About SouthWest Landscape
Founded in 1982, SouthWest Landscape, Inc is a family owned and generated company proudly serving communities across Southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. What started as a small local operation has grown into a full service landscape company with division specializing in Maintenance, Tree Care, Development & Enhancements, and Support Services.
Our success is rooted in our people. We take pride in creating a safe, professional, and supportive work environment where every employee from field crews to management has the opportunity to grow and succeed. At SouthWest Landscape, we combine decades of industry expertise with modern tools and technology to deliver exceptional quality, reliability, and customer care to our clients.
We believe in teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement values that shape our culture and the way we do business every day.
Job Summary:
The Landscaper Lead is a skilled installation technician who takes on additional on-site leadership responsibility within an assigned crew. The Landscaper Lead operates heavy equipment, reads and interprets project plans, guides junior crew members on technique and safety, and ensures the installation reflects the project scope and design specifications. This role is the critical bridge between crew execution and Foreman-level oversight and the primary development step toward Enhancement Foreman.
Responsibilities
INSTALLATION LEADERSHIP
- Lead on-site execution of landscape installation work under the Enhancement Foreman's direction; translate project plans into crew assignments before each day begins.
- Read, interpret, and apply landscape design plans including plant placement, hardscape layouts, grading plans, and irrigation schematics.
- Identify and communicate to the Foreman any field condition that deviates from the design plan including soil issues, grade conflicts, or plant material problems before proceeding.
CREW GUIDANCE & DEVELOPMENT
- Guide Landscaper 1 and 2 crew members on correct installation technique, equipment operation, and safety practices throughout the workday.
- Model professional installation standards and SWL values at all times on the job site.
- Report crew member concerns or training needs to the Foreman.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION
- Operate skid steer, compact excavator, plate compactor, and all Landscaper 2 equipment proficiently and safely.
- Operate equipment in tight, occupied commercial spaces with accuracy and without property damage.
- Conduct pre-use inspections on all heavy equipment; report any defect to the Foreman before starting.
SAFETY
- Enforce PPE compliance for all crew members; address violations immediately.
- Apply and enforce Cal/OSHA excavation, trenching, and heavy equipment safety standards on all job sites.
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Landscaper Lead must be fully proficient with all equipment below without supervision.
- Skid steer loader (all standard attachments: bucket, fork, auger), compact excavator (mini-ex), manual and powered grading tools
- Plate compactor, jumping jack compactor, hand tamper
- Rototiller, sod cutter, power rake, topdresser
- Pipe cutter, PVC and poly solvent welding, wire puller, controller wiring, sprinkler head installation
- Paver wet saw, angle grinder, paver installation tools, edging, boulder placement with equipment
- Full range of power hand tools with proper PPE; chainsaw at ground level if licensed
- Full PPE set including hard hat on excavation sites; ensures crew PPE compliance at all times
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice, based on the needs of the organization. The employer reserves the right to revise or update this description as necessary.
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years of commercial landscape installation experience with proficiency across planting, irrigation, and hardscape.
- Full proficiency with skid steer and compact excavator; certification or verified experience required.
- Ability to read and apply basic landscape design plans and irrigation schematics.
- Valid California driver's license; ability to operate company truck and trailer.
- Bilingual English/Spanish required.
- Ability to pass background check, MVR check, and pre-employment screening per SWL policy.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
