Lead Gardener - Edible Gardens Sonoma County

The Professional Tree Care Company • Sebastopol, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Professional Tree Care is seeking an experienced Lead Gardener to establish and maintain high-end edible gardens for private clients in Sonoma County. Reporting to a professional landscape designer, you will lead garden installations, manage ongoing care, supervise seasonal teams or contractors, and ensure gardens remain beautiful, productive, and ecologically resilient.

Requirements

• 5+ years professional gardening/horticulture experience, with substantial fieldwork establishing and maintaining edible gardens.
• Demonstrated knowledge of edible plants, fruit trees, vines, and seasonal production in Mediterranean climates.
• Proven ability to identify regional weeds, native species, and common pests/diseases in Sonoma County.
• Strong soil management skills: composting, soil testing interpretation, amendments, and cover cropping.
• Experience with drip irrigation systems, timers, and seasonal water management.
• Leadership experience supervising small crews
• Excellent communication skills; comfort interacting directly with high-end private clients.
• Physical stamina for regular fieldwork (lifting, digging, kneeling, working outdoors in variable weather).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications in horticulture, permaculture, or organic farming.
• Experience with edible landscaping design and plant propagation.
• Familiarity with local nurseries, suppliers, and Sonoma County plant regulatory or nursery resources.
• First aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to speak Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with our designer, and then install edible gardens (vegetable beds, herbs, fruit trees, berry patches, espalier, container plantings, soil amendments, irrigation).
• Lead, train, and schedule a small and growing crew of gardeners and coordinate with landscape/hardscape contractors when needed.
• Manage seasonal planting schedules, crop rotations, succession planting, and harvest coordination.
• Implement and maintain organic, regenerative practices: composting, compost tea, soil building, integrated pest management, mulching, water-wise techniques.
• Identify, monitor, and control pests, diseases, and weeds using least-toxic strategies.
• Identify and differentiate native, desirable, invasive, and nuisance plants and weeds common to Sonoma County; remove or manage as needed.
• Maintain irrigation systems (installation, troubleshooting, seasonal adjustments).
• Maintain accurate garden logs, planting maps, and client communications; provide seasonal recommendations and reports.
• Prepare properties for special events or client visits; ensure exceptional presentation and plant health.
• Work with marketing to take Before-and-After photos of gardens we renovate, and projects you believe belong on our website.
• Follow safety protocols and keep tools, equipment, and storage areas organized.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Vehicle mileage reimbursement
• Worker’s Compensation starting on day one
• 401(k) participation
• Company cell phone for time-keeping purposes
• Health care after 90 days of employment with a 50% contribution by the company for Medical, Dental & Optical
• Paid sick leave: 5 days per year
• Paid holidays: 5 days per year
• PTO (Paid Time Off) accrued as one works

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed