Lead Gardener

← Return to Careers Lead Gardener Posted on: August 4, 2026 Category: Maintenance Location: Irvine Salary Range: $19.00 - $21.00 Hourly Job Code: RGS-MILG00005 Positions Available: 1 The Lead Gardener will provide the Crew Leader support in supervising and directing landscape maintenance activities and procedures at the assigned job sites or routes. The Associate will offer suggestions for improvements in production, cost efficiencies, and safety. The primary responsibility of the Lead Gardener is installing, renovating and maintaining grounds and landscaped areas at designated job sites in accordance to pre-established schedules, specifications, and procedures as dictated by the agreement, Company policy, and with specific direction from the Crew Leader. The Associate will assist the Crew Leader on a daily basis by ensuring the fulfillment of the Company’s vision, goals and strategies. The Lead Gardener will assist with ensuring compliance with all Company policies, safety standards, procedures and fleet programs. Primary Responsibilities Assists the landscape maintenance production crew, working on trees, shrubs, groundcovers and turf areas by pruning, fertilizing, weeding, watering, spraying, mowing, and raking.Assists in the planting and cultivating of landscaped grounds, including plants, flowers, shrubs and trees.Removes weeds, trash and debris from landscapes and hardscapedObserves all Company safety and proceduralEnsures crew members are adhering to safety policies and training while conducting their duties including utilizing required safety equipment.Ensures the appropriate security of all tools, equipment, supplies and materials areMaintains a neat and organized work area including truck bed and cab, locker and assigned field area.Discusses any special instructions that may apply, including job schedules for assigned job sites with the Crew Leader or Supervisor.Communicates with the Crew Leader on personnel issues that may arise with crewRecommends changes in methods, schedules, and procedures for jobAssists Crew Leader in supervising and directing crew members to prepare equipment, tools and supplies necessary for the day’s work and confirms their progression to ensure work is completed efficiently.Uses the proper equipment to perform all jobs safely, making accident prevention a part of daily conduct.Supports and assists the Crew Leader in training crew members in all aspects of dailyAssists Crew Leader in ensuring proper workflow of documentation and timely completion of all reports, notices, inspections, and paperwork.Assists Crew Leader in operating and maintaining Company assigned vehicle in accordance with the Fleet Safety and Vehicle Management Policy.Drives and operates Company vehicle asObserves the Company’s policies andSafe operation and use of power gardening equipment and other tools. Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Must be able to operate and utilize power equipment and specialized tools safely, efficiently and within the equipment safety guidelines.Basic working knowledge of ornamental horticulture and orBasic working knowledge of common ornamental landscape pests, diseases and the proper treatment and chemical application.Basic understanding of a broad range of irrigation systems, controllers, including weather management irrigation controllers.Effective administrative, organizational and time management skills with attention toMust be able to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems and initiate appropriate course of action.Must be able to follow written or verbalMust be able to delegate work and acceptAbility to efficiently and accurately use an electronic handheld device to record Associate time worked.Must have the ability to interact effectively with other Associates, clients, vendors, andBilingual in English and Spanish preferred, but not required. Required License/Certification Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and autoMust maintain an acceptable driving Education/Experience Minimum 2 years experience in commercial landscape maintenance is required with emphasis in crew management, landscape maintenance routing and sequencing, and proper and safe equipment use and implementation. Physical Requirements Constant standing, sitting, walking, stooping, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting, traversing uneven ground, grasping (tools), power grasping (tools and equipment), reaching, climbing, frequent pushing or pulling, and Getting in and out of vehicle cabs and beds multiple times a day. Lifting, carrying and manipulating objects up to 50 pounds for varying periods of time.Must be able to wear all personal protective equipment according to Company Safety Health and Environmental Policies, Industry Related ANSI Safety Requirements and OSHA WORKING CONDITIONS Working conditions are outdoors with exposure to the following: Hot and cold temperatures, sudden changes in temperatures, varying levels of noise, slippery surfaces, rain, dust/dirt, fumes, wind, uneven ground and landscaped slopes. EQUIPMENT/MACHINARY Mowers of varying size: 21” through riding mowers. Gas powered hedge trimmers, weed whips and back-pack blowers. A wide range of hand tools including but not limited to: loppers, shears, pruners, hand saw, bow rake, leaf rake, pole pruner, pole saw, push broom and shovels. Benefits Sick PayPaid Vacation401(k) PlanHealth InsuranceDentalVisionCompany Paid Life InsuranceMultiple Reporting Locations This job description is intended to state the essential function of the position and to be an accurate reflection of the current job, but it is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to assign other duties and tasks and revise the job as needs of the Company, property or position change. RGS Landscape & Arbor Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age (over 40), disability, mental and physical, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and military and veteran status or any other legally protected status. Apply Now