Lead Gardener
Mantis Gardens LLC
Full-Time | 35-45 hours/week
$25-$28/hour DOE
Health benefits, PTO, and paid holidays after 90 days
About Mantis Gardens
Mantis Gardens specializes in fine garden maintenance for distinctive residential landscapes throughout the Sacramento region. We care for high-end, drought-tolerant, and ecologically focused gardens using science-based horticultural practices and an exceptional attention to detail.
We're looking for an experienced Lead Gardener who takes pride in their work, enjoys working outdoors, and wants to continue developing their horticultural knowledge and leadership skills.
This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys plants as much as people and wants to play a key role in maintaining some of the region's most beautiful gardens.
What You'll Do
As a Lead Gardener, you'll oversee a small maintenance crew and be responsible for the ongoing care and presentation of assigned client properties.
Garden & Landscape Care
- Seasonal pruning and plant care
- Rose, shrub, ornamental tree, and orchard tree maintenance
- Deadheading, perennial cutbacks, and plant rejuvenation
- Weed identification and natural/organic control methods
- Soil improvement, composting, fertilization, and mulching
- Disease and pest monitoring and mitigation
Irrigation & Landscape Systems
- Diagnose and repair drip and spray irrigation systems
- Install and maintain Netafim, point-source drip, impact and micro spray systems
- Maintain landscape lighting, small ponds, and water features
Property Improvements
- Garden cleanups and landscape refreshes
- Minor landscape construction projects
- Dry-set stone and decomposed granite repairs
Leadership & Client Service
- Lead and mentor a 2-3 person crew
- Communicate professionally with clients
- Maintain detailed service notes and property records
- Coordinate with field/office managers and owner
- Safely operate all company tools, trucks, and trailers
We're Looking For Someone Who
- Has exceptional attention to detail
- Enjoys working outdoors year-round
- Communicates professionally with clients and coworkers
- Can manage time efficiently and maintain a productive pace of work
- Is dependable, trustworthy, and accountable
- Takes initiative, is self-motivated, and enjoys learning and problem solving
Experience
Required
- Minimum 2 years of experience in landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery work, or related fields
- Minimum 1 year of experience in leadership role
- Proficient with common landscaping equipment and hand tools
- Basic knowledge of irrigation troubleshooting, programming, installation and repair
- Valid California driver's license and working cell-phone with data service
Strongly Preferred
- Fine garden maintenance experience
- Aesthetic pruning experience
- ID and cultivation proficiency with Zone 9 Mediterranean-climate and California native plants
- Familiarity with low-water and drought-tolerant landscaping
- Understanding of soil science and holistic/ecological garden practices
What Makes Mantis Gardens Unique
Mantis Gardens has over 9 years of in-field experience managing a wide variety of landscapes. As a part of the Mantis team, you will benefit from the following:
- Working for a small business with a growing team of passionate gardeners
- Management of unique, complex, and beautiful landscapes with a wide variety of plants and specific cultivation needs
- Develop long-term relationships with clients and their landscapes
- Promotion of a holistic, science-based approach to gardening
- Use of non-toxic and eco-friendly products
- Battery operated/low-volume power equipment, including blowers
- Extensive in-field training: aesthetic pruning, seasonal cutbacks, irrigation, landscape science, and plant ID
Physical Requirements
- Lift up to 80 lbs (35-50 lbs regularly)
- Work outdoors in temperatures ranging from approximately 40°F to 97°F
- Walk, bend, crouch, kneel, and squat throughout the workday
- Maintain a flexible seasonal schedule (typically between 6:00 AM and 4:30 PM)
- Monday-Friday, 35-45 hours/week availability
Employment Requirements
- 18 years of age or older
- Fluent spoken and written English
- Legal authorization to work in the United States
- Ability to pass a background check
- Reliable smartphone with data, photo, and text capabilities
- Commitment to a drug- and alcohol-free workplace
To Apply
Please email the following to [email protected]:
- Resume
- Brief cover letter explaining your gardening or horticultural experience and interest in the position
- Two professional references (at least one from a horticulture, landscaping, or nursery-related position)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Horticulture: 2 years (Required)
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- Sacramento, CA 95816 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Sacramento, CA 95816: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
