Horticulture Crew Leader - Gardens - Full Time

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.

Responsibilities

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; Plans and leads assigned crew(s) in daily tasks and maintains efficient/productive work routines following both written and verbal communication; Coordinates, plans, and prioritizes daily and weekly tasks and long range projects with manager; Complies with all safety procedures related to duties; Reliably works as scheduled to include weekends, emergency duty, and overtime as required; Assist guests in a positive, courteous manner; Responsible for documenting cultural practices, plantings, and if needed labor in areas of responsibility; Develops and follows specialized programs, making appropriate recommendations for improvements; 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; Works in all aspects of Horticulture as required completing other duties as assigned; Monitors for pest and disease issues impacting estate plantings, determines thresholds and coordinates proper control methods if needed; Leads crews with plant maintenance in their areas and offers coaching to improve team members' technical skills; Identifies safety issues within their areas and determines immediate and long term solutions with the manager

Requirements

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; Becomes WPS certified within 10 days of hire; Prior experience of USDA zone 7 floral; Reliably works as scheduled to include weekends, emergency duty and overtime as required; Ability to be a team player in a quality focused, efficient department; Ability to use computers and Microsoft Office software; A valid driver's license is required; Acquire a Category L pesticide license within 12 months; Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time; must be able to kneel, stoop, bend, reach below and overhead; Ability to lift up to 50 lbs on a regular basis; Must be able to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding as needed; Ability to safely operate small equipment and machinery (e.g. edgers, mowers, etc.); Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions

Nice to have

The preferred candidate will have experience planting trees up to a 3" caliper; managing invasive plants; and leading a team