Launch Your Career as a Landscape Architect at Yosemite National Park

Few professions offer the chance to combine artistic design with the preservation of America's most treasured natural landscapes. As a Landscape Architect for the National Park Service (NPS) at Yosemite, you are not just designing for the future—you are protecting the historical integrity of one of the world's most famous wilderness areas. This temporary position is perfect for professionals passionate about resource stewardship.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead the identification, research, and treatment of cultural landscapes. Your core duties include:

Conducting on-site investigations to determine project feasibility.
Developing design alternatives that align with National Historic Preservation Act guidelines.
Preparing detailed cultural landscape reports and inventories.
Coordinating with interagency partners to meet stewardship goals.

Comparison: Office vs. Fieldwork

Feature	Office Environment	Fieldwork Requirements
Primary Focus	Design, Reporting, Planning	Site Analysis, Documentation
Physical Demand	Sedentary	Hiking, Walking, Driving
Terrain/Environment	Standard Office	Mountainous, Wilderness, Varied Weather

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must be U.S. citizens and possess the required degree in landscape architecture. You must demonstrate specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. A clean driving record is mandatory, as is the ability to work in remote and occasionally harsh environmental conditions.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $35.78 to $46.52, depending on qualifications and grade-level step placement within the GS-11 classification.

Benefits

Beyond the opportunity to work in a world-class park, employees receive a uniform allowance and may be eligible for telework options, providing a balance between essential on-site projects and modern work flexibility.

Application Tips

Keep your resume concise: strict 2-page limit.
Detail your hours: verify your experience with specific weekly hour counts.
Complete assessments early: give yourself enough time to finish the required USA Hire tests.

This role is a unique chance to combine your technical expertise with a love for conservation. If you are ready to contribute to the legacy of Yosemite National Park, ensure your application package is complete and submitted before the September 14, 2026, deadline.

Why This Landscape Architect (Temporary) Job Matters

Shape the future of America's most iconic landscapes as a Landscape Architect in the heart of Yosemite National Park.

Landscape Architect (Temporary) Job Overview

The National Park Service is seeking a talented and dedicated Landscape Architect to support cultural landscape management at Yosemite National Park. This temporary position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation, documentation, and stewardship of one of the world's most breathtaking natural and historic sites. The role involves a blend of office-based design and planning with essential fieldwork, ensuring that development projects remain compliant with federal regulations and historical preservation standards.

Requirements for Landscape Architect (Temporary)

Must be a U.S. citizen or National.
Must possess a degree in landscape architecture or landscape design, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level or higher, or possess a Ph.D./equivalent doctoral degree.
Must hold and maintain a valid driver's license.
Must register for Selective Service if born after 12/31/1959.
Must pass a background investigation and suitability check.
Must wear a provided uniform as per agency standards.

Preferred Qualifications for Landscape Architect (Temporary)

Demonstrated ability to conduct cultural landscape research and documentation.
Proficiency in applying federal policies such as the National Historic Preservation Act.
Experience in on-site project feasibility analysis and design alternatives.
Strong technical skills in landscape architectural software and project management.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly compensation.
✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of the Interior.
✓Uniform allowance provided.
✓Telework eligibility based on supervisory approval.
✓Access to federal health and insurance programs.

💡 How to Apply Landscape Architect (Temporary) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Landscape Architect (Temporary) Job

Review the full job announcement carefully on USAJobs.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages and follows all formatting constraints.
Gather supporting documents, including official or unofficial transcripts.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessments online.
Submit your application package through the online portal by 11:59 PM ET on September 14, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly states hours worked per week for every position to receive credit.
Double-check that your resume is under two pages with 10-point minimum font and 0.5-inch margins.
Do not include photographs in your application materials.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the required assessments; you can save progress if needed.
Use the 'Preview' link to familiarize yourself with the application questionnaire before starting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to the public?

Yes, this role is open to the public as well as those with career transition priority.

What is the physical nature of the work?

While the role is primarily sedentary in an office setting, it requires fieldwork on construction sites, which may involve hiking in mountainous terrain and driving in inclement weather.

Can I update my application after submitting?

Yes, you may edit your application through your USAJobs account as long as the announcement is still open.

Job from National Park Service

The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service are committed to protecting the nation's cultural and natural heritage. Working with the NPS means joining a team dedicated to ensuring that millions of visitors can experience the wonders of our park system for generations to come.