Lead Professional Gardener

Bluebird Gardening LLC; Minnesota; On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Bluebird Gardening LLC is seeking a Lead Professional Gardener to oversee seasonal garden maintenance from March through November. You will guide a small team, ensure quality work, and collaborate with management on garden enhancements, plant health, and pest control.

A valid pesticide license is required within 3 months, with strong leadership essential for day-to-day operations. The role focuses on hands-on gardening, design input, and effective team coordination to maintain our high standards

Qualifications

• At least five years of landscape/gardening experience with two years leading teams.
• Degree in horticulture, landscaping, natural resources, or related field preferred.
• Valid driver's license and pesticide applicator license (obtain within 3 months).

Responsibilities

• Lead gardening teams on daily tasks and ensure Bluebird standards.
• Design, plant, and oversee annual displays in ground and pots.
• Coordinate with Maintenance Manager on garden assessments and enhancements.
• Ensure MDA/MSDS compliance and accurate documentation of pesticides and pests.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Gardening expertise

Plant identification

Education

Horticulture/landscape degree or related field

Commercial Pesticide Applicators License

Driver's license

Tools

Google Drive

Google Sheets

Google Docs

Job description

Position Description: Lead Professional Gardener

Department: Garden Maintenance
Salary or Hourly Rate: $28 – $38 per hour depending on experience, plus overtime
Work Schedule: M-F; April – November 40-50 hours/wk Reports To: Garden Maintenance Manager

Positions Supervised: Professional Gardener & Asst. Gardener
(team of 2-3)

Amount of Travel Required: local travel, 90%

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Bluebird Gardening is a small business established in 2000, specializing in high-quality landscaping and gardening services throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Garden Maintenance Teams operate seasonally, commencing work in April and concluding in November. This operational schedule is designed to cover the core growing season in Minnesota, ensuring that all garden spaces receive the attention necessary for optimal health, appearance, and vitality throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our comprehensive services are tailored to meet the specific needs of residential landscapes, ranging from routine upkeep to specialized horticultural tasks. Our teams are essential to the creation and maintenance of the distinctive, beautiful gardens for which Bluebird Gardening is recognized.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Garden Maintenance Lead Professional Gardener is a pivotal role within Bluebird Gardening, working closely with Management, Leads, and Gardeners. This full-time, seasonal position (mid-March through November) is responsible for the comprehensive execution of landscape maintenance services, ensuring Bluebird Gardening's distinct quality standards are consistently met. Lead Gardeners provide guidance and authority for gardening teams on a day to day basis. They are integral to promoting a healthy and cohesive work environment, as well as a culture of integrity, skill development, and teamwork.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions:

position may include additional duties as needed

• Execute and guide teams in hands-on gardening tasks, including weeding, fertilizing, pruning, deadheading, transplanting, thinning, perennial cut-down, shrub trimming, and planting.
• Design, plant, and oversee the execution of annual displays, in pots and in ground.
• Collaborate with Maintenance Manager in assessing gardens for enhancements, providing design input, and executing plans.
• Obtain and maintain a valid State Pesticide Applicators License (required within 3 months of hire) and carry license at all times when in gardens.
• Identify plant/shrub diseases and pests and administer appropriate treatments in accordance with company practices. Utilize relevant protective gear in accordance with chemical labels.
• Communicate pest/disease presence and treatment methods to clients.
• Maintain detailed records of active pests, diseases and chemical usage in each garden (MDA/MSDS compliance), on designated documents.

Team Leadership and Management

• Establish and maintain a positive and supportive working environment
• Model and enforce appropriate workplace attire, safety protocols, and professional representation of Bluebird Gardening while performing efficient service delivery.
• Coordinate schedules with Garden Maintenance Manager and other Leads, especially regarding weather-related adjustments.
• Adhere to the Accountability Procedure protocols and Implement Bluebird Gardening's Leadership Guidelines
• Uphold, execute and enforce all policies and guidelines laid out in the Bluebird Gardening Handbook
• Manage time and resources efficiently, balancing client & daily time constraints.
• Ensure all documentation (report sheets, client notes, and status reports) is accurate, detailed, and legible.
• Maintain communication with other teams and management throughout the day, bringing forth emergent issues or recommendations promptly.
• Outline daily goals and garden expectations with Professional and Assistant Gardeners. Assign tasks and verify completion is aligned with Bluebird standards.
• Communicate weekly and daily schedules with teams. Track daily and weekly progress against the maintenance schedule.
• Maintain an expense account for Bluebird purchases and manage the monthly budget for team appreciation.
• Ensure the team’s necessary materials and equipment are stocked and available each morning.
• Possess knowledge of and execute MDA / MSDS requirements as necessary.

Training and Professional Development

• Work in coordination with other Lead Professional Gardeners and Management to identify and provide on-site training of garden tasks, equipment use, and tool handling procedures.
• Encourage and assist gardeners in their general plant identification & ongoing landscape skill development.
• Review, implement and enforce new-hire and employee expectations according to the Employee Handbook.
• Communicate with Maintenance Manager to address any staff concerns or milestones.
• Participate in annual policy, procedure, and leadership training

Equipment and Tools

• Oversee and assist gardeners with weekly truck and equipment checks; report maintenance and repair needs.
• Safely operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, and machinery. Maintain an inventory of tools, equipment, and materials in the field.
• Assist with maintenance of chemical and fertilizer inventories.
• Maintain a tidy truck and manage gas and fill-ups.
• Garden & landscape maintenance skills involving the identification and comprehensive care of Minnesota perennials, shrubs, & trees.
• Ability to provide effective leadership to garden teams and direct the work of others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients in person, or via text and phone
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and fulfill other physical requirements of the job
• Ability to safely drive a truck and trailer
• Strong organizational & problem-solving skills
• Resilience to working 8-10 hour days outdoors in all weather conditions

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education and Experience: Required: At least five years of related landscape and/or gardening experience, and at least two years experience leading teams. Preferred: Degree in horticulture, landscaping, natural resources, or related field.

Computer Skills: Google Email, Sheets, and Docs; ability to utilize and work with Google Drive applications on a personal smartphone while in the field; ability to do basic computer skills.

Certificates & Licenses: Must have valid driver's license and either a Commercial Pesticide Applicators License, or the ability to obtain one within 3 months of hire. First aid and CPR certified preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Mentorship leadership approach
• Punctual and prepared for the day
• Drive a trailer, skid steer, walk behind, dump truck preferred
• Must be able to contribute to and cultivate a positive work environment
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Constantly (5.5+ hrs/day) Frequently (2.5-5.5+ hrs/day) Occasionally (0-2.5+ hrs/day)

Stand
Walk Reach outward
Reach above the shoulder
Handling/Fingering
Squat or Kneel
Bend Crawl
Sit

Lift/Carry: 21-50 lbs
Push/Pull: 26-40 lbs
Other Physical Requirements: Work outdoors during inclement weather, ability to travel by car, ability to operate small machinery.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day shifts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in outdoor and shop settings.