Landscaping Crew Member

🎯 Role Definition

As a Landscaping Crew Member, you are the foundation of our success and the face of our company on every property we service. You'll be part of a collaborative team responsible for bringing landscape designs to life and ensuring our clients' properties look their absolute best through all seasons. This is a hands-on role that requires physical stamina, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for transforming outdoor environments. If you're a reliable, motivated individual who enjoys seeing the tangible results of your hard work each day, we encourage you to apply and grow with us.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Seasonal or Part-Time Worker
High School or Trade School Graduate

Advancement To:

Landscaping Crew Leader / Foreman
Irrigation Technician
Landscape Construction Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Groundskeeper (for a specific property like a golf course or campus)
Nursery or Greenhouse Technician
Arborist Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive lawn maintenance duties, including precision mowing, line trimming, and sharp edging to ensure a pristine and professional appearance for client properties.
Execute seasonal property enhancement projects such as spring and fall clean-ups, which involve leaf blowing, debris removal, and preparing garden beds for the coming season.
Install a variety of plant materials, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and annual flowers, carefully following landscape design plans and horticultural best practices.
Apply mulch, decorative rock, and topsoil to landscape beds to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the property.
Skillfully prune and trim shrubs, hedges, and small trees to promote healthy growth, maintain desired shapes, and ensure plant vitality.
Assist in the construction and installation of hardscape elements, including laying paver patios, building walkways, and constructing retaining walls.
Operate a wide range of light and heavy landscaping equipment, such as commercial mowers, skid steers, mini-excavators, and sod cutters, in a safe and proficient manner.
Conduct basic maintenance and troubleshooting on irrigation systems, including adjusting sprinkler heads, repairing minor leaks, and ensuring proper water coverage.
Prepare soil for new installations by tilling, grading, and amending with appropriate nutrients to create an optimal growing environment.
Install new lawns through sodding or seeding techniques, ensuring proper site preparation and post-installation care for successful establishment.
Load and unload heavy materials, tools, and equipment from company vehicles and trailers at the start and end of each workday.
Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and OSHA guidelines, including the consistent and correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with clients on-site, answering basic questions and forwarding complex inquiries to the Crew Leader.
Perform aeration and dethatching of turf areas to alleviate soil compaction and improve the overall health and vigor of the lawn.
Proactively identify and report potential issues on client properties, such as signs of plant disease, pest infestation, or safety hazards, to the crew supervisor.
Execute landscape lighting installation and maintenance, including trenching for wires, setting fixtures, and ensuring system functionality.

Secondary Functions

Participate in seasonal snow and ice management operations during winter months, which may include shoveling, operating snow blowers or plows, and applying de-icing agents.
Assist with the daily cleaning and routine maintenance of all tools, equipment, and company vehicles to ensure they remain in safe, working order.
Help maintain an organized and efficient shop and yard, including stocking materials and managing inventory of supplies.
Accurately complete daily timesheets and work logs to track hours and materials used for specific jobs, ensuring proper billing and job costing.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven ability to operate commercial-grade landscaping equipment (e.g., zero-turn mowers, line trimmers, backpack blowers, hedge trimmers).
Fundamental knowledge of horticultural practices, including plant identification, proper planting techniques, and pruning methods.
Experience with landscape construction and hardscaping techniques, such as installing pavers and building retaining walls.
Familiarity with basic irrigation system components and repair procedures.
A valid state Driver's License with a clean driving record is highly preferred.
Basic mechanical aptitude for performing routine maintenance on small engine equipment.

Soft Skills

Strong work ethic and reliability, with a consistent record of punctuality and attendance.
Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively and respectfully with other crew members.
High attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work that meets or exceeds client expectations.
Positive attitude and a willingness to learn new skills and adapt to changing job requirements and weather conditions.
Effective time management skills, with the ability to work efficiently to meet project deadlines.
Physical stamina and strength to perform strenuous outdoor labor for extended periods in various weather conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Horticulture
Landscape Design & Construction
Arboriculture

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

6 months to 2+ years of professional experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, or a related field.

Preferred:

At least 1 year of experience as a member of a professional commercial or residential landscaping crew.
Demonstrable experience operating a variety of landscaping equipment and performing both maintenance and installation tasks.