​​We are seeking a knowledgeable and skilled garden care specialist with experience leading a team. Availability: immediately.

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Who we are

RVAGardens by Terra Firma Landscaping is a residential garden maintenance program that focuses on whole garden health. Since 1997, we're known and highly regarded for our skilled and knowledgeable team, attention to detail, and impeccable customer service. Because of our dedication and high standard of work, most of our customers have been with us for years or decades.

 

What we do

• We make residential outdoor spaces look great.

• Regular tasks include pruning, weeding, cutting back, blowing off, fertilizing, and general garden clean-up. 

• Seasonal tasks include regular grass cutting, mulch installation and small plant installations.

• Our equipment includes blowers, line trimmers, mowers, and a variety of basic hand tools. 

• We apply limited chemicals, use battery powered equipment when possible, and compost all debris.

• Our services are primarily for residential homeowners within the city of Richmond.

 

What we're seeking

We are seeking someone that can bring their skills, knowledge and experience to our company to make us a better team. Your contributions will enhance the entire team's daily experience. The more you offer us, the more we'll compensate you.

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Our Experienced Garden Technician and Team Foreperson position requires the following:

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Baseline attributes:

• Knowledge and appreciation of horticulture.

• Ability to operate basic equipment and hand tools.

• A can-do attitude. 

• Transportation to and from work each day.

• A desire to do the best job you can; not just the minimum.

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Skills and Education:

• Two to three years of professional garden maintenance experience, with one year in a supervisory role: 'team leader', 'crew leader', 'foreperson'.

• ability to identify zone 7A/B plants and proactively address their needs. 

• ability to identify and treat pests, diseases, or other plant issues. 

• ability to provide complete garden care and planning, including the determination and execution of: pest treatment, fertilization, pruning, and general care. 

• a pesticide applicator's license required (fertilizer applicator's license a plus). 

• horticultural coursework and/or certifications.

• a driver’s license and accident-free record of driving a truck and trailer.

 

Customer and team relations: 

• can courteously and knowledgeably speak directly with customers. 

• can schedule garden maintenance activities for the week and track all activities through to completion.

• are able to lead and manage a team without conflict. 

• work with the team to accomplish the schedule to everyone's satisfaction.

• go above and beyond in keeping customers (and team members) happy.

 

Additional skills considered when determining pay:

• sales, design, small engine repair or carpentry experience. 

• ability to affect our success and increase company sales or profit.

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Experienced Garden Technician and Team Foreperson Pay Range:

The pay range for this position is negotiable, with an expected range of $17 - $25 per hour. Pay is based on experience, education, skillset, and proven leadership.

 

Benefits of working with us:

We offer an attractive all-around benefits package and a relaxed working environment. As a small company, we are able to listen to the team and make changes when needed. We are not a faceless corporation overseen by a board; our team's input and preferences help guide our day-to-day activities.

• Fostering a work/life balance: We offer flexibility in schedules so you can tend to your personal life. Paid time off and paid holidays are available immediately. We seldom work past 3:00 pm and on physically challenging days, we'll periodically call it a day early and compensate for the remaining hours. Having ample time to rejuvenate is important for physical and mental health.

• Employees and customers are treated with respect. We do not tolerate discrimination and encourage people from all walks of life to work with us. Women are encouraged to apply!

• Monday - Friday schedule: no evenings or weekends, ever.

• Weekly direct deposit.

• Advancement opportunities: we recognize when you put in extra effort, learn new things, or get new certifications. Profit sharing eligibity for those who affect company success.

• Accrued paid time off: 8 hours in the first thirty days. An additional 8 hours after working for six months. 40 hours after working for one year. 80 hours after working for two years. 120 hours after working for three years. 

• Paid holidays, regardless of your length of employment.

• Timely cash bonuses, particularly during physically challenging periods and holidays.

• Other perks: fresh farm eggs and seasonal produce; we're avid 420 growers that share with those who partake.

• Those with past incarceration are eligible for employment.

• We provide all working and safety equipment, gloves, safety glasses, tools, shirts etc. You will need to provide appropriate work boots.

• If you have an interest in composting, herb and flower growing, chicken-keeping, worm raising, or other farm-related activities, we provide the opportunity for paid hands-on learning on our Hanover farm.

 

For consideration:

• send your resume or an overview of your employment history.

• list the companies you've worked for in the order in which you worked there.

• list any relevant skills you performed or learned at each job. 

• let us know what you can bring to make us a better company.

 

So sorry, but we cannot call back applicants without a detailed job history!

 

If your experience and skills are a match to this position, we will contact you! Thank you for your consideration!