Landscape Horticulture Assistant Manager

SUMMARY OF OVERALL PURPOSE
The Landscape Horticulture Assistant Manager oversees the Village’s landscape and horticultural environments to support safety, beauty, accessibility, and the magical guest experience. This role is responsible for plant health, turf, trees, palms, irrigation support, seasonal color, landscape refreshes, and daily grounds readiness across the property. The Landscape Horticulture Assistant Manager identifies practical opportunities to elevate the look and feel of the Village through thoughtful plant selections, improved maintenance practices, volunteer-supported projects, and landscape enhancements. This role partners closely with Engineering, Facilities, Special Events, Volunteer Services, outside landscape partners, nurseries, and green industry contacts to support projects, secure donated plants and landscape products, and coordinate specialized horticultural services. Because the Village serves children with critical illnesses and their families, this position must approach all work with a strong focus on safety, accessibility, chemical awareness, and creating a welcoming environment that feels cared for in every area of the property.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Horticultural Care, Plant Health & Grounds Readiness

• Oversee the maintenance of the health, appearance, and seasonal color of all landscape beds, turf, trees, palms, and container plantings across the Village.
• Diagnose plant health issues, including disease, pests, and nutrient deficiencies, and implement corrective treatments.
• Support an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach that prioritizes low-toxicity methods appropriate for an environment serving medically fragile children.
• Handle fertilizers and landscape chemicals safely and in accordance with label requirements, Florida regulations, and Village safety protocols; obtain required pesticide licensing within the established timeframe as needed.
• Use Florida Friendly Landscape principles where appropriate.
• Monitor soil health, conduct testing, and adjust amendment and fertilization programs accordingly.

Irrigation, Landscape Systems & Preventative Maintenance Support

• Troubleshoot, repair, and program irrigation systems including controllers, valves, zones, backflow devices, sensors, and drip lines.
• Perform scheduled inspections and preventative maintenance on irrigation, drainage, and other landscape systems.
• Monitor water usage and adjust schedules seasonally to meet conservation goals and Water Management District restrictions.
• Inspect hardscape, pathways, and planting areas for trip hazards, sight-line obstructions, and ADA accessibility concerns; correct or escalate as needed.
• Maintain landscape equipment, tools, and chemical storage areas in safe, compliant working condition.
• Use the ticket management system, Nuvola, to complete daily assignments and ensure all work is properly documented.

Landscape Enhancements

• Identify and prioritize opportunities to improve and refresh landscape areas throughout the Village, including plant replacement, seasonal color, bed definition, visibility, safety, guest arrival experience, and overall curb appeal.
• Provide practical input on plant selection, placement, installation approach, and long-term maintenance needs for renovations, donor-supported enhancements, and new landscape projects.

Volunteer & Partners Coordination

• Lead and support volunteer landscape projects by preparing work areas, organizing tasks, providing clear direction, and ensuring work is completed safely and to Village standards.
• Partner with Volunteer Services to help build, coordinate, and sustain a volunteer team focused on ongoing beautification, seasonal planting, bed maintenance, and special landscape projects.
• Build relationships with nurseries, landscape contractors, horticulture professionals, civic groups, and industry partners to bring ideas, expertise, donated materials, volunteer support, resources, and best practices to the Village.
• Inspect contractor and volunteer work for quality, safety, and alignment with the Village's guest experience standards.
• Maintain current partner and donor contact information and send timely thank-you notes for donated materials, volunteer support, and pro bono services.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Prepare and manage the annual landscape budget, track spending, and support budget planning for ongoing maintenance and landscape enhancements.
• Estimate the cost, materials, labor, and ongoing maintenance needs for proposed landscape enhancements.
• Negotiate, coordinate, and manage landscape contracts to ensure quality, safety, budget alignment, and completion to Village standards.
• Maintain documentation of volunteer hours, pro bono services, and donations associated with landscape operations.

All other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY SCOPE
Direct Reports: 2

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OUTSIDE NORMAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to repetitively reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, kneeling, pulling and stooping.
• Able to consistently lift 45 lbs. unaided.
• Able to work evenings and weekends, holidays and extended hours both on and off property.
• Able to work outside for extended periods in varied outdoor conditions
• Ability to safely operate landscape power equipment and to work at heights from ladders or lifts.