Horticulturalist/ Experienced Maintenance Professional

Yarrow Landscape Design; Byron Bay; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Yarrow Landscape Design seeks an experienced Horticulturalist for ongoing maintenance of residential gardens in the Byron Bay/Northern Rivers area. You will work on-site with autonomy, planning tasks seasonally and maintaining the original design intent.

Ideal candidates have solid plant knowledge, can identify issues, and communicate professionally with clients. Flexible 15–18 hours weekly, with growth potential in a design-led studio.

Qualifications

• Solid plant knowledge across a broad range of species.
• Ability to identify issues and propose appropriate actions.
• Understanding pruning and seasonal maintenance best practices.
• Work autonomously and take responsibility for outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Independently maintain gardens to a high standard and pristine presentation.
• Identify plants, pests, diseases and nutrient issues and respond.
• Plan seasonal tasks and anticipate garden needs ahead of time.
• Prune and shape shrubs in line with design vision.
• Weed, mulching, soil improvement, and general care tasks.
• Communicate progress and issues with clients clearly.
• Manage time across multiple properties and stay consistent.
• Coordinate and direct an additional gardener when needed.
• Support small landscape improvements and pathways work.

Skills

Plant identification

Plant care knowledge

Time management

Client communication

Education

Horticultural qualifications

Job description

Horticulturalist/ Experienced Maintenance Professional

You'll be responsible for the ongoing care and presentation of a portfolio of established residential gardens. This is a hands-on horticultural role offering autonomy, flexibility and room to grow. You'll be trusted to manage gardens with a high degree of independence, understanding what each garden needs, planning seasonal work, identifying and addressing issues, and maintaining the original design intent. You'll work directly with clients, so confidence, professionalism and excellent communication are just as important as your gardening skills.

Key responsibilities

• Independently maintain gardens to an exceptional standard, with an eye for detail and overall presentation
• Identify plants, understand their growing requirements and recognise pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies and other horticultural issues
• Plan and initiate seasonal garden tasks, anticipating what each garden needs rather than simply following a checklist
• Prune and shape shrubs and plants in keeping with the landscape designer's vision
• Undertake planting, weeding, appropriate weed control, deadheading, garden grooming and general horticultural care
• Identify when gardens need additional attention, including mulching, soil improvement, plant replacement and seasonal refreshes
• Communicate confidently and professionally with clients, building trusted relationships and providing updates on garden care and any issues identified
• Manage time effectively across multiple properties, prioritising work and maintaining a consistent standard
• Coordinate and direct an additional gardener or assistant when required
• Undertake small garden improvement projects such as installing stepping stones, refreshing gravel or decomposed granite paths, and other minor landscape enhancements

About you

• Solid plant knowledge and ability to confidently identify a broad range of plants and understand their care requirements
• Ability to recognise when something isn't right in a garden, investigate the cause and recommend an appropriate response
• Understanding of pruning, plant health, seasonal maintenance and the finer details that distinguish a well-maintained garden from an exceptional one
• Work independently, anticipate what needs doing and take responsibility for the end result
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to plan and prioritise work without needing constant direction
• Clear, warm and professional communication with clients
• Pride in workmanship, respect for original design intent and understanding of the importance of discretion when working in private homes
• Reliable, organised, physically capable of hands-on gardening work and comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions
• Current driver's licence and ability to travel between properties across the region
• Formal horticultural qualifications are highly regarded, but demonstrated experience, sound plant knowledge and a strong work ethic are equally important
• Approximately 15–18 hours per week to start, with flexibility in how your working days are arranged
• Opportunity to work in beautifully designed, established residential gardens across the Northern Rivers
• Quality tools and equipment supplied, with the possibility of a work vehicle arrangement
• Close working relationship with a landscape designer, with clear design direction and support when needed
• Autonomy and trust to organise your work and take ownership of your gardens
• Opportunity to grow with a small, design-led business, with the potential to progress into a garden maintenance management role and help build a team
• Possibility of expanding hours and responsibilities as the business grows

About us

Yarrow is a boutique landscape design and garden care business working with private residential clients across the Byron Bay and Northern Rivers region. We care for thoughtfully designed gardens that deserve a high standard of ongoing horticultural care, attention to detail and an understanding of the landscape as a whole.