COSA Job Posting: Lead Landscaper for Regenerative, Pollinator-Friendly La ndscaping Company in Durango, CO

Blooming Landscape & Design (BLD) is expanding and looking for a motivated, detail-oriented individual with prior landscaping and leadership experience to join our team. The Lead Landscaper (LL) will assist in overseeing and implementing landscape installation and maintenance work. The position will consist of some field work with the crews, time interfacing with existing and potential clients, writing up estimates, managing the weekly job schedule and some administrative duties. The LL will also assist with developing and expanding the regenerative services of Blooming, which include soil health assessments and treatments in the form of compost tea and organic compost applications, carbon sequestration, pollinator gardens, rainwater harvesting, permaculture design, educational programs and presentations and looking at ways to lessen the business’ carbon footprint. The expected workload will be 36-40 hours per week. This is a full-time seasonal position (season runs from April to end of November) but with the right candidate can turn into a year-long salaried position with full benefits. Long term positions with BLD are available and encouraged.

Blooming Landscape & Design is a full-service landscaping company providing landscape planning, design, installation and maintenance services within Durango and the Four Corners Region. We specialize in regenerative, ecologically friendly landscapes, using native, perennial plants when possible, harvesting rain and stormwater, and creating gardens that require less maintenance after being established. BLD is also certified in permaculture design and installs food forests on both urban and rural properties. We value the health of our clients, pollinators and birds and therefore are committed to being a pesticide and herbicide-free business. Our organic maintenance practices and biodynamic soil remedies attempt to restore biodiversity and bring resilience back into the landscape. Our goal is to transform the landscaping industry from one that is dominated by lawns and exotic plants to one that that creates healing for people and the planet.

If you love working outdoors, enjoy working with people, and our mission aligns with your values then this job is for you.

Field Work Responsibilities: Assistance with and supervision of landscape installation and maintenance work. Landscape installation work involves installing trees, shrubs and flowers, installation of hardscaping such as patios and/or pathways as well as edging and accent rocks/boulders, prep work such as grading, removing existing plant and landscaping material will also be required. This specific position requires use of heavy machinery including a mini-ex or skid steer. Landscape maintenance work involves pruning, deadheading, upkeep of plant beds, weeding, fertilizing, installing annual plants and flowers, amending soil, some minor grass cutting (small lawns), applying mulch and assisting with other landscaping duties as needed.

Landscaping work requires frequent bending, shoveling, lifting heavy items and exposure to inclement weather.

Additional Job Responsibilities:

  • Supervise field crew along with Crew Leader
  • Help lead weekly staff meetings
  • Meet with existing and new clients
  • Work closely with owner to develop and hone regenerative services offered by Blooming
  • Regularly interface with BLD staff, vendors, subcontractors
  • Uphold safety and landscaping protocols out in the field
  • Provide regular updates to crew, management and the owner
  • Run errands, pick up and order supplies
  • Ensure high quality execution and service
  • Manage work calendar
  • Draft estimates. Training will be provided.

Benefits of the position

  • Paid time off
  • Accrued sick leave
  • Flexible work hours
  • Competitive wage at $25-$30/hour depending on experience
  • Monthly stipend to cover rent, internet and phone usage
  • Option to have Friday’s off
  • Holidays off
  • Paid-on-the-job training and professional development
  • End of season bonus

Qualifications

  • Must have at least high school diploma or GED equivalent. College degree preferred.
  • Must have previous leadership experience – supervising individuals and teams
  • Must have at least 2 years of prior landscaping experience and/or agricultural experience
  • Must be a self-starter and one that takes initiative
  • Some knowledge or experience in regenerative agriculture/landscaping preferred
  • Must have experience operating heavy landscaping equipment such as a skid steer, mini-ex, mini-skid and know how to use and install their attachments.
  • Must be familiar with loading and transporting plant and landscaping materials
  • Experience installing pathways and edging a plus
  • Familiarity with reading and interpreting landscape design drawings and construction documents is preferred
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel and Word) and/or Google Documents
  • Experience and knowledge of plants native and naturalized to this area preferred
  • Some experience with grading and drainage and understanding slope

Eligible Candidates Must

  • Be willing to learn, or adapt to, the practices of this business
  • Have a working computer and smart phone
  • Have a valid driver’s license and a CLEAN driving record
  • Be able to communicate effectively to business owner and coworkers via phone and email
  • Have a mobile phone available for work purposes throughout the day
  • Be comfortable working alone or with others
  • Have a positive attitude, strong attention to detail, and energy to work physically all day
  • Be okay with working in inclement weather
  • Be able to lift 30-50lbs
  • Have access to reliable transportation to work and throughout the work day
  • Promote and uphold the mission and values of BLD
  • Present themselves professionally and treat crew, clients and vendors with respect and kindness.

This Job Is Ideal for Someone Who Is

  • Punctual, honest and reliable
  • Happy working outdoors and getting their hands dirty
  • Positive
  • Interested in creating beautiful, functional and restorative landscapes
  • A team player but also okay with working alone when needed
  • Adaptable/flexible — enjoys doing work that requires frequent shifts in direction
  • Organized and detail-oriented
  • Achievement-oriented — enjoys taking on challenges, even if they might fail
  • Autonomous/Independent — enjoys working with little direction

Please send detailed resume along with 3 references to info@bloominglandscapedesign.com

Blooming Landscape and Design, LLC
PO Box 1590
Durango, CO 81302
970-238-6132
www.bloominglandscapedesign.com