate; ensures design is functional, aesthetically meaningful and environmentally sensitive. Sites can include commercial, industrial, residential developments, open space and public land, waterfronts/marinas, recreational/cultural areas, pedestrian/vehicular circulation and school campuses. May direct an entire project or may focus on one phase of work or one specialty area such as land reclamation. Employed by architectural firms, firms that provide landscape architecture services, residential and commercial real estate developers, city planning commissions and state and federal agencies. About one-fifth self-employed.

DO NOT CONFUSE with Landscaper/Nursery Worker, who deals with the planting and growing of vegetation.