Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Landscape Crew Member

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively seeking a motivated and reliable Landscape Crew Member to join our growing team of landscape professionals. In this role, you will be the hands-on force behind creating and maintaining beautiful, high-quality outdoor environments for our residential and commercial clients. You'll work collaboratively with a crew to perform a wide range of landscaping tasks, from meticulous grounds maintenance to new landscape installations. The ideal candidate is a team player with a strong work ethic, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine passion for working outdoors. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to develop valuable skills in horticulture, equipment operation, and landscape construction while contributing to tangible, visually rewarding projects.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Construction Worker
Nursery or Garden Center Associate
High School or Trade School Graduate

Advancement To:

Landscape Crew Leader / Foreman
Irrigation Technician Specialist
Landscape Construction or Hardscape Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Plant Health Care (PHC) Technician
Grounds Manager for a specific property (e.g., corporate campus, university)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive grounds maintenance, including precision mowing, string trimming, and power edging along curbs, walkways, and garden beds to ensure a clean, manicured appearance.
Execute detailed pruning and trimming of shrubs, hedges, and small trees to promote healthy growth and maintain desired shapes according to horticultural best practices.
Conduct seasonal property clean-ups, including leaf removal, debris clearing, and preparing grounds for changing weather conditions in the spring and fall.
Install softscape materials, including planting trees, shrubs, perennials, and annual flowers according to landscape design plans and specifications.
Apply mulch, topsoil, and decorative rock to garden beds and other designated areas, ensuring proper depth and a neat, finished look.
Operate a wide range of professional landscaping power equipment such as zero-turn mowers, walk-behind mowers, aerators, dethatchers, backpack blowers, and hedge trimmers safely and efficiently.
Participate in the installation of hardscape features, including patios, walkways, and retaining walls, by assisting with site preparation, excavation, and material handling.
Perform lawn care treatments, including the application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides under the guidance and supervision of a licensed technician.
Assist with the installation and basic maintenance of irrigation systems, including head adjustments, minor leak repairs, and system startups/shutdowns.
Prepare and grade terrain for new seed or sod installation, ensuring proper soil conditions for successful turf establishment.
Maintain a high level of quality control and attention to detail on all tasks to meet and exceed client expectations for their properties.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies and procedures, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
Effectively manage time and tasks to ensure job site duties are completed efficiently and within the projected timeframe.
Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor when interacting with clients, the public, and team members on-site.
Load and unload heavy equipment, tools, and materials from work trucks and trailers daily.
Perform core aeration and overseeding on turf areas to improve soil structure and lawn density.
Weed landscape beds by hand and with appropriate tools to maintain a pristine, weed-free appearance.
Ensure all work sites are left clean and orderly at the end of each day, removing all debris and securing tools.
Assist in basic maintenance and cleaning of tools, equipment, and company vehicles to ensure they remain in good working order.
Report any on-site issues, equipment malfunctions, or potential hazards immediately to the Crew Leader or Foreman.

Secondary Functions

Assist with seasonal property services, such as snow and ice removal during winter months, including shoveling and operating snow blowers or plows.
Participate in daily team huddles to review the day's work orders, safety protocols, and specific site requirements.
Help train new crew members on basic job functions, safety procedures, and equipment operation.
Communicate material needs or shortages to the Crew Leader to ensure projects are not delayed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in operating commercial-grade landscaping equipment (zero-turn mowers, string trimmers, edgers, blowers).
Basic knowledge of plant identification, horticulture, and proper planting techniques.
Experience with lawn care practices, including fertilization, aeration, and seeding.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in various weather conditions, including lifting 50+ pounds.
Familiarity with basic irrigation system components and adjustments.
Skill in pruning and trimming a variety of shrubs and small trees.
Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record is highly preferred.
Experience with hardscape installation (pavers, retaining walls) is a plus.
Ability to drive a truck and trailer combination safely.
Understanding of workplace safety procedures and the use of PPE.

Soft Skills

Strong work ethic and reliability; consistently on-time and ready to work.
Excellent teamwork and communication skills; able to follow directions and work well with others.
High attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
Positive attitude and the ability to work effectively through challenging tasks or weather.
Strong time management and organizational skills.
Problem-solving ability to address minor on-site issues as they arise.
Physical stamina and strength to handle the demands of the job all day.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Horticulture
Landscape Design or Management
Turfgrass Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 3 years. While professional experience is valued, we are willing to train motivated candidates with a strong work ethic.

Preferred: 1+ years of experience working for a professional landscape, lawn care, or construction company.