Professional Gardener

WHITMORES INC. – Professional Gardener, Maintenance Department, Newport, Rhode Island

Whitmores is a family owned business operating on the east end of Long Island, NY since 1945. Our firm specializes in high-end residential landscape work ranging from design, installation, gardens, maintenance, carpentry, masonry, irrigation, tree care, and a tree farm and greenhouse operation.

We offer a unique opportunity for those aiming to work in the landscape industry, and for individuals who enjoy plants and the outdoors, and seek to work in a dynamic environment. We are currently looking for a Professional Gardener. The Gardener supports the Department Manager by assisting with administration, supervision, and client interaction for high-end garden accounts.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to planning, scheduling, and executing projects ranging from simple plantings to complex designs, installations, and after-care. Work may involve garden beds, vegetable and cutting gardens, pots, planters, and other garden areas. The role may require managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Field:

- Plant, water, prune, and maintain flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns, and edible plants.

- Manage soil health through fertilizing, composting, mulching, and testing.

- Control weeds, pests, and diseases using safe and effective methods

- Design, install, and refresh garden layouts, beds, and seasonal plantings

- Perform potscaping by selecting, arranging, planting, and maintaining container gardens

- Mow, edge, and maintain turf, hedges, and landscape features

- Install, monitor, and repair system irrigation systems

- Operate and maintain gardening tools and equipment

- Carry out seasonal cleanups and plant protection

- Monitor plant health, keep care records, and plan planting schedules

- Advise on plant selection and ongoing garden improvements.

Supervision:

1. Help to supervise and coordinate garden installations and maintenance ; ensuring work

is completed on time, budget, and per project specs.

2. Ensure work is completed to industry, Company, and client standards.

3. Assist with crew scheduling, management and supervision.

4. Help to coordinate the assignment of crews and personnel, material and plants, logistics

and shared equipment and machinery.

5. Ensure efficient and safe working conditions.

6. Tag, select, and inspect plant material for installations. May require coordination with the

plant buyer, greenhouse and other teams.

7. Perform regular site visits, garden status reviews, and supervision for current and

recently completed projects

8. Inspect and perform quality control on completed and maintenance projects noting areas

of concern such as ineffective after-care, pests, diseases, plant failures.

9. General property inspection on assigned maintenance properties.

10. Work with department manager and teams to address issues on maintenance properties

and maintain high-quality gardens

11. Attend garden and maintenance reviews as required.

12. Represent the Company at meetings with owners, architects, designers, client

representatives, contractors, and others.

Office:

1. Help to manage and administrate estimates, contracts, changes to orders, work tickets,

purchase orders, and final invoicing.

2. Help to manage budgets by reporting to Management any work deviating from budgets

of time, schedule, cost or any other factor so appropriate adjustments can be made to

maximize end result.

3. Coordinate with appropriate internal teams and vendors to ensure all material and

supplies reach the job site as scheduled, specified and required.

4. Assist with the creation and updating of garden reports.

5. Assist with crew HR needs such as time off requests, performance reviews, accident and

incident reports, and communicating general company policies or updates.

6. Regular communication with the Garden team including other Company departments

and outside contractors/collaborators.

7. Provide strong customer service.

8. Stay aware of best practices. Develop and recommend improved work methods and

standards when possible.

Other:

• Self-motivated, detail oriented, energetic professional who does not mind a broad range

of differing responsibilities.

• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent verbal and written communication.

• Comfortable and willing to work with technology such as smartphones, ipads, desktop or

laptop computers, and necessary software.

• Ability to read, or be taught to read, blueprints, schematics, and drawings.

• Results, sales and growth oriented.

• Effective problem-solving skills.

• Must be able to meet the physical demands of the job including working in an outdoor

environment for extended periods of time in all weather conditions.

• Knowledge of perennials, annuals and tropicals is a benefit, but is not required.

• Excellent English language skills, bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Experience & Expertise:

• Experience working in an hybrid office-outdoor environment

• Experience within the landscaping industry or related

• A valid driver’s license with safe driving record

• Bilingual Fluency (English/Spanish) is preferred

• Training available

• Field-based position serving residential, commercial, and municipal properties

• Seasonal overtime is required during peak application periods

• Exposure to fertilizers, pesticides, and outdoor elements (PPE provided)

• Company will provide training and support toward obtaining and maintaining required

licenses and certifications

This is a full time position.

The position reports to the Garden Supervisor or Department Manager.

This position has supervisory responsibilities.

The position's primary work locations will be Middletown and Newport, Rhode Island.

Why Work at Whitmores?

Here are some of the benefits and perks we offer:

• Vacation/Personal Time Allowance dependent on years of service

• Medical Benefits with generous employer contributions, including Dental.

• 401(k) participation available in pre-tax and Roth; or both.

• Continuing Education and Tuition Assistance for job-related training and certification

Pay: $30.00 - $38.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $38