Position Summary:
The Lead Horticulturalist brings a seasonal eye to each garden under their care, overseeing the horticulturalists working on-site to ensure the long-term health in alignment with the design intent of every property. You're committed to a culture of learning and collaboration, sharing knowledge, and embracing feedback as part of continuous growth. You ensure excellence, consistency, and alignment with Relish Gardens' standards on each property.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise and mentor on-site horticulturalists by offering regular coaching and training, and modeling accountability.
- Ability to share knowledge and teach the reasons behind care decisions to the team and clients.
- Communicate the priorities and needs of the gardens under your care to key stakeholders.
- Update and develop site-specific SOPs for each garden under your care, and ensure other leads are familiar with and able to care for the gardens as needed.
- Update the maintenance log after each visit to document completed work, outline priorities for the next visit, and maintain a historical record of garden care.
- Collaborate with the Lead Designer on any plant updates or garden changes to ensure they align with the design intent.
Core Competencies:- Deep horticultural knowledge across plant ID, pruning, soil health, and pest management.
- Ability to assess a garden with a long-term design and care lens.
- Strong, clear communication with clients and staff; diplomatic and clear.
- Organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple sites and priorities independently.
- Invested in team culture and supporting the professional development of others.
Qualifications:- 3+ years of hands-on experience in fine gardening or garden management.
- Deep knowledge or certification in a specific area of maintenance, such as pruning, irrigation, horticulture, pest management, or eco/sustainability
- Commitment to sustainable, organic practices.
- Willingness to work hands-on in the garden alongside staff outside in all seasons.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- Strong leadership or mentoring experience is preferred.
- Degree or certification in horticulture or equivalent field experience.
- Comfortable leading field teams and directly interacting with clients.
- Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation to and from client properties.
Compensation & Growth:Pay is $28.50 - $32/hr based on experience.