Landscape Manager (Capitol Projects)

Kualoa Ranch Hawai'i Human Resources•Kaneohe, HI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Kualoa Ranch seeks a highly skilled Landscape Manager to lead the planning, design translation, and execution of major landscape development and restoration initiatives across our 4,000-acre property. This is not a traditional landscape management role. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in landscape architecture, site development, construction sequencing, and large-acreage project delivery. In addition to capital project leadership, this role provides direct oversight and strategic direction for the Ranch’s overall Landscape Team, ensuring that daily fieldwork, horticultural standards, maintenance practices, and long-term landscape health align with Kualoa’s operational, cultural, and environmental priorities. This leader bridges design vision and on-the-ground implementation, collaborating closely with Agriculture, Stewardship, Facilities, Tours, and executive leadership to ensure that Kualoa’s diverse landscapes reflect excellence, cultural integrity, ecological resilience, and world-class guest experiences.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, Environmental Design, Landscape Construction Management, Horticulture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
7–10 years of experience managing large-scale landscape, site development, or capital improvement projects.
Demonstrated ability to lead multi-acre, multi-phase landscape projects from conception to completion.
Proven experience overseeing landscape or grounds teams, including scheduling, mentoring, and performance management.
Expertise in interpreting grading plans, irrigation schematics, construction documents, and planting plans.
Strong knowledge of tropical and native Hawaiian plant species, soil conditions, microclimates, and climate-adaptive design.
Proficiency in project scheduling, budget management, and vendor coordination.
Valid driver’s license and ability to work on-site in varying field conditions.
Ability to work outdoors in rugged terrain and various weather conditions.
Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs.
Ability to walk, climb, stand, and conduct extended site supervision.
Ability to operate vehicles, small equipment, and tools necessary for field assessments.

Nice To Haves

Professional licensure (PLA, CLARB) or equivalent design credentials (strongly preferred).
Experience in resort, conservation, agricultural, or multi-acre private estate environments.
Familiarity with environmental permitting, cultural site considerations, or ecological restoration practices.
Proficiency in CAD, GIS, SketchUp, or other design and mapping tools.
PMP certification or formal project management training.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, phasing, and construction of large-scale landscape improvement projects across multiple sites.
Translate design drawings, renderings, and conceptual plans into actionable field operations.
Oversee site preparation, grading, drainage, irrigation layout, plant material selection, and final installation.
Manage project schedules, budgets, procurement, contractor/vendor coordination, and progress reporting.
Anticipate risks (weather, terrain, cultural constraints, staffing) and adapt plans to maintain momentum and quality.
Produce as-built documentation, planting plans, and maintenance handoff packages for long-term stewardship.
Provide daily leadership and supervision of the Ranch’s Landscape Team, including leads, technicians, and grounds staff.
Develop weekly work plans, staffing assignments, and priorities for maintenance, enhancements, repairs, and project support.
Establish and maintain horticultural, aesthetic, and safety standards across all managed landscapes.
Conduct regular site reviews to monitor landscape health, consistency of implementation, and adherence to design intent.
Implement training programs to elevate team capability in planting design, irrigation troubleshooting, soil diagnostics, and technical field execution.
Support workforce development, performance management, and succession planning for landscape operations.
Provide subject-matter expertise in tropical and native Hawaiian plantings, soil science, irrigation efficiency, and sustainable landscape practices.
Evaluate designs for constructability, long-term viability, and alignment with regenerative and water-conserving practices.
Recommend enhancements that advance aesthetic cohesion, cultural integration, and ecological function across properties.
Innovate on irrigation performance, erosion control, soil improvement, and climate-adaptive planting strategies.
Partner with Stewardship, Agriculture, Facilities, Construction, and Tours to align project timelines, site access, and operational needs.
Support environmental compliance, cultural considerations, permitting requirements, and conservation practices.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure design intent, sustainability, and safety standards are consistently met.
Mentor landscape staff to improve technical skills, design literacy, problem-solving, and professional growth.
Establish clear processes and protocols for field implementation, documentation, and quality assurance.
Promote strong communication, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within the department.
Model Kualoa’s core values in daily leadership and decision-making.