Horticulture Manager

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club; Ponte Vedra Beach (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is seeking a Horticulture Manager to lead daily operations of the Horticulture and Grounds Department, ensuring the resort's landscape meets luxury hospitality standards. The role involves supervising staff, managing landscape quality, and collaborating with department leaders.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of relevant experience, a degree in Horticulture or a related field, and exceptional leadership and communication skills. Preferred qualifications include bilingual proficiency and familiarity with irrigation systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in landscape or grounds management.
• Previous supervisory experience required.
• Ability to obtain Florida State Pesticide Applicator Certification within six months.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of the Horticulture and Grounds Department.
• Conduct routine inspections of resort grounds.
• Supervise and train horticulture team members.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Landscape maintenance

Pest and disease management

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Horticulture or related field

Florida State Pesticide Applicator Certification

Tools

Irrigation systems

Landscape equipment

Job description

The Horticulture Manager is responsible for leading the daily operations of the Horticulture and Grounds Department while maintaining the resort's landscape to the highest luxury hospitality standards. This leadership role oversees landscape maintenance, horticultural practices, quality assurance, team development, and departmental operations to ensure the beauty, health, and presentation of the resort's grounds. Working closely with the Director of Horticulture and Grounds Superintendent, the Horticulture Manager ensures all exterior landscapes reflect the exceptional quality and service expected at a premier resort destination.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the daily operations of the Horticulture and Grounds Department.
• Collaborate with the Director of Horticulture and Grounds Superintendent to prioritize daily work assignments and long‑term landscape improvement projects.
• Conduct routine inspections of all resort grounds to ensure exceptional appearance, cleanliness, and plant health.
• Supervise, coach, train, schedule, and evaluate horticulture team members while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and developing departmental colleagues.
• Maintain high safety standards by ensuring compliance with company policies, equipment operation procedures, and industry best practices.
• Identify and troubleshoot landscape, irrigation, pest, disease, and maintenance concerns while implementing effective solutions.
• Monitor and maintain the health of tropical and subtropical plant materials throughout the resort, including interior and exterior landscapes.
• Coordinate landscape maintenance activities with hotel operations, conference services, catering, engineering, and other resort departments to minimize disruption to members and guests.
• Stay informed of emerging horticultural practices, landscape technologies, irrigation methods, and pest management techniques.
• Assist in managing departmental labor, operational efficiencies, and cost controls while protecting resort assets.
• Ensure all equipment and tools are properly maintained and operated safely.
• Complete performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities for team members.
• Promote exceptional member and guest service while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and attention to detail.
• Attend leadership meetings, departmental meetings, safety training, and all required company training.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Horticulture.

Education

• Degree or relevant certification in Horticulture, Landscape Management, Grounds Management, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English sufficiently to communicate effectively with members, guests, colleagues, and vendors.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in landscape, horticulture, or grounds management.
• Previous supervisory or management experience required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Florida State Pesticide Applicator Certification within six (6) months of employment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of horticulture, landscape maintenance, plant identification, pest and disease management, and grounds operations.
• Experience working with tropical and subtropical landscapes in a luxury resort, club, or commercial environment.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and water management practices is preferred.
• Familiarity with plant propagation methods is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Computer proficiency and administrative experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.
• Ability to walk the resort property daily while conducting inspections.
• Ability to safely operate motor vehicles and landscape equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, kneel, climb, reach, and perform physical tasks associated with landscape operations.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. Drug-Free Workplace. Source: Hospitality Online.