A good candidate for the Lead Gardener position is a seasoned and knowledgeable horticulturalist who combines a deep passion for plants with proven leadership abilities. This individual possesses extensive hands-on experience in gardening, landscape maintenance and can confidently oversee all stages of a garden's life cycle. Beyond technical skills, the ideal candidate is an effective communicator who can professionally interact with clients to understand and execute their vision. With strong organizational skills, they can manage schedules, budgets, and project timelines while ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard of quality. They are also a resourceful problem-solver who can diagnose and treat pests and diseases, adapt to changing weather conditions, and proactively identify opportunities for garden improvement. Above all, a successful Lead Gardener is hardworking, dedicated, and leads by example, demonstrating the endurance and personal accountability required for the physical demands of outdoor work.

The lead gardener is responsible for regularly communicating with clients and traveling to their homes in a company van for garden installations or weekly maintenance visits. This role requires the ability to operate a commercial cargo van and use a smartphone to interact with the company's job management app. The lead gardener must also be able to take high-quality photos of job sites for documentation purposes. The position involves both independent work and collaboration with a team.

Key Responsibilities 

• Garden Maintenance: Oversee tasks like planting, fertilizing, pruning, weeding, and maintaining kitchen gardens in many shapes and sizes.

• Pest & Disease Control: Recognize and treat plant diseases and insect problems. 

• Irrigation & Equipment: Maintain and repair irrigation systems and operate equipment like string trimmers and flame weeders. 

• Garden Installations: Contribute to installation and maintenance of new kitchen gardens.

• Organize and Restock: Contribute to routine organization and restocking of supplies and plants at our headquarters and in our 2 cargo vans.

• Record Keeping: Keep logs of tasks, materials, and schedules. 

• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to safety protocols, wear protective gear, and ensure a clean and orderly work environment. 

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Horticultural Knowledge: A strong understanding of plants, soil, pest control, and edible garden practices. Florida native plant and wild flower knowledge is a bonus! 

• Physical Abilities: Ability to perform strenuous outdoor tasks, bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 lbs in various weather conditions. 

• Self driven: The ability to work well independently, think creatively and contribute ideas to the work we do.

• Communication Skills: Strong communication and organizational skills are essential. 

• Equipment Operation: Competency in operating and maintaining various landscaping tools and equipment. 

• Basic Skills: Basic knowledge of computer software and a valid driver's license with a clean driving record. 

Ideal Candidate: 

• Minimum of 2 years experience working in agriculture, horticulture or professional gardening

• Is comfortable driving a commercial cargo van 

• Is comfortable using apps like google sheets and has the ability to use their phone for work 

• Lives in the North Miami/Upper East Side area because of the close proximity to our HQ in Little River

• Can start by September 22 and commit to working through the end of our growing season in June 2026

What we offer:

• Access to free plants aging out of our nursery on a weekly basis

• Free participation in our educational workshops

• Access to fresh organic produce from our family garden and neighbor farm (French Farms)

• Opportunity to advance with pay increases that reflect your growing commitment and expanded responsibilities

Starting pay is $25/hour dependent on prior experience. The lead gardener position is set to begin (paid) on the job training the week of September 22nd. 

To apply:

Please respond to the following questions and email to mail@littlerivercooperative.com. Please include your full name, phone number, a resume and 2 referrals. 

• What is it about this job description that made you think this position was for you?

• What are your 3 strongest attributes and how do they relate to this position?

• Why are you well suited to this position?

• What is your biggest success?

• Also please confirm that the conditions of the job (days of the time requirement, location, pay) have been read and understood.