Sounds like you are talking with the lawn maintenance guy and not a landscape designer. There are different skillsets for landscaping and hardscape from design to implementation. The guy that mows the lawn doesn't do landscape design, just maintenance of what is there already. Your project is above the capacity of the person with whom you spoke IMO/IME.

Making steps wider and safer with different landings and gates is design :)

When you post the pics, there are others on this landscape forum that can help you with the design portion and once you have the actual design you can hire the appropriate person/company. The landscape designer will have contacts. Or a building contractor can implement the design. But take the extra time and effort to have a design. It will save you money, time and effort on the overall changes.

landscape contractor is still your best bet. Or start with a designer. I'm pretty sure most handyman-types don't spend a lot of time building outdoor staircases.

We did this project last year. While I'd much rather do a cast resin dragon shooting flames (who wouldn't?), a project like this has a lot of fascinating challenges. You just need to find yourself a similar landscape nerd for your project. Since you said "canyon" I'm guessing you're not in my service area, but there will be someone perfect for you. It's just going to take some phone calls and emails. Good luck!