ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
Under general direction from the Director of Agronomy for Bluejack National, the Horticulturist is responsible for organizing all aspects of landscape, plant and infrastructure projects. He or She will oversee all staff and sub-contract professionals working within the community and club. Candidates must efficiently guide and ensure projects stay on time, on budget and that Board and membership expectations are met. Examples of workload can include landscape design/planting, troubleshooting and inspections and other infrastructure related items and more. He or She will be responsible for keeping records for operations, and pesticide and fertilizer applications. Assigns workers to duties, such as cultivation, harvesting, maintenance, grading and packing products, or altering greenhouse environmental conditions. Provides client feedback to the Maintenance Team in a manner that allows the Maintenance Operations Team to effectively facilitate change and corrective action. As well as responsible for maintaining effective employee and club member relations while attempting to ensure the highest quality for all landscape beds and flowers.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The responsibilities of the Horticulturist may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Plant and care for plantings, shrubs, lawns, using such tools and equipment as brooms, edgers, mowers, and sprayers, hoes, picks, shears, rakes, spades, spreaders, cultivating machines, etc.
- Develop detailed annual plans for the seasonal rotation of plants, flowers, etc., in the facilities various landscaped areas and flowerbeds resulting in fresh, eye-catching, and pleasant flower and plant displays.
- Transplant and prune shrubs and small trees
- Weed landscape beds and assist with mulching
- Identify and treat potential pests or diseases
- Manage greenhouse and community garden
- Participates in the application of fertilizers and pesticides
- Design and implement seasonal flowers in containers or hanging baskets.
- Detects and reports evidence of disease, insects, trees, shrubs, and flower damage.
- Plant, edge, weed & maintain landscape beds and trim hedges.
- Water, spray, fertilize, and cultivate flowers, shrubs, and trees.
- Rake and dispose of leaves, twigs, and other debris.
- Clean and care for tools and equipment.
- Assist in educating crew members on proper skills and techniques.
- Assist with general grounds maintenance of the campus.
- Ensures familiarity with each job’s specifications that each account has a solid communication plan in place and that it is administered successfully.
- Communicates with staff daily on schedules for work on all jobs and assists in prioritizing work.
- Estimates work-hour requirements to plant, cultivate, or harvest, and prepares work schedule.
- Drives and operates heavy machinery, such as dump trucks, tractor, or growth-media tiller, to transport materials and supplies.
- Trains employees in horticultural techniques, such as transplanting and weeding, shearing and harvesting trees, and grading and packing flowers.
- Inspects facilities to determine maintenance needs, such as malfunctioning environmental-control system, clogged sprinklers, or missing glass panes in greenhouse.
- Observes plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees in greenhouses, cold frames, or fields to ascertain top condition.
- Reviews employees' work to ascertain quality and quantity of work performed.
- Supervise the planting, fertilizing, pesticide application, seeding, sodding and maintenance of all planted areas.
- Responsible for financial management with the development of annual Operating and Capital budgets
- Manage the organization of components of the Natural Recourse Management Center and help maintain a trash-free campus.
- Provide excellent services, professional advice and assistance to all residents and members.
- Conduct oneself in a professional manner and always maintain a professional image.
- Resolve member complaints and be always a Bluejack National ambassador.
- Support the Development / Club Customs, Culture and Rules
- Adheres to all federal, state, and local laws regarding health, safety, and employment.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Experience:
- Associates or bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or a related field preferred
- Must have 1-3 years of experience in operations, customer service, customer relations, or related field.
- Must be able to travel to and from Company office and client locations, with the ability to attend after-hours events when necessary (board meetings, networking events).
- Must be able to demonstrate excellent accountability as this position has authority to initiate actions and make decisions within established precedents and practices with regular managerial direction and review.
- Must be able to demonstrate excellent judgment as the incumbent’s decisions directly impact operating costs and indirectly influence client retention and future contract awards.
- Must be familiar with all operational concepts, practices, and procedures with the ability to identify and sell landscape enhancements.
- Must possess and demonstrate excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills with the ability to negotiate.
- Must possess and demonstrate exceptional oral and written communication skills, with competency in business writing.
- Must be able to maintain appropriate confidentiality.
- Must always represent the Company in a positive and professional manner.
- Highly organized with great follow up abilities
- Must possess computer skills
Skills and Abilities:
- Enjoy working with residents, members, guests, and associates.
- Requires excellent oral and written communications skills.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
- Excellent human relations skills, with a talent for motivating staff and members
- Good organizational skills with the ability to work independently as well as with a team.
- Computer literate, possessing skills in Microsoft Office and Outlook
- Ability to function under pressure, set priorities and adjust to changing conditions.
- High work ethic, with sense of responsibility for the role filled within our team.
- Must be able to stay organized and work independently.
Number of employees supervised:
Approximate schedule and hours:
- 42-48 hours or more, per week. Weekdays, weekends, and Holidays. Schedule flexible as business dictates.