Landscape Maintenance Crew Leader

Ryan Lawn & Tree; Waukee (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

100% ESOP

401(k) with company match

Uniforms provided

11 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday

17 PTO days

Job summary

RJ Lawn & Landscape in Iowa is seeking a Landscape Maintenance Crew Leader to guide a field crew on residential and commercial properties. This role pays $22.00–$26.00 per hour, based on experience, and requires leading crews, ensuring quality work, and maintaining safety protocols.

The position involves coordinating routes, inspecting equipment, and performing end-of-day tasks. Snow removal is included seasonally, with benefits and company commitments to safety.

Qualifications

• Background check and pre-employment drug screening.
• Ornamental Turf Applicator certification/license (3OT).
• Legally operate company vehicles with a valid Iowa driver’s license.
• Physically perform the work (lifting up to 50 lbs., uneven/rough terrain).
• Operate hand/power tools and bed maintenance equipment safely.
• Read and understand technical information.
• Demonstrate basic math skills and conversions.
• Lead and train crew members effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the assigned Landscape Maintenance crew on site, ensuring quality and safety standards on all properties.
• Review daily route schedule, locations, scope of work, and notes; confirm questions before departure.
• Inspect devices (iPhone/iCREWtek) and clock crew members in/out; verify equipment/materials.
• Brief crew between job sites on roles, tasks, and notes for each property.
• Survey properties for plant health, bed conditions, and scope discrepancies; report findings with photos if applicable.
• Ensure gates are closed/locked and crew perform bed maintenance, trimming, watering, and mulch work correctly.
• Record time/materials in iCREWtek for each site and clock out at end of day.
• Walk properties to verify quality; communicate with managers/customers about visits or issues.
• Report accidents, injuries, or damages to the Landscape Maintenance Manager; photograph damage when applicable.
• Confirm pesticide posting requirements are met for chemical treatments; follow safety protocols.
• End-of-day equipment cleanup, debris removal, and prep for next day.
• Inventory tools/equipment monthly with the Landscape Maintenance Manager.
• Attend company meetings and continuing education as required.
• Perform snow removal duties as assigned in winter.
• Promote safety procedures and company policies; uphold RJ Lawn & Landscape vision.

Skills

Lead and train crew

Communicate clearly

Problem solving

Read technical information

Math skills

Adaptability

Safety procedures

Education

3OT Ornamental Turf Certification/License

Tools

iCREWtek

Bed maintenance equipment

Job description

Landscape Maintenance Crew Leader

Job Type
Full-time

Description

Landscape Maintenance Crew Leader

Salary: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour, based on experience.

About The Role

Lead a Landscape Maintenance crew in the field to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality landscape maintenance services on assigned routes for new and existing customers in residential and commercial settings. Landscape Maintenance Crew Leader duties include on-site crew supervision, timekeeping, material recording, and ensuring bed maintenance, plant and shrub trimming, watering, mulch replenishment, and plant health treatment work is completed to RJ Lawn & Landscape standards.

What You'll Do

• Lead the assigned Landscape Maintenance crew on site and hold crew members to RJ Lawn & Landscape quality and safety standards on all assigned properties.
• Review daily route schedule prior to departure, including job site locations, scope of work, customer notes, and any site-specific instructions; ask pertinent questions before leaving for the job site.
• Inspect and confirm iPhone and iCREWtek devices are functioning properly; clock crew members in on iCREWtek and confirm needed equipment and materials before departure.
• Brief crew en route between job sites on roles, tasks, maintenance scope, and customer notes for each property.
• Park and secure company vehicle at each job site; survey each property on arrival for plant health issues, bed conditions, and scope discrepancies; report findings to the Landscape Maintenance Manager with photo documentation when applicable.
• Confirm all crew members understand their tasks and are performing bed maintenance, trimming, watering, and mulch work correctly; ensure gates are closed and locked before leaving each property.
• Record all time and materials in iCREWtek for each job site before leaving; clock crew members out of iCREWtek at end of day.
• Walk the property to verify quality before leaving each job site; communicate with property managers or customers about scheduled visits, access concerns, or plant health issues identified on site.
• Report accidents, injuries, property damage, absenteeism, and tardiness to the Landscape Maintenance Manager immediately; photograph any damage that occurred during the crew’s visit.
• Confirm Iowa pesticide application posting requirements are met on any property receiving chemical treatments; adhere to chemical handling and storage protocols throughout the day.
• Perform end-of-day equipment cleanup, debris removal, and preparation for the following day’s work.
• Work with the Landscape Maintenance Manager to inventory all tools, equipment, and supplies in the work vehicle monthly.
• Attend company meetings as requested for overall company development.
• Attend continuing education classes as required to maintain certifications.
• Perform snow removal duties as assigned, including frost patrol shifts during late fall and early spring, as part of year-round employment.
• Promote, demonstrate and enforce safety procedures & company policies.
• Support and enforce RJ Lawn & Landscape vision, mission, and core values.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• Pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening.
• Possess and maintain 3OT - Ornamental Turf Applicator certification/license.
• Legally operate company vehicles with a valid Iowa driver's license.
• Physically perform the work, including lifting up to 50 lbs.; bending, lifting, and walking on uneven, sloped, or rough terrain; shoveling sand, rock, dirt, and snow.
• Operate machinery and specialized equipment in a safe and effective manner, including but not limited to: hand tools, power tools, and bed maintenance equipment.
• Use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as necessary.
• Read and understand technical information competently.
• Demonstrate basic math skills and conversions.
• Lead and train crew members effectively.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills by identifying and resolving issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain adaptability in a dynamic work environment, managing competing demands and unexpected events.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively in both positive and challenging situations.

Measure of Accountability

• Adherence to route time budgets on assigned jobs.
• Crew quality on assigned routes and properties (customer compliments or complaints).
• Accuracy of time, material, and job note entries in iCREWtek.
• Attendance Record.

Reports to: Landscape Maintenance Manager

Why RJ Lawn & Landscape?

In addition to being a non-smoking, EEOC-compliant company with real advancement opportunities, we offer:

• Excellent benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) with company match
• Uniforms provided
• 11 paid holidays plus 1 floating personal holiday
• 17 Paid Time Off (PTO) days