Lead Gardener - Edible Gardens Sonoma County

Location:

Sebastopol, CA (Client properties across Sonoma County) Employment type: Full-time (Monday through Thursday. No Fridays or Weekends.)

Compensation:

Competitive w/benefits and vehicle mileage reimbursement to second sites. About the role 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. Key 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. Required qualifications 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. Schedule & Compensation The hourly rate is $25.00-to-$30.00 per hour

PLUS BENEFITS

based on: 1) Your experience/number of years working in edible gardens. 2) Your academic background, degree or certification(s) in horticulture, permaculture or organic farming. 3) Your experience managing others: teaching/training, holding folks accountable, getting projects done on time. 4) Your ability to contribute to the design and execution of profitable projects. 5) Your fit with our existing team. This is a full-time position schedule for a minimum of: 30 hours per week, Monday through Thursday. This team does not work on Fridays unless scheduled in advance for a special event. Overtime at between $37.50 and $45.00 per hour (for time over 8 hours) Worker's Compensation starting on day one 401(k) participation A 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 Mileage reimbursement when asked to drive to a second location from your initial project. Preferred 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. How to apply Upload your resume. If you have skills or experience required in this posting that are NOT on your resume, please provide a brief cover letter describing them. Please include information regarding your relevant experience and a short example (3-5 lines) of a past edible garden project you led — including scale, primary plants used, and any soil/irrigation strategies to jobs AT professionaltreecare DOT com. Include "Lead Garden, Sonoma" in the subject line, please. Equal opportunity We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities.