Landscape Operations Manager

San Diego Building Services Inc.; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefits

401K

11 Paid Holidays

Pet Insurance

Company Vehicle

Company Cell Phone

Company Laptop

Accrued Vacation

Sick Pay

Job summary

San Diego Building Services Inc. in San Diego, CA, seeks a Landscape Operations Manager to lead daily landscape maintenance across multiple sites, coordinating crews, scheduling work orders, and optimizing labor and materials.

This salaried role requires 5+ years in commercial landscape management, strong irrigation knowledge, proven leadership, and the ability to read landscape plans; the position offers hybrid work and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of commercial landscape maintenance experience.
• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation systems.
• Experience managing multiple commercial properties.
• Ability to read landscape plans and irrigation drawings.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Valid California Driver License with clean driving record.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily schedules for landscape maintenance and enhancement crews.
• Assign routes, work orders, and project priorities.
• Monitor labor productivity and job completion.
• Ensure all work is completed according to company quality standards.
• Conduct routine site inspections and quality control reviews.
• Assist in developing efficient work schedules to maximize labor utilization.
• Coordinate emergency service requests and priority work orders.
• Monitor department profitability by tracking labor hours and production.
• Support proposal preparation for new and existing clients.

Skills

Irrigation knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Microsoft Office

Driver license

Landscape plans

Project coordination

Budgeting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Description

San Diego Building Services Inc., founded in 2017, provides comprehensive facility services to commercial, industrial, retail, and office properties throughout San Diego County. The company focuses on supporting the local real estate industry with reliable, professional services tailored to each client's needs. Through an integrated team approach and thoughtful decision-making, San Diego Building Services has earned strong client relationships and sustained growth. The organization currently offers Security Services, Power Washing, Day Porter, Landscaping, and Lot Management Services, creating opportunities for team members to work across multiple service lines.

Role Description

The Landscape Operations Manager is a full-time, hybrid role based in San Diego, CA, with some flexibility for work from home. This role oversees day-to-day landscape operations, including scheduling crews, assigning work orders, and monitoring job progress across multiple sites. The manager ensures quality standards, safety protocols, and compliance with client contracts, while optimizing labor, materials, and equipment usage. Responsibilities include supervising field staff, conducting site inspections, resolving service issues, and coordinating with clients and internal teams. The role also involves supporting budgeting and cost control, reviewing invoices, preparing reports, and contributing to process improvements and best practices in landscape maintenance and enhancement projects.

Operations Management

• Coordinate daily schedules for landscape maintenance and enhancement crews.
• Assign routes, work orders, and project priorities.
• Monitor labor productivity and job completion.
• Ensure all work is completed according to company quality standards.
• Conduct routine site inspections and quality control reviews.
• Assist in developing efficient work schedules to maximize labor utilization.
• Coordinate emergency service requests and priority work orders.
• Monitor department profitability by tracking labor hours and production.
• Interest and skill in recommending plant material upgrades for client properties

Field Supervision

• Supervise Field Superintendent, landscape foremen and field employees.
• Provide training and coaching to improve employee performance.
• Ensure crews follow company safety policies and OSHA requirements.
• Conduct job-site visits to inspect workmanship and provide direction.
• Resolve field issues involving employees, clients, irrigation systems, or landscape deficiencies.
• Verify proper use and maintenance of equipment and vehicles.
• Work with crews as necessary to meet time and completion goals for irrigation repairs, material installations and maintenance functions.
• Ensure crews maintain professional appearance and customer service standards.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Prepare daily and weekly work schedules.
• Maintain employee timecards and labor reports.
• Process work orders and service requests.
• Assist with estimating enhancement projects.
• Order landscaping materials and coordinate vendor deliveries.
• Track inventory of tools, irrigation supplies, fertilizers, and equipment.
• Maintain client files and service documentation.
• Prepare reports regarding completed work, labor costs, and department performance.
• Assist with invoicing by ensuring completed work orders are submitted promptly.

Client Relations

• Serve as a primary point of contact for landscape clients.
• Respond to client questions and service requests.
• Conduct property walks with clients and property managers.
• Identify opportunities for enhancement projects and additional services.
• Follow up on client concerns to ensure satisfaction.

Landscape Knowledge

• Irrigation troubleshooting and repair
• Plant identification and care
• Tree and shrub pruning
• Turf management
• Weed control practices
• Pest and disease identification
• Seasonal color installations
• Soil amendments
• Water management and conservation
• Commercial landscape maintenance standards
• Monitor labor costs and overtime.
• Assist with departmental budgeting.
• Track material purchases and job costing.
• Review payroll hours for accuracy.
• Assist in developing department profitability strategies.
• Support proposal preparation for new and existing clients.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5 years of commercial landscape maintenance experience.
• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation systems.
• Experience managing multiple commercial properties.
• Ability to read landscape plans and irrigation drawings.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Valid California Driver License with clean driving record.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Preferred

• Landscape Industry Certified Technician
• CLCA or NALP certifications
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Core Competencies

• Leadership
• Organization
• Time Management
• Customer Service
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Team Development
• Quality Control
• Communication
• Accountability

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Client satisfaction scores
• Route completion on schedule
• Labor budget adherence
• SDBS quality standards met on each serviced property
• Gross margin by contract
• Quality control inspection scores
• Employee retention
• Safety incidents
• Response time to service requests
• Enhancement sales generated
• Irrigation repair completion time
• Equipment maintenance compliance

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking across commercial properties.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to bend, kneel, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to drive between multiple job sites throughout the day.

Schedule

Monday-Friday. Some weekends will be required.

Job Type

Salaried/Exempt

Compensation

$85,000-$90,000

Benefits

• Health Benefits
• 401K
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Pet Insurance
• Company Vehicle
• Company Cell Phone
• Company Laptop
• Accrued Vacation
• Sick Pay

Join us as a Landscape Operations Manager to lead innovative outdoor projects that transform spaces into vibrant landscapes. Bring your expertise in lawn care, plant health, team supervision, and project coordination to create inspiring environments that stand out. Your passion for outdoor work combined with strong leadership skills will help us deliver excellence every day!