Horticulture Apprenticeship Program Manager

Louisville Grows Inc; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Louisville Grows Inc. seeks an experienced Horticulture Apprenticeship Program Manager to plan, execute, and maintain community grounds and landscaping for our workforce development program.

The role combines hands-on leadership and teaching, overseeing a team of up to 15, managing schedules and budgets, and coordinating with vendors while ensuring safe, regenerative outdoor environments. This full-time, on-site position offers health benefits and opportunities for growth within a mission-driven

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in landscaping, grounds management, or a related field.
• Proven supervisory or team leadership experience with teaching capabilities.
• Proficiency in regenerative landscape and horticulture practices, including plant and pest identification, weed control, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Valid driver's license; pesticide applicator license a plus, or willing to obtain within the first 3 months of employment.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform physical tasks.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with scheduling and billing.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day landscaping operations, including trimming, planting, irrigation, fertilization, and seasonal cleanup.
• Develop and maintain a grounds maintenance schedule to ensure consistent, high-quality results year-round.
• Oversee pest control and weed management.
• Monitor plant health and recommend treatments or replacements as needed.
• Teach and supervise workforce crew members as part of the horticulture apprenticeship program.
• Conduct curriculum reviews and provide ongoing training.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and pride in artistry.
• Manage the landscaping budget, track expenses, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Manage relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Review bids for major projects.

Skills

Grounds management

Supervisory experience

Teaching capabilities

Regenerative landscaping

Pesticide applicator license

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, motivated Horticulture Apprenticeship Program Manager to oversee the planning, execution, and maintenance of community grounds and landscaping for our horticulture workforce development program. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader and teacher who takes pride in creating and sustaining beautiful, safe, and well-maintained regenerative outdoor environments.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Maintenance

• Manage day-to-day landscaping operations, including trimming, planting, irrigation, fertilization, and seasonal cleanup.
• Develop and maintain a grounds maintenance schedule to ensure consistent, high-quality results year-round.d
• Oversee pest control and weed management
• Monitor plant health and recommend treatments or replacements as needed
• Teach and supervise workforce crew members as part of the horticulture apprenticeship program
• Conduct curriculum reviews and provide ongoing training
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and pride in artistry
• Manage the landscaping budget, track expenses, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Manage relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Review bids for major projects

Planning & Stakeholder Communication

• Collaborate with leadership to plan seasonal enhancements and special projects.s
• Walk properties regularly to identify issues and proactively communicate recommendations.
• Prepare reports on project status, crew performance, and budget utilization.n

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all operations comply with local ordinances, environmental regulations, and safety standards
• Maintain equipment maintenance logs and ensure proper storage and handling of chemicals and materials
• Enforce OSHA safety standards and conduct regular safety training

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in landscaping, grounds management, or a related field
• Proven supervisory or team leadership experience with teaching capabilities
• Proficiency in regenerative landscape and horticulture practices, including plant and pest identification, weed control, irrigation, and fertilization
• Valid driver's license; pesticide applicator license a plus, or willing to obtain within the first 3 months of employment
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform physical tasks
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with scheduling and billing
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds and engage in constant standing and walking
• Insurable driving record
• Creative problem-solving skills and a team-oriented mindset

This is a full-time position with occasional weekend hours, supervising up to 15 employees.

What We Offer

At Louisville Grows, we care for the people who care for our city. We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with health, dental, and vision insurance. You'll enjoy paid time off and holidays to rest and recharge. Beyond the day-to-day, we're invested in your growth, with real opportunities for professional development and advancement as you build your career with us. Join a team that's rooted in community, driven by purpose, and growing something bigger than any one of us.