Site Leader

Hedgewitch Horticulture LLC is a woman-owned and ecologically-focused fine gardening company operating primarily in Middlesex and Worcester counties, Massachusetts. We collaborate with clients on maintenance, design and installation to create custom garden designs, tailored land care plans and targeted education and coaching. Our favorite projects include cut flower gardens, edible gardens filled with veggies, fruit and herbs, transforming lawn into biodiverse meadow, and onsite ecological storm water management. Our gardens we create and steward have a strong foundation of native plants. 

We are seeking a site leader to support our team of 3-5 fine gardeners performing maintenance work and installations. We are seeking an experienced gardener with a love of nature, a flexible and collaborative attitude, and an appreciation for physical work looking to take on a supervisory role to support our operations and crew. Most of all, we are looking for team members to invest in as they grow along with the company.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team that is dedicated to creating and caring for beautiful habitat gardens for people and planet.

Compensation is commensurate with experience $30-35/hour, plus sick pay accrual, 5 paid holidays, 1 week paid time off (to be distributed in August during company recess), healthcare reimbursement and an annual credit for workwear, plants and continuing education. This is a full-time seasonal position from mid-March through late November/early December. 

Job Requirements

• Maintenance: Lead and oversee our team of fine gardeners at our residential edible, ornamental and habitat gardens. Identify, delegate and perform maintenance tasks including weeding, observation of pest, disease and invasive species pressure, mulching, pruning, and transplanting performed in accordance with our horticultural practices and with attention to detail. Oversee and assist all members of the team to reach these standards of excellence. Ensure all tasks are accomplished as provided in client notes.
• Installations: Support all aspects of design installations including logistical planning, transportation of plants and materials, spreading compost and mulch, understanding and adhering to design documents, and planting. Occasional stone work such as installation of irregular bluestone flagging and gravel or pea stone. Direct and support other staff members to manage workflow and operational efficiency. Maintain a safe and tidy work site.
• Site Supervision: Set the onsite example for the team when owners are not present. Give correct instructions, constructive and positive guidance to other team members. Assist with training new employees and communicating necessary feedback. Use time management skills to support staying on task and on schedule. Act as primary liaison between owners and clients when owners are off site. Communication with clients while on-site to develop a friendly rapport. Note and communicate any issues with owners.
• Creative: Assist with placement of plants according to design plans at installation or maintenance client sites. Notice opportunities for additional plantings, enhancements, or small projects at our client sites. .
• Account management: Prepare for work, record site observations and customer feedback and document daily work using our online systems, including Google Calendar and Trello. Attend scheduled management meetings to reflect on the week and prep for projects ahead. Communicate with clients about maintenance plans, any issues and planned work.
• Customer service: Be the face of Hedgewitch on site and handle communications with clients with courtesy and professionalism. Answer all correspondence promptly and professionally.

Ideal Qualifications and Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in professional garden work, prior management experience is a plus, but willing to train the right candidate. Proficiency in common horticultural tasks such as weeding, edging, planting and ability to support the development of these skills in other employees. Strong plant identification of groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, trees, with an emphasis on native species.
• A gardener’s eye: While we provide a list of daily garden tasks, we are looking for someone with strong site analysis and the ability to recognize what else might need to be done and take initiative.
• The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, and demonstrate a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Willingness to take direction as well as initiative, and possess a thoughtful and patient demeanor. Detail-oriented, with a demonstrated commitment to high quality work
• Experience and comfort using Google office suite.
• Availability to work 40 hours per week.
• Ability to perform physically challenging work in all weather conditions. Ability to move heavy objects on a regular basis (50 lbs), and perform repetitive tasks safely.
• Ability to show up to site consistently on time and prepared for the day with adequate clothing, footwear, food and water.
• Driver’s license required. Following a conditional offer of employment, Hedgewitch requires motor vehicle record checks on all candidates.