Horticulturist

Oxbow Pool and Landscape Contractors; Napa (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Horticulturist role at Oxbow Pool and Landscape Contractors supports landscape construction projects through plant sourcing, procurement, approvals, delivery coordination, field layout and planting quality control.

Working under the Senior Horticulturist, this position partners with Project Managers, Landscape Architects, clients, nurseries and field crews to ensure the right plants are selected, approved, delivered and installed for long-term thriving.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of horticulture, plant identification, plant health, nursery stock and landscape installation practices.
• Degree or coursework in horticulture, plant science, landscape architecture or a related field.
• Understanding of general landscape construction sequencing and installation practices.
• Ability to read and interpret planting plans and construction documents, or willingness to develop this skill with training.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Self-motivated, reliable, collaborative and willing to ask questions and learn.
• Valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Review construction documents, planting plans, specifications, estimates and contract scope related to planting work.
• Source plant material from qualified nurseries and vendors, gathering photos, availability, pricing and sizes for review and approval.
• Coordinate approvals of specimen trees, feature plants and substitutions with Landscape Architects, clients and general contractors.
• Order trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcovers and other plant material once approvals are in place.
• Inspect plant material for quality, size, form, health and compliance with project requirements.
• Schedule plant and tree deliveries and coordinate site access, staging and installation timing with Project Managers, coordinators and field crews.
• Assist with field layout and plant placement, providing horticultural recommendations. Design changes are reviewed and approved by the Landscape Architect or client before implementation.
• Support field crews during planting to ensure proper handling, soil preparation, planting depth, staking, guying and irrigation establishment.
• Help train field crews on plant handling, planting techniques and establishment care.
• Identify and promptly communicate errors, inconsistencies, unforeseen conditions or items not captured in project documents or proposals.
• Keep organized records of plant sourcing, orders, approvals, substitutions and deliveries.
• Communicate clearly, professionally and promptly with the Oxbow team and outside project partners.
• Report unsafe working conditions, injuries or safety concerns immediately, following Oxbow procedures.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Plant identification

Plant health

Landscape installation practices

Organizational skills

Verbal and written communication

Excel / Microsoft Office

Read and interpret plans

Team collaboration

Education

Degree or coursework in horticulture, plant science, landscape architecture or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Department:

Landscape Construction

Reports To:

Head of Project Management

Classification:

Full-Time Exempt

Schedule:

Monday–Friday, Day Shift

Location:

Napa office, with regular travel to job sites and nurseries across Napa, Sonoma, Marin and the greater Bay Area

About Oxbow

Oxbow Pool and Landscape Contractors (Oxbow PLC) is a leader in high-end residential landscape and pool construction throughout the greater Bay Area. Known for quality craftsmanship, thoughtful execution and strong client relationships, we build complex outdoor environments that bring design, function and beauty together.

Job Summary

The Horticulturist supports Oxbow's landscape construction projects through plant sourcing, procurement, approvals, delivery coordination, field layout and planting quality control. Working under the training and direction of the Senior Horticulturist, this role partners with Project Managers, Landscape Architects, clients, general contractors, nurseries and field crews to make sure the right plants are selected, approved, delivered and installed so they thrive long term.

This is a hands‑on role split between the office, nurseries and active job sites. It is a strong fit for someone with plant knowledge who wants to grow their career in high-end residential landscape construction.

Responsibilities

• Review construction documents, planting plans, specifications, estimates and contract scope related to planting work.
• Degree or coursework in horticulture, plant science, landscape architecture or a related field.
• Evaluate planting plans and site conditions for plant suitability, availability and potential conflicts; raise concerns with the Senior Horticulturist and Project Manager.
• Source plant material from qualified nurseries and vendors, gathering photos, availability, pricing and sizes for review and approval.
• Coordinate approvals of specimen trees, feature plants and substitutions with Landscape Architects, clients and general contractors. No substitutions are made without required approval.
• Order trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcovers and other plant material once approvals are in place.
• Inspect plant material for quality, size, form, health and compliance with project requirements.
• Schedule plant and tree deliveries and coordinate site access, staging and installation timing with Project Managers, coordinators and field crews.
• Assist with field layout and plant placement, providing horticultural recommendations. Design changes are reviewed and approved by the Landscape Architect or client before implementation.
• Support field crews during planting to ensure proper handling, soil preparation, planting depth, staking, guying and irrigation establishment.
• Help train field crews on plant handling, planting techniques and establishment care.
• Identify and promptly communicate errors, inconsistencies, unforeseen conditions or items not captured in project documents or proposals.
• Keep organized records of plant sourcing, orders, approvals, substitutions and deliveries.
• Communicate clearly, professionally and promptly with the Oxbow team and outside project partners.
• Report unsafe working conditions, injuries or safety concerns immediately, following Oxbow procedures.

Qualifications

Required

• Working knowledge of horticulture, plant identification, plant health, nursery stock and landscape installation practices.
• Degree or coursework in horticulture, plant science, landscape architecture or a related field.
• Understanding of general landscape construction sequencing and installation practices.
• Ability to read and interpret planting plans and construction documents, or willingness to develop this skill with training.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Self-motivated, reliable, collaborative and willing to ask questions and learn.
• Valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Experience in plant procurement, nursery operations or landscape construction.
• Knowledge of plants suited to Northern California climates.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Stand, sit, walk, bend, kneel, squat and twist for prolonged periods.
• Lift, carry, push and pull plant material and tools up to 25 pounds; heavier items with assistance or equipment.
• Work outdoors at active construction sites and nurseries in varying weather, including heat, cold, rain, dust, pollen and noise.
• Safely navigate uneven terrain and active construction environments.
• Visual ability to evaluate plant quality, condition, color, size and placement.
• Regular driving between the office, nurseries and job sites.

Note

This job description is not a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities. Duties may change at any time with or without notice. Oxbow Pool and Landscape Contractors is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.