Crew Leader - Horticulture / Fine Gardening / Landscaping

Alden Laurel is hiring a Senior Crew Lead for the 2025 fine gardening season.

Position: Senior Crew Lead - Fine Gardening Crew Leader

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Crew Lead to join our Fine Gardening team. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in gardening and landscaping, along with exceptional leadership abilities. In this role, you will oversee a team of skilled gardeners, ensuring the successful execution of both gardening projects and ongoing maintenance.

This is a full-time seasonal position, requiring 40 hours per week commitment. Our season runs mid March through early December.

How do we invest in you?

• Competitive Pay: Based on experience, with opportunities for advancement.
• Gardener: $22–$27/hour
• Crew Lead: $27–$33/hour
• Account Manager: $33–$40/hour
• Paid Weekly: Reliable, consistent weekly pay schedule.
• Career Development: Clear pathways to help you take the next step in your career.
• Education Support: Horticultural education reimbursement and paid learning opportunities.
• Top-Quality Tools: Company-provided Felco and A.M. Leonard tools.
• New Apparel: High-quality company gear, including tri-blend T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, fleece jackets, hats, and more. Yearly boot reimbursement is also included.
• Team Perks: Monthly paid company breakfasts and seasonal outings.
• Retirement Savings: A 401(k) plan with company contributions.
• Cell Phone Reimbursement: Monthly support for your phone expenses.
• Performance Bonuses: Rewarding exceptional contributions with bonus opportunities.
• 5 Paid Holidays – Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, Thanksgiving.
• Paid time off: Paid time off for you to take a break during the season.
• Rain day Pay: Pay for heavy rain days when the weather prevents us from working.
• Positive Work Environment: A friendly, kind, and smoke-free workplace that values teamwork and respect.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Organic Garden Maintenance: Weeding, deadheading, staking, dividing, edging, and mulching using organic methods to promote healthy, thriving gardens.
• Plant Health Monitoring: Inspecting plants for pests and diseases, and applying organic solutions when necessary.
• Pruning: Hand-pruning shrubs and small trees to encourage healthy growth and maintain structure.
• Seasonal Installations: Designing and planting seasonal containers with organic materials and plants.
• Planting: Installing perennials, shrubs, and trees, with a focus on organic and sustainable gardening practices.
• Time Tracking: Keeping accurate records of your time using your smartphone.
• Crew Leadership: Leading and managing a crew of gardening team members.
• Project Management: Ensuring projects are completed on time and to the highest quality standards.
• Training and Mentoring: Providing ongoing training to team members on organic gardening practices, safety protocols, and quality standards. Fostering a positive, supportive environment that encourages growth and skill development.
• Skill Development: Identifying individual strengths and areas for improvement to help each team member reach their full potential.
• Team Motivation: Motivating the team to consistently deliver high-quality work while maintaining a positive and productive work environment.
• Tool and Equipment Care: Maintaining and caring for all tools, equipment, and materials.
• Documentation: Taking accurate and detailed notes on each visit.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and company policies.

What are we looking for?

• A background in art, design, or horticulture: While not required, is highly valued.
• Passion for Plants: A strong enthusiasm for horticulture and gardening.
• Experience in Fine Gardening: At least 3 years of hands-on experience in fine gardening, including pruning woody shrubs, performing cutbacks of perennials, and maintaining high standards of care.
• Plant ID: Strong plant identification skills are a requirement for this position.
• Pruning Skills: Experienced in pruning to maintain plant health, appearance, and structure, including woody plants.
• Proven Landscape Installation Experience: A minimum of 3 years working with landscape installations, including plantings and seasonal installations.
• Horticultural Knowledge: Strong understanding of plant species, horticultural techniques, and landscape design principles, built over at least 3 years of practical experience.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to maintain gardens to the highest standards and identify problems before they arise.
• Leadership and Team Management: At least 3 years of experience in leading and managing a gardening crew, ensuring high-quality project delivery and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Problem-Solving and Stamina: Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the physical stamina to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Eager to Learn: A desire to continue developing skills in plant identification, pruning, and gardening techniques.
• Team Player: Proven ability to work well with others in a team-oriented, supportive environment.
• Reliable and Punctual: Consistent work ethic and commitment to completing tasks on time.
• Positive Attitude: Enjoys bringing enthusiasm and a sense of fun to the garden while maintaining professionalism.
• Proficiency with Tools and Equipment: Skilled in using landscape installation tools and equipment.
• Valid Driver’s License: Required for travel to various job sites.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about fine gardening, have at least 3 years of experience, and possess the skills to lead a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you. Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to tim@aldenlaurel.com. Be sure to highlight your team leadership experience and explain why you'd be a great fit for our team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $27