Grounds Maintenance Team Leader – Horticultural & Garden Maintenance
Location: Metro Detroit, MI
Position Type: Full-Time (Seasonal with Year-Round Opportunities)
Department: Landscape Maintenance & Horticulture
Reports To: Operations / Maintenance Manager
About Tocco Mannino Landscaping
At Tocco Mannino Landscaping, we deliver exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and elite landscape management for high-end residential and commercial properties across Metro Detroit. We pride ourselves on creating a professional, supportive workplace equipped with top-tier equipment, competitive pay, and clear paths for long-term career growth.
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled, highly dependable Grounds Maintenance Team Leader to lead a small crew focused on premium horticultural care and garden enhancements. This is a hands-on, working leadership role for a detail-oriented professional who takes immense pride in creating clean, manicured, and presentation-ready outdoor spaces.
The ideal candidate understands proper horticultural techniques, knows how to care for fine plantings, and excels at leading a crew efficiently to deliver an exceptional level of service on high-end properties.
Key Responsibilities
- Horticultural & Garden Maintenance: Oversee and perform high-quality pruning and shaping of ornamental shrubs, specimen trees, and foundation plantings using proper techniques. Maintain perennial beds, perform bed edging, weeding, deadheading, mulching, and install seasonal flower displays and light plantings.
- Crew Leadership & Mentorship: Lead day-to-day job site operations alongside a small crew. Allocate tasks efficiently, train team members in proper pruning and property-care techniques, inspect completed work to ensure company standards are met, and foster a positive, productive atmosphere.
- Equipment & Job Site Ownership: Safely operate and maintain hand tools and specialized maintenance equipment (hedge trimmers, pole pruners, blowers, chainsaws). Ensure trucks, trailers, and tools remain clean, organized, and properly serviced. Keep job sites safe and immaculate.
- Client Service & Property Care: Proactively identify plant health issues, pest concerns, or irrigation needs and report them to management. Maintain respectful relationships with clients, represent the company with professionalism, and look for opportunities to suggest property enhancements.
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
- Proven experience in landscape maintenance, fine gardening, or horticulture.
- Strong knowledge of ornamental shrubs, trees, perennials, annuals, and proper pruning techniques.
- Demonstrated leadership ability or prior experience managing a crew.
- Ability to recognize common plant health, pest, and disease issues.
- Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record and reliable transportation.
- Physical ability to work outdoors in seasonal weather conditions and lift/move up to 50 lbs regularly.
Preferred:
- Background in high-end residential horticultural maintenance.
- Experience safely operating light trucks with equipment trailers.
- Formal education or certifications in Horticulture, Arboriculture, or Landscape Management.
What We Offer
- Competitive Pay: Hourly rate commensurate with experience and horticultural knowledge, with regular evaluations for growth.
- Health & Wellness Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance options (after 6 months).
- Retirement Planning: 401(k) program with a 3% company match (after 6 months).
- Year-Round Earnings: Opportunity for year-round income through winter Snow & Ice Management services.
- Career Growth & Education: Direct pathways into account management and operations, with paid training and continued development in horticulture.
- Quality Equipment & Culture: Modern tools, well-maintained equipment, and a supportive team that takes genuine pride in its craft.
Ready to Join Our Team?
If you have a strong eye for detail, understand fine gardening, and are ready to lead high-end maintenance projects in Metro Detroit, apply today with your resume or summary of work experience!
Pay: $18.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 3% Match
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Opportunities for advancement
- Professional development assistance
- Safety equipment provided
Work Location: In person
