Senior Crew Member — Installation

About the role

Gardens by Oz is a woman-owned landscape design-build and maintenance company serving residential and light commercial clients across Hampton Roads since 1979.

The Senior Crew Member is an experienced installer who sets the standard for quality on plant and hardscape projects. You work as a skilled hand on most days and lead the crew on assigned projects when a Field Lead is not on site. You report to the Field Lead, or to Operations on projects you lead.

• Location: Norfolk, VA, with job sites across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Suffolk
• Type: Full-time, year-round
• Reports to: Field Lead / Operations

Key responsibilities

Plant installation

• Install trees, shrubs, perennials, native plugs and seed mixes to plan, following ANSI A300 Part 6 and ANSI Z60.1 standards
• Dig planting holes to correct width and depth so the root flare sits at or slightly above grade
• Inspect nursery stock on delivery; flag girdled roots, damage or wrong species before planting
• Prepare beds: sod removal, soil amendment, grading, edging, weed barrier where specified, and mulch at 2–3 inches kept off stems and trunks
• Stake trees only when needed and remove wire baskets, burlap and twine per spec
• Water in all new plantings and leave clear watering instructions for the client

Hardscape installation

• Install paver patios, walkways, retaining walls, steppers and edging following ICPI (Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association) and NCMA guidelines
• Excavate to depth, compact subgrade and base in lifts (#57), and screed bedding (#8 stone)
• Set pitch for drainage (about 1/4 inch per foot away from structures), install edge restraint, and finish with polymeric sand
• Install drainage: French drains, dry creek beds, downspout extensions and catch basins
• Read plans and take measurements; lay out with string lines, paint and grade stakes

Crew leadership on assigned projects

• Run the day on site: review the job scope, assign tasks and keep the crew productive
• Walk the site with the client when needed and escalate change requests to Operations before doing extra work
• Track materials and hours; report shortages and overruns the same day
• Document progress and completed work with photos in CompanyCam
• Coach newer crew members on technique, safety and our standards
• Run a final walkthrough and punch list before the crew leaves the site

Safety, equipment and conduct

• Follow OSHA safety practices and wear required PPE
• Operate and maintain equipment safely: skid steer or mini skid, plate compactor, sod cutter, wet saw, trencher
• Keep trucks, trailers and job sites clean and organized
• Represent the company professionally in uniform and follow all crew policies

Qualifications

Required

• 3 years of landscape installation experience, including both planting and hardscape work
• Proven paver or wall installation from excavation through final sand
• Able to read landscape plans and take accurate measurements
• Experience leading or directing at least 2–3 people on a job site
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record; able to tow a trailer
• Reliable, punctual, and takes pride in clean finished work

Preferred

• Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA, formerly ICPI) Concrete Paver Installer certification
• Virginia Certified Horticulturist or Certified Landscape Technician
• Knowledge of Mid-Atlantic native plants and conservation landscaping
• Experience with skid steer, mini excavator or trencher

Work conditions, pay and how to apply

Physical requirements

• Lift and carry up to 80 lbs regularly (stone, block, root balls, soil bags)
• Work outdoors in heat, humidity and cold; stand, bend, kneel and dig for full days
• Work occasional extended days during peak installation season

Compensation and benefits

• Pay based on experience and certifications
• Paid time off and holidays
• Company uniforms and safety gear provided
• Training and certification support, with a path to Field Lead

Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Opportunities for advancement
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $23