PD GARDENING INC.
Newton & Brookline, MA · Fine Gardening & Landscape Services
Join our team at pdgardening.com
Plant Care Specialist /Project Manager
Newton & Brookline, MA · Full-Time, Year-Round
Reports to
Owner / Principal — PD Gardening inc
Department
Field Operations — Fine Gardening & Horticulture + all around leader
Employment type
Full-Time · Year-Round · W-2
Compensation
Competitive hourly rate or salary — based on experience
Benefits
PTO · Paid holidays · Retirement plan - Performance bonus eligible & more
Start date
Immediate / As soon as available
ABOUT PD GARDENING
PD Gardening is a growing fine gardening and landscape company serving Newton & Brookline, MA. We specialize in residential garden care — from seasonal maintenance and plant installations to thoughtful, detail-driven horticultural work that reflects the character of each property. We're looking for a Plant Care Specialist who takes genuine pride in plants, knows them by name, and can lead a crew to deliver work that stands out. We also specialize in plant installation & hardscape projects.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Plant Care Specialist / Horticulturist is a skilled, hands-on field professional responsible for the health, appearance, and growth of residential garden landscapes. You will identify plants, diagnose problems, execute installations, read landscape plans, and guide your crew through the day's work with clarity and care. This is a role for someone who considers gardening a craft — not just a job.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Garden Care: Perform fine gardening and horticulture maintenance across residential properties — pruning, deadheading, weeding, edging, fertilizing, and seasonal cleanup
- Seasonal Container design and installations
- Plant ID: Identify plants, diagnose pest and disease issues, and recommend or implement treatment plans
- Installations: Select and install plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and seasonal material based on site conditions and client preferences
- Irrigation management: Audit water needs, monitor and adjust schedules. Run systems to ensure proper coverage.
- Plan Reading: Read and interpret landscape plans and planting drawings to execute installations accurately in the field
- Crew Leadership: Lead and teach a crew of 1–3 field workers — demonstrating technique, setting quality standards, and keeping the team on task
- Plant selection: Visit wholesale nurseries to select and tag plant material
- Communication: Communicate clearly with clients and the owner about plant conditions, care recommendations, and project progress
- Maintain detailed awareness of each property's seasonal care needs and anticipate what needs attention before being asked
- Treatments: Apply organic and conventional treatments appropriately — follow all safety and compliance guidelines
- Keep tools, equipment, and work vehicles organized and in good working condition
REQUIREMENTS — WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
✓ 5+ years of fine gardening or horticulture experience
✓ Experience leading or supervising a field crew
✓ Strong plant identification skills — woody and herbaceous
✓ Clear, professional communication with clients and owner
✓ Experience with residential landscape care and maintenance
✓ Ability to teach technique and hold quality standards
✓ Plant selection and installation experience
✓ Valid driver's license — must operate company vehicles
✓ Ability to read landscape and planting plans
✓ Bilingual (English/Spanish) a strong plus
PLANT KNOWLEDGE WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Candidates should be comfortable with a broad range of plant material including, but not limited to:
✓ Ornamental trees and shrubs (deciduous and evergreen)
✓ Ground covers and vines
✓ Perennials and ornamental grasses
✓ Bulbs — spring and fall
✓ Annuals and seasonal color installations
✓ Roses and specialty shrubs
✓ Native and pollinator-friendly plantings
PREFERRED (NOT REQUIRED)
- Degree or coursework in horticulture, landscape design, or related field
- Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator License (or willingness to obtain)
- Experience with integrated pest management (IPM) practices
- Knowledge of soil health, composting, and organic gardening practices
- Familiarity with irrigation systems and basic water management
- Experience using scheduling or CRM software
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive base pay — commensurate with experience and plant knowledge
- Year-round employment — not seasonal layoffs
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Tool and equipment allowance
- Performance-based bonus eligibility
- Profit-sharing eligibility after tenure milestones for top performers
- Opportunity to shape and grow the fine gardening division as PD Gardening expands
Why Work at PD Gardening?
We're a small company that cares about doing things right. You'll work on beautiful residential properties, build relationships with clients who notice and appreciate your work, and have direct access to ownership. If you take pride in what grows under your care — and in the people you teach to do the same — you'll fit in here.
HOW TO APPLY
Send us a short message about your plant experience — what you grow, what you've maintained, and what you love about horticultural work. No long cover letter required.
[email protected] · Subject line: Plant Care / Horticulturist
Your name, phone number, and years of horticultural experience
A brief description of the types of properties and plant material you've worked with
Photos of your garden work are welcome and appreciated
PD Gardening is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
