Lead Gardener

Rgsls; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading landscaping company in California seeks a Lead Gardener to oversee and assist in landscape maintenance activities at various job sites. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience in commercial landscape maintenance and will be responsible for the management of crew members, ensuring the adherence to company policies and safety standards. Strong operational skills in handling equipment and knowledge of horticulture are essential, along with effective communication and organizational capabilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience in landscape maintenance including crew management.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License.
• Basic knowledge of landscape pests and irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist in supervising and directing landscape maintenance activities.
• Perform tasks such as pruning, fertilizing, and weeding.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and procedures.

Skills

Power equipment operation

Ornamental horticulture knowledge

Pest management knowledge

Irrigation systems knowledge

Time management

Effective communication

Delegation skills

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Education

2 years experience in commercial landscape maintenance

Tools

Gas powered hedge trimmers

Weed whips

Back-pack blowers

Hand tools (e.g. pruners, shears)

Job description

The Lead Gardener will provide the Crew Leader support in supervising and directing landscape maintenance activities and procedures at the assigned job sites or routes. The Associate will offer suggestions for improvements in production, cost efficiencies, and safety. The primary responsibility of the Lead Gardener is installing, renovating and maintaining grounds and landscaped areas at designated job sites in accordance to pre-established schedules, specifications, and procedures as dictated by the agreement, Company policy, and with specific direction from the Crew Leader. The Associate will assist the Crew Leader on a daily basis by ensuring the fulfillment of the Company’s vision, goals and strategies. The Lead Gardener will assist with ensuring compliance with all Company policies, safety standards, procedures and fleet programs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the landscape maintenance production crew, working on trees, shrubs, groundcovers and turf areas by pruning, fertilizing, weeding, watering, spraying, mowing, and raking.
• Assists in the planting and cultivating of landscaped grounds, including plants, flowers, shrubs and trees.
• Removes weeds, trash and debris from landscapes and hardscaped
• Observes all Company safety and procedural
• Ensures crew members are adhering to safety policies and training while conducting their duties including utilizing required safety equipment.
• Ensures the appropriate security of all tools, equipment, supplies and materials are
• Maintains a neat and organized work area including truck bed and cab, locker and assigned field area.
• Discusses any special instructions that may apply, including job schedules for assigned job sites with the Crew Leader or Supervisor.
• Communicates with the Crew Leader on personnel issues that may arise with crew
• Recommends changes in methods, schedules, and procedures for job
• Assists Crew Leader in supervising and directing crew members to prepare equipment, tools and supplies necessary for the day’s work and confirms their progression to ensure work is completed efficiently.
• Uses the proper equipment to perform all jobs safely, making accident prevention a part of daily conduct.
• Supports and assists the Crew Leader in training crew members in all aspects of daily
• Assists Crew Leader in ensuring proper workflow of documentation and timely completion of all reports, notices, inspections, and paperwork.
• Assists Crew Leader in operating and maintaining Company assigned vehicle in accordance with the Fleet Safety and Vehicle Management Policy.
• Drives and operates Company vehicle as
• Observes the Company’s policies and
• Safe operation and use of power gardening equipment and other tools.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be able to operate and utilize power equipment and specialized tools safely, efficiently and within the equipment safety guidelines.
• Basic working knowledge of ornamental horticulture and or
• Basic working knowledge of common ornamental landscape pests, diseases and the proper treatment and chemical application.
• Basic understanding of a broad range of irrigation systems, controllers, including weather management irrigation controllers.
• Effective administrative, organizational and time management skills with attention to
• Must be able to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems and initiate appropriate course of action.
• Must be able to follow written or verbal
• Must be able to delegate work and accept
• Ability to efficiently and accurately use an electronic handheld device to record Associate time worked.
• Must have the ability to interact effectively with other Associates, clients, vendors, and
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, but not required.

REQUIRED LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and auto
• Must maintain an acceptable driving

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2 years experience in commercial landscape maintenance is required with emphasis in crew management, landscape maintenance routing and sequencing, and proper and safe equipment use and implementation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constant standing, sitting, walking, stooping, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting, traversing uneven ground, grasping (tools), power grasping (tools and equipment), reaching, climbing, frequent pushing or pulling, and Getting in and out of vehicle cabs and beds multiple times a day. Lifting, carrying and manipulating objects up to 50 pounds for varying periods of time.
• Must be able to wear all personal protective equipment according to Company Safety Health and Environmental Policies, Industry Related ANSI Safety Requirements and OSHA

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions are outdoors with exposure to the following: Hot and cold temperatures, sudden changes in temperatures, varying levels of noise, slippery surfaces, rain, dust/dirt, fumes, wind, uneven ground and landscaped slopes.

EQUIPMENT/MACHINARY

Mowers of varying size: 21” through riding mowers. Gas powered hedge trimmers, weed whips and back-pack blowers. A wide range of hand tools including but not limited to: loppers, shears, pruners, hand saw, bow rake, leaf rake, pole pruner, pole saw, push broom and shovels.

BENEFITS