Exterior Maintenance Crew Lead

About the Role

Botanical Designs and its affiliates specialize in interior and exterior landscaping, as well as seasonal holiday décor installations. We transform commercial spaces into visually stunning environments that reflect beauty, festivity, and functionality. The Crew Lead oversees the routine maintenance of exterior landscape accounts and ensures the highest level of service is provided.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example using a hands-on approach and ensure responsibilities are assigned fairly and equitably.
• Report to and work with the Manager on behavioral or performance challenges among Crew Members.
• Provide in-field training on horticultural techniques, safety, equipment use, and respectful communication.
• Familiarize Crew Members with all aspects of maintaining accounts, including location specifics and logistics.
• Brief Crew Members daily on goals and expectations, and keep them apprised of changes to routines.
• Schedule and agree on 10-minute breaks and a half-hour lunch as appropriate.
• Prioritize and plan work for the day/week and keep the Manager informed of changes or need for assistance.
• Report accidents, illnesses, or non-routine occurrences to the Manager immediately.
• Perform landscape maintenance tasks on customers’ property, including:
  • Maintenance of trees, shrubs, perennial, and seasonal flowers.
  • Use of hand shears, hand pruners, hand loppers, and gas/electric equipment (e.g., power shears, blowers, mowers, line trimmers).
  • Mowing, edging, blowing, fertilizer application, weed control, bed raking, trimming, and pruning.
  • Leaf and debris removal, and watering containers, beds, and hanging baskets as needed.
• Report the need for replacement plants, special services, or customer concerns to the Manager on the same day.
• Maintain a positive, solution-oriented approach while communicating with crew members, supervisors, and managers.
• Project a good company image to customers and the public through professional appearance, hygiene, and a clean uniform.
• Understand and uphold Exterior Department Quality Standards.
• Manage equipment, including:
  • Reporting problems or needs for tools/equipment/supplies.
  • Keeping track of issued tools and ensuring they are clean, sharp, organized, and labeled.
  • Securing power equipment with a cable and lock when in the truck and not in use.
  • Organizing and securing tools and equipment on job sites.
• Maintain work vehicles, including:
  • Keeping the vehicle clean inside and out, removing personal items daily.
  • Adhering to the Company maintenance inspection policy and reporting accidents immediately.
  • Washing the truck weekly and keeping the cab interior clean and organized.
  • Completing monthly Vehicle Inspections and required paperwork.
• Ensure working hours, including overtime, are recorded accurately.
• Restore interior and exterior work sites to their original condition or better, ensuring no damage or debris remains.
• Assist in the general upkeep of the shop under the direction of the Supervisor.
• Participate in company LEAN activities and maintain assigned areas.
• Monitor emails and phone messages throughout the workday and respond in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 1-2 years of horticultural education or equivalent industry experience.
• Valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record.
• Knowledge of various types of common plants and ability to identify plants maintained by the Company.
• Verifiable good working knowledge of proper horticultural techniques, including pruning, watering, fertilizing, and insect/disease control.
• Experience using standard landscape equipment and tools safely (e.g., 21 mower, line trimmer, blower, power shears, and hand tools).
• A current pesticide application license (Commercial Operators License) is preferred; those pursuing the license may be considered.

Skills

• Knowledge of appropriate safety and environmental practices; report safety concerns immediately.
• Handle plants and tools with care, prioritizing safety and security.
• Set a positive example with a pleasant, approachable demeanor; remain friendly and courteous.
• Support the achievement of departmental goals and act as a proactive team player.
• Strong follow-through, quick decision-making, and problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional mannerisms, appearance, and actions (self-confident and committed to high ethics).
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage change effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with managers, supervisors, and co-workers.

Benefits

• Medical coverage with contribution options as defined by the plan.
• Dental and vision coverage as defined by the plan.
• 401K plan as defined by the plan.
• Paid holidays as defined by company policy.
• Personal Time Off (PTO) based on accrual allotment as defined by company policy.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to talk and/or hear.
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Frequently required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 20-40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work in a varied field environment with moderate to occasional loud noise.