Elevation

Term from Landscaping industry explained for recruiters

Elevation refers to the height differences and contours of land in landscaping projects. It's like a detailed plan showing how the ground goes up and down across a property. Landscapers use elevations to plan gardens, drainage systems, and outdoor features. Think of it as a side-view drawing that shows how everything will look from ground level up, including slopes, steps, walls, and planting areas. This term is important because it helps landscapers communicate their vision to clients and ensures water flows away from buildings properly.

Examples in Resumes

Created detailed elevation plans for residential landscaping projects

Managed complex elevation changes in hillside garden designs

Implemented proper elevation grading for drainage in commercial properties

Typical job title: "Landscape Designers"

Also try searching for:

Landscape Architect Landscape Designer Grading Specialist Site Planner Landscape Project Manager Garden Designer

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle challenging elevation changes in a sloped property?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss assessment methods, explain solutions like retaining walls or terracing, and mention how they consider factors like soil stability, drainage, and local regulations.

Q: Describe a complex elevation project you managed and how you solved any challenges.

Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate project management skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with large-scale elevation changes while keeping client budget in mind.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when planning elevation changes for drainage?

Expected Answer: Should mention water flow direction, minimum slope requirements, soil types, local rainfall patterns, and how to prevent water from pooling near structures.

Q: How do you communicate elevation plans to clients who might not understand technical drawings?

Expected Answer: Should discuss use of visual aids, simple explanations, physical examples, or 3D renderings to help clients understand the proposed changes.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the minimum slope needed for proper drainage away from a building?

Expected Answer: Should know basic standards like the typical 2% minimum slope away from foundations and be able to explain why this is important.

Q: How do you measure elevation changes on a property?

Expected Answer: Should be familiar with basic measuring tools and techniques like string levels, laser levels, or transit levels for determining height differences.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic elevation measurements
  • Simple grading calculations
  • Understanding of drainage principles
  • Ability to read landscape plans

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex grading plans
  • Retaining wall design
  • Drainage system planning
  • Client communication skills

Senior (5+ years)

  • Large-scale project management
  • Advanced problem-solving for difficult sites
  • Team leadership
  • Complex site analysis

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to read basic elevation plans
  • No knowledge of proper drainage slopes
  • Lack of experience with measuring tools
  • Poor understanding of water flow principles