Sustainable Landscaping Manager

~ We took the name “Good Oak” from a chapter in Aldo Leopold's landmark work A Sand County Almanac. ~

In this chapter Leopold narrates the sawing of a dead oak tree for the firewood it will provide to heat his now famous 'shack'. As they saw through each annual growth ring in the massive trunk, he chronicles various historic and conservation events during the year each ring represents.

At Good Oak, our mission is to “To restore ecological health and reestablish native plants to our landscape for the benefit of wildlife and a more sustainable future for humanity.” We have been strongly influenced by Aldo Leopold and his “Land Ethic". So we chose our company name to honor what we feel is the most influential work of conservation literature of the 20th century. We strive to live up to Leopold's ideals and work for positive change.

Position Overview

We’re looking to hire someone who has experience making perennial landscapes look great! Currently Good Oak’s landscaping projects exclusively utilize perennials, trees and shrubs native to Wisconsin. Most projects are a “natural” style; we’re looking for someone who can help us move into creating semi-formal and formal landscapes.

We would also like to expand to offer edible landscape and permaculture options to our clients. Typical sites include residential and small commercial landscapes, but we’re looking to grow into larger commercial and municipal sites. The Sustainable Landscaping Manager is responsible for supervising all of Good Oak’s landscaping projects from start to finish.

Responsibilities

• Primary duties include meeting with clients, preparing plans, developing estimates and proposals, leading the crew in the field, and field duties assisting with natural areas restoration.
• Other office duties may include marketing, communication, educational outreach and other roles that match the successful applicant's skills.
• 70% of the time will be working in the field and 30% in the office. 

Qualifications

Minimum Necessary Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age with a valid driver's license.
• Ability to physically perform duties, including exerting sustained physical effort, bending, reaching, crouching/kneeling, standing/walking, for long periods, pushing/pulling/lifting/ carrying objects weighing more than 75 pounds and working in harsh weather conditions.
• Bachelors degree in horticulture, landscape architecture or relevant secondary education or substantial field experience and informal education will also qualify.
• At least 36 months of professional landscaping experience, including work as a supervisor.
• Ability to identify and manage common weeds and plant disease.
• Knowledge of proper woody plant planting and pruning for optimal health and appearance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ample experience with computers and productivity software.
• Dedication to an environmentally sound way of living and working.
• *Candidates must have all of the above qualification to be considered for this position.

Additional Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Knowledge of native plants, their habitat in the wild and their use in landscaping.
• Knowledge of composting, gardening, permaculture and edible landscaping.
• Experience with or training in the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) program.
• Experience with hardscaping techniques including retaining walls, pathways & patios.
• Experience operating and maintaining power tools: chain saws, weed whips, mowers, etc.
• Experience working with pesticides and a Wisconsin Pesticide Applicators License.
• Experience operating tractors, skid-loaders, and other heavy equipment and towing a trailer.
• Experience in sales, project management or business management.

Compensation: $16-20/hour depending on qualifications with performance-based bonuses and wage increases. This is a full-time hourly position, typically working four, 10-hour days per week. Benefits currently include paid sick leave, winter clothing stipend, paid training, and a $4 daily “sustainable transportation” stipend rewarded to those who travel to the office by human power or using public transit.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume in PDF format to Frank Hessler.