To become a landscape engineer is a process that begins with obtaining a degree and ends with working as an intern for an already licensed local engineer. The student must have an understanding of basic landscape designs and concepts, as well as being up-to-date with local and federal regulations. During and after the education process, it is necessary to conduct various amounts of research in an attempt to learn as much as possible about the local soil and plants in the area in which business will be conducted. Different areas of the world will have different requirements and needs, so choosing a specific area and becoming a local expert is a task that has to be accomplished while obtaining the required degree.
The path to become a landscape engineer begins with obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture and engineering. Some of the subjects that will be covered will be Botany, Agronomy, Forestry, Ecology, Geochemistry, Geology, Biology, Hydrogeology, Agricultural Sciences, Horticultural Sciences, Landscape Mining, Engineering, and Architecture. This degree can easily be obtained by attending a college or university campus, or by finding an accredited online school and completing the courses that they require.
The second step to be taken, while obtaining a degree, in order to become a landscape engineer is to do numerous amounts of research. Knowing the various plants, as well as the different soil types, is the main stepping stone to becoming a landscape engineer. It’s also good to take courses that familiarize the student with environment regulations of the area where the work will be done in. While taking the time to obtain a degree, a wealth of excess knowledge can be learned, and retained for use when the student begins working in the field.
In order to start practicing as a landscape engineer, it is essential to pass the L.A.R.E. exam. The Landscape Architect Registration Examination, developed by The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards, is a measure to determine the knowledge, abilities and skills of landscape engineer applicants. The test is to be registered online and then taken on the exam date. The applicant will have to complete two sections in this exam; a multiple choice section and a graphic section which the applicant must pass. L.A.R.E. serves as a license to become a landscape architect, which is a field that an engineer must be proficient in and is required to become a landscape engineer.
The final step that needs to be taken will be to find a local firm that has a licensed landscape engineer and apply for an internship. Once accepted and field work begins, learn everything possible by following directions and asking questions. Field experience is the best way to learn about how to become a landscape engineer, and if possible, spend as much time as possible working with the various virtual design programs that the firm has.