Horticulture Crew Leader - Gardens

Job Summary:

The Horticulture Crew Leader is responsible for providing day-to-day leadership of tasks and hands-on leadership of their respective crews. The Crew Leader directs and oversees the crew to ensure quality workmanship and efficient utilization of staff. As a professional, the Crew Leader must effectively solve challenges with safety, efficiency, and adherence to proper Horticulture practices. Striving for excellence in workmanship and possessing in-depth knowledge of technical aspects of modern Horticulture are essential. Additionally, the Crew Leader serves as a representative of the Biltmore Company, promoting a professional image while providing general support and assistance to the department, leadership, and company.

Schedule is typically Monday - Friday; 7am - 3:30pm with occasional weekends.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Performs skilled garden tasks including but not limited to pruning, planting, propagating, designing, laying out areas for planting, diagnosing disease and/or insect problems and applying IPM strategies for control, and assesses the development and maturity of woody and /or herbaceous plants/

2. Plans and leads assigned crew(s) in daily tasks and maintains efficient/productive work routines following both written and verbal communication.

3. Coordinates, plans, and prioritizes daily and weekly tasks and long range projects with manager

4. Complies with all safety procedures related to duties

5. Reliably works as scheduled to include weekends, emergency duty, and overtime as required.

6. Assist guests in a positive, courteous manner.

7. Responsible for documenting cultural practices, plantings, and if needed labor in areas of responsibility.

8. Develops and follows specialized programs, making appropriate recommendations for improvements.

9. Trains assigned staff in appropriate horticulture skills and ensures staff has access to necessary training for their responsibility and for their growth in the company.

10. Works in all aspects of Horticulture as required completing other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Crew leaders will be called upon to monitor for pest and disease issues impacting estate plantings. The Crew leader need to determine the threshold of the pest or disease and if needed, coordinate the proper control methods.

2. Crew leaders will be called upon to lead crews with plant maintenance in their areas and offer coaching on how to improve the team members technical skills.

3. The Crew leader will be called upon to identify safety issues within their areas and determine immediate solutions and long term solutions with the manager.

Qualifications:

1. A minimum of two years technical education in Horticulture or related field and two to four years working knowledge and experience in a Horticulture field OR four to six years working knowledge and experience in a horticulture field.

2. The preferred candidate will have experience planting trees up to a 3” caliper, managing invasive plants, and leading a team.

3. Becomes WPS certified within 10 days of hire.

4. Prior experience of USDA zone 7 floral

5. Reliably works as scheduled to include weekends, emergency duty and overtime as required.

6. Ability to be a team player in a quality focused, efficient department.

7. Ability to use computers and Microsoft Office software.

8. A valid driver's license is required. Required Certifications (if any):

9. Acquire a Category L pesticide license within 12 months

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time; must be able to kneel, stoop, bend, reach below and overhead

2. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs on a regular basis

3. Must be able to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding as needed.

4. Ability to safely operate small equipment and machinery (e.g. edgers, mowers, etc.)

5. Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions.