Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Landscape Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

As a Landscape Supervisor, you are the on-the-ground leader and a critical link between our clients, management, and landscape crews. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of multiple landscape maintenance and installation projects, ensuring they are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. This role requires a hands-on approach, combining expert horticultural knowledge with strong leadership skills to direct, train, and motivate your team. You'll be the primary point of contact on-site, proactively managing resources, solving problems, and ensuring the vision for each property is brought to life.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Landscape Crew Lead / Foreman
Senior Landscape Technician / Gardener
Irrigation Specialist

Advancement To:

Landscape Operations Manager
Project Manager (Landscape Construction)
Grounds Manager or Director

Lateral Moves:

Account Manager (Landscape)
Arborist Supervisor
Horticulturist or Nursery Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct, supervise, and coordinate the daily activities of a team of 2-10 landscape technicians and laborers, including scheduling work, assigning tasks, and monitoring progress.
Provide hands-on training for crew members on all aspects of landscape maintenance and installation, including proper pruning techniques, planting, turf care, and equipment operation.
Ensure all landscape work, from lawn maintenance and seasonal color installation to hardscape projects, is completed in alignment with contract specifications, design plans, and quality standards.
Act as the primary on-site point of contact for clients, proactively communicating project updates, addressing concerns, and identifying opportunities for enhancements to build strong, lasting relationships.
Conduct regular property inspections to assess landscape health, identify potential issues like pests or diseases, and ensure quality control, documenting findings and creating action plans.
Manage and maintain the proper functioning of irrigation systems, including performing inspections, making necessary repairs, and adjusting schedules to ensure efficient water usage and optimal plant health.
Enforce all company safety policies and OSHA regulations on job sites, conducting daily safety briefings and ensuring all crew members utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.
Oversee the proper care, use, and routine maintenance of all company vehicles, tools, and heavy equipment, reporting any malfunctions or needs for repair immediately.
Manage on-site logistics, including the timely ordering and delivery of materials such as plants, mulch, soil, and hardscape supplies, ensuring everything is on hand to meet project timelines.
Accurately track and document crew members' daily hours, work performed, and materials used through digital or paper-based reporting systems for accurate job costing and payroll.
Interpret landscape design blueprints, sketches, and work orders to guide the crew in executing installation and construction projects accurately.
Implement and supervise integrated pest management (IPM) programs, including the identification and appropriate treatment of common landscape pests, weeds, and diseases.
Operate a variety of light and heavy-duty landscaping equipment, such as commercial mowers, skid steers, mini-excavators, trenchers, and loaders, and provide training to crew members.
Plan and execute seasonal horticultural tasks, including aeration, overseeding, fertilization programs, spring/fall clean-ups, and anti-desiccant applications.
Manage snow and ice removal operations during winter months, including supervising crews, dispatching, and ensuring site safety and accessibility (if applicable).
Assist in the employee performance review process by providing direct feedback to the Operations Manager regarding crew member skills, attendance, and overall performance.
Effectively troubleshoot and resolve on-site issues, such as unexpected soil conditions, equipment failure, or client requests, in a timely and professional manner.
Maintain a clean and organized job site at all times, ensuring tools are stored properly and debris is removed daily to present a professional image.
Coordinate with subcontractors, such as irrigation specialists or arborists, to ensure their work is scheduled appropriately and completed to company standards.
Monitor project budgets and labor hours to ensure jobs are completed profitably, and report any potential overages or deviations to management.
Proactively identify opportunities for property enhancements and upsell services to clients, working with Account Managers to develop proposals and secure additional work.

Secondary Functions

Generate and support ad-hoc reports on project progress, labor hours, and material usage for management review.
Contribute to the development of departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for landscape maintenance and safety.
Collaborate with Account Managers and designers to understand client needs and translate them into actionable work plans for the crew.
Participate in weekly planning and scheduling meetings to align crew activities with company-wide project timelines and goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Horticultural Knowledge: Deep understanding of regional plant materials (trees, shrubs, perennials, turf), soil science, and proper planting, pruning, and maintenance techniques.
Irrigation System Management: Proficiency in troubleshooting, repairing, and programming commercial and residential irrigation systems, including controllers, valves, and heads.
Pest & Disease Identification: Ability to identify common landscape pests, weeds, and diseases and knowledge of appropriate chemical and organic treatment methods (State Pesticide Applicator License is a plus).
Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Skilled in operating and performing routine maintenance on a wide range of landscaping equipment, including mowers, trimmers, blowers, skid steers, and mini-excavators.
Blueprint & Plan Reading: Ability to read and interpret landscape architectural plans and specifications for installation projects.
Job Costing & Reporting: Experience with tracking labor hours and material costs to ensure projects remain within budget.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Crew Management: Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate a diverse team to achieve high performance and maintain a positive work environment.
Client Communication & Relations: Excellent interpersonal skills for communicating effectively with clients, managing expectations, and providing outstanding customer service.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to quickly identify and resolve on-site issues as they arise.
Time Management & Organization: Exceptional ability to prioritize tasks, manage schedules for multiple properties, and work efficiently under pressure.
Safety Consciousness: A steadfast commitment to creating and maintaining a safe work environment for the crew and the public.
Attention to Detail: A keen eye for quality, ensuring that all work is completed to the highest standard and properties are left in pristine condition.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
Horticultural or landscape industry certifications (e.g., Certified Landscape Technician - CLT).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Horticulture
Landscape Architecture or Design
Turfgrass Management
Agronomy
Business Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of hands-on experience in the professional landscape maintenance or construction industry, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership capacity (e.g., Crew Lead or Foreman).

Preferred:

5+ years of progressive experience in commercial landscape management, with demonstrated success in supervising multiple crews, managing large-scale projects, and possessing a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.