Job Description

HERITAGE LANDSCAPES JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Horticulturalist/Operations Assistant 

SUPERVISOR: Landscape Operations Director

PAY RATE: $30-$40/hr 

PURPOSE OF POSITION: Joining Heritage Landscapes as a Horticulturist/Plant Specialist means becoming an essential part of our new landscaping construction projects. We're a team driven by craftsmanship and a deep respect for nature. We focus on bringing thoughtfully designed outdoor sanctuary spaces to life. At Heritage Landscapes, you'll have the opportunity to apply your plant expertise from the ground up selecting, sourcing, and installing plant material that complements each unique design. Our supportive, collaborative atmosphere encourages professional growth and values your specialized knowledge as we build vibrant, lasting landscapes for our clients.

• 7 Paid Holidays + Sick Leave 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Employees may contribute any % of their pay as desired. Heritage Landscapes matches dollar for dollar up to 4% .
• Health / Dental / Vision Insurance - Heritage Landscapes covers 90% of the base plan for Health, Dental &/or Vision insurance. 
• Profit Sharing 
• Training Programs 

JOB REQUIREMENTS   

• Ability to read, comprehend, and implement planting plans directly from construction documents and plans, including plant placement, spacing, and species specifications.

• Ability to read, interpret and update spreadsheets related to project planning, plant lists, and inventory.

• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and consistently with team members, architects, and clients in a collaborative, respectful and productive manner. 

• Easily identify at least 100 plant species suited for the Bay Area climate and understand their horticultural requirements.

• Conduct work in an organized, detail-oriented, and professional manner.

• Proactively prepare for upcoming work on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

• When asked, select appropriate plants based on project design, environmental conditions, and client needs.

• Special order plants as needed and manage plant acquisition logistics.

• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with local and regional nurseries.

• Comfortable driving a company vehicle and transporting plant material and supplies as needed.

• Understanding of landscape construction and the practical sequencing of installation processes preferred.

• Assist and support the sales team by sourcing plant material and obtaining quotes from suppliers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

80% 1. Operations

• Review and interpret project construction documents and planting plans to ensure accurate plant placement, spacing, and species selection.

• Review and understand cost estimates and contractual scopes for each project to align horticultural work with budget and expectations.

• Evaluate existing site conditions prior to installation to anticipate potential challenges and make informed recommendations.

• Assess planting plans for horticultural accuracy and long-term plant viability, minimizing the risk of plant failure.

• Source and procure plant material from various nurseries, ensuring availability, quality, and timely delivery.

• Coordinate with landscape architects, clients, and GCs to gain approval for tree specimens, feature plants, and any proposed substitutions. Request photos and submittals when needed for client and architect approval.

• Identify and communicate discrepancies or concerns in plans to landscape architects, clients, and general contractors (GCs), and collaborate to resolve them.

• Notify the Project Manager of any discrepancies between cost estimates and contracts.

• Notify the Project Manager immediately of any potential or necessary change of orders.

• Work closely with Project Managers and Coordinators to ensure accurate and timely delivery of plant material to job sites.

• Schedule and oversee all plant and tree deliveries, confirming logistics and plant health and condition upon arrival. 

• Monitor planting activities on-site to ensure proper techniques are used for optimal plant health and longevity. Immediately notify the Project Manager or Superintendent of any performance issues.

• Monitor and enforce tree protection measures on project sites to prevent damage to existing trees.

• Communicate any unforeseen issues or unaddressed items in the proposal scope to management without delay.

• Collaborate with management to determine the most effective means and methods for plant and tree installation based on site conditions and project goals.

20% 2 . Heritage Landscapes Team Member

• Serve as a member of the Heritage Landscapes Team and participate in a highly cooperative and positive manner. 

• Communicate with the Operations Director regarding progress of tasks.

• Thoroughly understand and comply with Company mission, core values, policies, standard operating procedures and expectations of employment.

3. Other duties as assigned.

REPORT PREPARATION:

• Regular reporting project status to Operations Director.

• Other reports as required.

WORK DIRECTION:  Work direction comes from the Operations Director.

WORK COORDINATION: Strong coordination with the Operations Coordinator and the Maintenance and InstallationProject Manager.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

General Requirements:

• Demonstrate Owner Mentality.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Proficiency in project management software and Microsoft Office Suite. 

• In-depth knowledge of landscape construction techniques, materials, and equipment. 

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and design plans. 

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Horticulture or a related field strongly preferred

• Experience reading and interpreting landscape construction documents and planting plans

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, for plant schedules, tracking, and documentation

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus, but not required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods

• Capable of walking, bending, kneeling, and twisting

• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds

• Visual acuity necessary for close, distant, and peripheral vision, color differentiation, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Specialized and Technical Knowledge, Certification, Licenses:

• Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Design, Construction Management, Horticulture, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience will also be considered

• Desirable: attend seminars, college or university classes, self-study, industry-related certifications.

LENGTH OF EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in landscape construction, nursery propagation, farming or a related field

  ​​​​​​ All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

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