We are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and motivated Lead Horticulturist to oversee the maintenance of multiple high-end residential estates. This is a full-time, year-round hands-on leadership position responsible for maintaining exceptional landscapes while leading the grounds team and coordinating outside contractors.
The ideal candidate has a passion for horticulture, extensive plant knowledge, strong leadership skills, and takes pride in maintaining beautiful private estates. This is not a desk job—the Lead Horticulturist is expected to work alongside the team, lead by example, and actively participate in daily landscape operations.
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all horticultural operations across multiple private estates.
- Supervise, train, and mentor the grounds maintenance team.
- Develop and implement seasonal landscape maintenance plans.
- Work alongside the team performing daily landscape and horticultural tasks as needed.
- Monitor the health of trees, shrubs, lawns, gardens, and ornamental plantings.
- Plan and oversee planting, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, and integrated pest management.
- Diagnose plant diseases, insect infestations, and nutrient deficiencies, and implement corrective actions.
- Assist with pruning, planting, mulching, seasonal cleanups, debris and stick removal, and other landscape maintenance tasks.
- Coordinate and supervise outside contractors, including arborists, irrigation specialists, and landscape vendors.
- Ensure all properties are maintained to the highest horticultural and aesthetic standards.
- Oversee irrigation systems and recommend improvements when needed.
- Maintain landscape equipment, tools, and inventory.
- Assist with storm cleanup, snow removal, and seasonal property preparation when required.
- Respond to property emergencies and assist when needed (paid overtime).
- Be available for occasional weekend work (paid overtime).
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of professional horticulture or landscape maintenance experience, preferably on high-end residential estates, botanical gardens, parks, or similar properties.
- Strong knowledge of plant identification, tree care, pruning, irrigation systems, fertilization, and integrated pest management.
- Experience leading or supervising landscape crews.
- Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Willingness to perform physical work alongside the team every day.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management, Arboriculture, or a related field is preferred.
- ISA Certified Arborist certification is a plus but not required.
Benefits
- Full-Time, Year-Round Employment
- Competitive Pay (based on experience)
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Overtime
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Year-End Performance Bonus
- Training and Professional Development Opportunities
Pay: From $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
