What are the responsibilities and job description for the Garden Concierge / Horticulturist position at Horn & Co.?
About Horn & Company
Horn & Company is a high-end residential landscape architecture firm with offices in Middleburg and Arlington, Virginia. We take pride in thoughtfully building beautiful and sustainable landscapes. Office culture is a priority: we believe in transparent leadership and mentoring talent. We're launching a new Garden Concierge service and are looking for a unicorn. Hopefully that's you!
Why you'll love this job
- Predictable hours: Routine 40-hour weeks.
- No manual labor: You oversee; our partners do the work.
- Real relationships: Be the trusted face of Horn & Company to each client.
- Company car: Provided for site visits.
- Strong backing: A respected firm and design team behind you.
The role
As a Garden Concierge, you are the link between our clients and their maintenance contractors. You won't do the work yourself. You'll build and oversee a network of trusted local partners and hold them to a high standard, so our clients can hire smaller, specialized companies with confidence.
You'll be responsible for the ongoing care of about 15 properties in the first year, growing to 30 as the service takes hold. That means 4 to 6 site visits per property each year, plus availability by email, phone and video in between. The first year is also a build year: you'll shape the vendor network, test each service, and work out the kinks before we scale.
Key responsibilities
- Client relationships: Be each client's trusted single point of contact, by site visit, email, phone and video.
- Plant health: Spot struggling plants and manage warranty replacements.
- Irrigation: Catch over- and under-watering and get it fixed.
- Vendor network: Find, vet and manage partners for all exterior work: maintenance, irrigation, lighting, tree care, pest control, power washing, window and gutter cleaning, grill cleaning, masonry, vegetable gardens, and pool, outdoor kitchen and fireplace repairs.
- Home security: Coordinate alarm, camera and smart-lock vendors.
- Seasonal decor: Arrange porch planters and decor year-round, from spring and summer refreshes to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas lighting.
- Accountability: Inspect work, document issues, and follow up until resolved, keeping vendors on side.
- Winter projects: Help with planting plans, bidding and construction administration.
What we're looking for
- 10 years in horticulture, landscape maintenance, construction or property care.
- Strong knowledge of Mid-Atlantic plants.
- Familiarity with landscape construction and irrigation; able to read plans.
- Confidence holding contractors accountable while keeping relationships positive.
- Polished, excellent communication with clients who expect a high level of service.
- Organized across many properties and vendors.
- Degree in horticulture or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
- Comfort with Microsoft Office and scheduling tools.
Preferred
- Landscape architecture, design-build or high-end residential experience.
- Experience reviewing contracts, bids and invoices.
- Bilingual English and Spanish.
Working conditions
A regular 40-hour week with no manual labor. You'll split your time between our office, a home workspace and client properties, often outdoors in all weather and on uneven terrain. Site visits involve walking, standing, bending and driving between properties.
Compensation and growth
The salary is commensurate with experience. We provide a car for site visits. Benefits include up to four weeks combined PTO, retirement and healthcare coverage and annual merit-based bonus.
You would be the first Garden Concierge, helping shape a new service line as the client roster grows. Advancement depends on performance and the growth of the program.
To apply
Send your resume and a short note to info@hornandco.com with the subject "Garden Concierge / Horticulturist application."