Nature First Landscaping Horticulturist (Landscape & Turf Management) Wake Forest, NC · Full time Company website

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Welcome to Nature First Landscaping—a place where green thumbs, big ideas, and genuine smiles come together to create outdoor spaces our clients (and Mother Nature) love! Here’s a quick glimpse of what makes us a great spot to plant your career: • We Love the Outdoors: Fresh air, sunshine, and the scent of blooming flowers—if that sounds like your kind of “office,” you’re in the right place. • Passionate Team: Our crew is made up of enthusiastic landscapers, garden gurus, and plant whisperers who love sharing tips, swapping stories, and celebrating each other’s successes. • Growth Opportunities: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding gardener, we’ll help nurture your talents through hands-on training, mentorship, and plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. • Creativity Encouraged: Dream up new garden designs, experiment with sustainable practices, and let your imagination run free. We celebrate new ideas and love thinking outside the planter box! • Environmental Stewardship: We believe in caring for our planet as much as our clients’ properties. From eco-friendly tools to water-wise techniques, we’re committed to leaving the earth better than we found it. • Fun Vibes: Expect team outings, friendly competitions (think “Who can design the coolest succulent display?”), and lots of laughter on the job. We’re serious about our work, but we never forget to have fun!

Company Overview

Nature First Landscaping is an independently owned, locally operated full-service landscaping company committed to environmental stewardship and exceptional customer experiences. We transform outdoor spaces into vibrant, enduring landscapes by combining deep horticultural expertise with a passion for innovation and sustainability.

Position Summary

As our Lead Horticulturist, you will serve as the horticultural authority for our landscaping operations, ensuring plant health, landscape quality, and sustainable practices across all properties. This leadership role blends advanced plant knowledge with hands-on field work and team guidance.

You will work closely with crew leaders and management to elevate landscape standards, oversee planting and lawn care programs, and mentor team members in best-practice horticultural techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee horticultural practices across landscape maintenance and installation projects.

• Diagnose and resolve plant health issues including pests, diseases, soil deficiencies, and environmental stress.

• Develop and manage plant care programs including irrigation, fertilization, pruning schedules, and IPM strategies.

• Supervise and assist with lawn care operations such as mowing, aeration, overseeding, fertilization, and weed control.

• Guide plant selection, layout, and installation to ensure long-term success and aesthetic consistency.

• Train and mentor crew members on proper planting techniques, pruning standards, and plant identification.

• Monitor job sites for quality control, ensuring work meets company standards and client expectations.

• Safely operate and oversee the use of landscaping equipment, ensuring proper maintenance and crew compliance.

• Coordinate with management to plan seasonal priorities, material needs, and horticultural improvements.

• Uphold and promote all safety policies and environmentally responsible practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of professional experience in horticulture, landscaping, or landscape management.

• Degree or formal training in horticulture, plant science, turfgrass management, or a related field preferred.

• Strong knowledge of plant identification, turf care, soil science, and seasonal landscape management.

• Experience with fertilizers, pesticides, and IPM programs; applicable licenses or certifications preferred.

• Proven leadership ability with experience training or supervising crews.

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with field teams and management.

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.

• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver materials and equipment up to 80 pounds.

• Comfortable with prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and manual labor.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation with leadership-level pay.

• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

• Investment in continued education, certifications, and licensing.

• A team-focused culture that values expertise, craftsmanship, and accountability.

• Health, Vision, & Dental Insurance after 60 days.