Landscape Agronomy Operations Manager

Mainscape; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mainscape seeks a Landscape Agronomy Manager to develop and oversee agronomic programs for turfgrass, trees, shrubs, and ornamental plant material across commercial and residential properties. You will lead IPM strategies, calibration of equipment, and staff training to ensure high-quality landscapes and safe practices.

Responsibilities include implementing fertility programs, monitoring plant performance, and maintaining records while driving sustainability and client satisfaction across

Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in commercial landscape management, turfgrass management, golf course management, or ornamental horticulture.
• Strong knowledge of turfgrass species, landscape plants, soil science, irrigation, fertility, and pest management.
• Pesticide application and equipment calibration experience.
• Leadership and employee training abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee fertility, soil health, and plant nutrition programs for turfgrass and ornamental landscapes.
• Design and manage Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for weeds, insects, and plant diseases.
• Develop seasonal agronomic recommendations based on environmental conditions, soil testing, and plant performance.
• Evaluate new fertilizers, pesticides, biological products, and cultural practices through field trials.
• Conduct routine site inspections to evaluate turf quality, plant health, irrigation performance, and overall landscape conditions.
• Diagnose turf and ornamental plant issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor irrigation efficiency and recommend water management strategies to support healthy landscapes while conserving resources.
• Perform fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, and other agronomic applications as needed to support field operations, demonstrate best practices, ensure quality standards, or assist during peak workloads.
• Train field personnel on proper application techniques, plant identification, turf management practices, calibration, and safety procedures.
• Collaborate with operations managers and branch teams to improve landscape quality and operational efficiency.
• Support business development by providing technical expertise during client meetings and presentations.
• Maintain accurate records of agronomic programs, site evaluations, pesticide applications, and product performance.
• Stay informed on emerging research, products, and industry best practices related to turfgrass and ornamental horticulture.

Skills

Turfgrass management

Soil science

Irrigation management

IPM

Pesticide application

Equipment calibration

Leadership

Data analysis

Budget planning

Client relations

Education

Pesticide applicator license

Certified Arborist/ Landscape Professional

Tools

Spray equipment

Spreaders

Job description

The Landscape Agronomy Manager is responsible for developing and managing agronomic programs that promote the health, quality, and sustainability of turfgrass, trees, shrubs, and ornamental plant material across commercial and residential landscapes. This position provides technical expertise to operations teams, monitors plant and turf performance, develops fertility and integrated pest management (IPM) programs, and ensures best management practices are implemented to deliver exceptional landscape quality. The role also includes performing fertilizer, pesticide, and other agronomic applications as needed to support operations, train field personnel, or address staffing and operational demands.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The essential duties and responsibilities are listed below. Other duties may be assigned.

Agronomic Programs:

• Develop and oversee fertility, soil health, and plant nutrition programs for turfgrass and ornamental landscapes.
• Design and manage Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for weeds, insects, and plant diseases.
• Develop seasonal agronomic recommendations based on environmental conditions, soil testing, and plant performance.
• Evaluate new fertilizers, pesticides, biological products, and cultural practices through field trials.

Site Inspections & Diagnostics:

• Conduct routine site inspections to evaluate turf quality, plant health, irrigation performance, and overall landscape conditions.
• Diagnose turf and ornamental plant issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor irrigation efficiency and recommend water management strategies to support healthy landscapes while conserving resources.

Applications & Compliance:

• Perform fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, and other agronomic applications as needed to support field operations, demonstrate best practices, ensure quality standards, or assist during peak workloads.
• Ensure all applications are performed safely and in compliance with product labels and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Training:

• Train field personnel on proper application techniques, plant identification, turf management practices, calibration, and safety procedures.

Business Development & Records:

• Collaborate with operations managers and branch teams to improve landscape quality and operational efficiency.
• Support business development by providing technical expertise during client meetings and presentations.
• Maintain accurate records of agronomic programs, site evaluations, pesticide applications, and product performance.
• Stay informed on emerging research, products, and industry best practices related to turfgrass and ornamental horticulture.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility and duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience:

• Five or more years of experience in commercial landscape management, turfgrass management, golf course management, or ornamental horticulture.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of turfgrass species, landscape plants, soil science, irrigation, fertility, and pest management.
• Turfgrass and ornamental plant diagnostics.
• Soil fertility and nutrient management.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Pesticide application and equipment calibration.
• Irrigation auditing and water management.
• Leadership and employee training.
• Data analysis and problem-solving.
• Customer relationship management.
• Budget planning and program development.

Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations:

• Current state pesticide applicator license or the ability to obtain and maintain one.
• Certified Arborist, Certified Landscape Professional, Certified Crop Adviser, or similar professional certification is preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk large properties and inspect landscapes.
• Ability to operate spray equipment, spreaders, and other application equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions:

• Regular travel between client properties and branch locations.

SUCCESS MEASURES

• Improved turf quality and plant health across managed properties.
• Reduced pest pressure through effective IPM strategies.
• Efficient fertilizer and water use.
• High-quality, compliant agronomic applications.
• Increased client satisfaction and landscape quality scores.
• Compliance with all environmental and safety regulations.

Enhanced training and technical competency