Horticulturist Landscape Architect
Ocala, Florida
Highlights:
- Stability: Company has history of no layoffs during downturns due to strong financial position (zero debt)
- Land Position: 1000's of secured and debt-free lots; 10+ years of buildable land currently held
- Quality / Sustainability: Premier 55+ active adult community focused on green and sustainability practices
- Compensation / Benefits: Competitive compensation and full array of benefits; including several discounts for services, products and leisure activities
Responsibilities:
The Horticulturist / Landscape Architect is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and oversight of the organization's overall horticultural landscape-related activities. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of landscape design, maintenance, and horticultural knowledge/practices, coupled with strong leadership and management skills. The Horticulturist / Landscape Architect will ensure the efficient and effective delivery of landscape services, while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.
What you will do:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for landscape operations aligning with the organization's objectives.
- Conduct market research and industry analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities for innovation.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the department.
- Proactively plan and schedule work duties independently or with a team and management.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, under direct or indirect supervision, and on specific deadlines. Ability to instruct and lead experienced and novice garden interns, volunteers, and employees.
Financial Stewardship
- Oversee the department's budget development and management, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost-effective operations.
- Prepare and analyze financial reports and metrics to track performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships to optimize pricing and service levels.
Team Development:
- Recruit, hire, train, and develop a high-performing team of landscape professionals.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to ensure optimal performance and professional growth.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork, employee engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Project Management Excellence:
- Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of landscape projects, including new installations, renovations, and maintenance.
- Develop comprehensive project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation plans.
- Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement proactive measures to mitigate challenges.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship:
- Implement sustainable landscaping practices to minimize environmental impact and promote resource conservation.
- Explore and adopt innovative green technologies and practices.
- Collaborate with other departments to integrate sustainability into the organization's operations.
- Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health, & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, codes, and industry standards.
- Conduct regular audits and inspections to identify and address potential non-compliance issues.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to maintain compliance and mitigate risks.
Customer Service Excellence:
- Foster strong relationships with residents, staff, Association Management, and other stakeholders.
- Respond promptly to customer inquiries and address concerns in a professional and timely manner.
- Continuously strive to exceed customer expectations and deliver exceptional service.
Pest and Tree Management:
- Oversee the prevention, control, and treatment of pests and diseases affecting the landscape.
- Manage the organization's arboricultural program, including tree inspections, pruning, removals, and hazard assessments.
- Ensure compliance with local and state pest control and tree management regulations.
- Responsible for shrub, vine, ground cover, and turf maintenance, including decision-making on method, timing, and tools.
- Responsible for culture and care of specialty crops, including roses, topiaries, and foliage plants.
- Responsible for bedding plant selection, care, and layout.
- Performs diagnosis of plant nutrition and pest control needs, fertilization, and herbicide.
- Performs landscape rehabilitation, including demolition and installation.
- Ability to troubleshoot pipes and potential irrigation leaks/problems.
What you will need:
- Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field
- 10+ years of experience in landscape management, preferably in or in collaboration with a Master Planned Community.
- FNGLA Certification required
- Current Certified Pest Control Operator and Certified Arborist certifications or the ability to obtain them within one year of employment is required.
- A valid Florida Driver's License with acceptable driving history is required.
- Proven leadership and management skills with a track record of success
- Strong knowledge of plant and soil science, irrigation, landscape design, maintenance, and horticultural practices
- Experience with contract management, budgeting, and financial analysis
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of landscaping methods and proper use of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides.
- Ability to identify common plants and insect or disease conditions on plants.
Additional Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Pest Control Operator and Certified Arborist certifications
- ISA Arborist Certification preferred
- Experience with sustainable landscaping practices and green infrastructure
- Education in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, irrigation, or any similar trade is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
Personal Attributes:
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to communicate and manage well at all levels of the organization
- Honesty and integrity
- Team builder and team player
- Emotionally intelligent
- Self-motivated
- Strong work ethic
- Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion