Horticulturalist & Turf Management Specialist Overview

Company Overview Thompson + Hanson is home to designers and architects, curators, and gardeners. Creatives at heart grateful for the privilege of shaping and inspiring beautiful spaces across Houston and Austin for the last 40 years. We delight in the work that we do, and we attribute our continued growth to the vibrant, motivated, and caring individuals that make up our Thompson + Hanson family. Our landscape design, install & maintenance teams specialize in the conception, construction, and continuous care for each project we undertake. Our clients trust us to create and maintain unique and beautiful landscapes that stay fresh with each season. Being a part of the Thompson + Hanson team means more than just having a job. We believe in nurturing employees, providing room to grow, and offering opportunities for leadership. Position Overview We are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Horticulturalist & Turf Management Specialist to oversee the health, maintenance, and long‑term care of high‑quality landscapes and turf areas. This role requires strong technical expertise in plant science, soil health, turfgrass management, and landscape maintenance practices. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, proactive, and skilled in diagnosing and resolving horticultural and turf‑related challenges. Education & Credentials Degree in Horticulture, Turfgrass Management, Plant Science, Agronomy, or related field Professional certifications such as Certified Horticulturist , Certified Arborist , or Turfgrass Professional are a plus 3-5 years of hands‑on experience in horticulture, turf management, or landscape maintenance (more experience preferred for senior roles) Core Responsibilities Manage the health, vigor, and appearance of all plant material, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals Oversee turfgrass care programs including mowing, aeration, fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and seasonal renovation Conduct soil testing, nutrient analysis, and develop corrective action plans Diagnose plant diseases, pest issues, and environmental stressors; implement effective treatment strategies Develop and execute seasonal planting plans, pruning schedules, and long‑term maintenance programs Monitor irrigation systems and coordinate repairs or adjustments to ensure optimal plant and turf health Maintain detailed records of treatments, applications, and maintenance activities Collaborate with landscape designers, project managers, and field teams to ensure horticultural best practices are followed Train and guide maintenance staff on proper horticultural and turf care techniques Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and chemical‑handling regulations Excellent client communication skills Required Skills & Competencies Strong knowledge of plant identification, plant health care, soil science, and horticultural best practices Expertise in turfgrass management , including warm‑season and cool‑season turf varieties Ability to diagnose and treat plant diseases, insect infestations, and nutrient deficiencies Familiarity with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies Strong communication and leadership skills Ability to work independently and manage multiple properties or projects Skilled in problem‑solving and proactive issue identification Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions Technical & Software Proficiency Experience with irrigation controllers and turf management equipment Ability to read and interpret landscape plans and maintenance schedules Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) for reporting and documentation Familiarity with horticultural or maintenance management software is a plus Preferred Experience Experience working on high‑end residential or commercial properties Knowledge of sustainable landscape practices and water‑efficient turf management Experience supervising crews or training field staff Background in landscape installation or enhancement projects