Lawn Care Manager

Lawn Care Manager

Location: Southampton, NY (Hamptons / East End)
Reports To: General Manager
Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Lawn Care Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for delivering exceptional lawn and turf results across a portfolio of high-end residential properties. This role requires deep turf knowledge, strong diagnostic ability, and the drive to execute, not just direct. You will manage day-to-day turf care operations, lead by example in the field, and personally perform key work (applications, remediation, troubleshooting) while ensuring the team meets quality, safety, and production standards.

What Success Looks Like

• Lawns look consistently premium: dense, healthy turf with proactive weed and disease control.
• Problems are diagnosed early and corrected with clear, effective treatment plans.
• Routes, productivity, and materials are controlled and documented.
• The Turf Care Manager is visible in the field and can jump in to perform technical work at any time.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Turf Care & Field Production

• Perform and/or oversee lawn applications including fertilization, weed control, insect control, and disease management (as applicable to licensing and label requirements).
• Diagnose turf issues (nutrient deficiencies, irrigation-related stress, compaction, pests, disease, weed pressure, soil pH/structure problems) and implement corrective action plans.
• Execute turf renovation and remediation work such as overseeding, topdressing, aeration, dethatching, soil amendments, and selective weed remediation programs.
• Calibrate, maintain, and properly operate application equipment (sprayers/spreaders) and ensure accurate rates and coverage.
• Follow all label, safety, and environmental best practices; ensure proper PPE use and safe handling, mixing, transport, and storage of materials.

Management & Leadership

• Lead and develop turf technicians/crew members through training, coaching, and daily direction while remaining capable of producing work alongside the team.
• Plan and manage weekly routes, sequencing, and job readiness (materials, equipment, access notes, client expectations).
• Conduct field quality checks, property inspections, and follow-up visits as needed.
• Communicate clearly with operations leadership on status, challenges, materials usage, and schedule impacts.

Client Service & Communication

• Provide professional, confident explanations to clients regarding turf conditions, recommendations, and realistic improvement timelines.
• Document findings and treatment plans in a clear, client-friendly format (photos, notes, and action items).
• Coordinate with irrigation, landscape maintenance, and enhancement teams to address issues that impact turf health.

Administration, Tracking & Compliance

• Maintain accurate service records: applications performed, rates, materials used, weather conditions, property notes, and follow-ups.
• Track inventory levels; request materials proactively to avoid downtime.
• Support job costing and production tracking (labor hours, route efficiency, material usage, callbacks).
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state/local requirements, including licensing and recordkeeping for pesticide/fertilizer applications (as applicable).

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on turf care experience (high-end residential preferred).
• Demonstrated expertise in diagnosing and correcting lawn issues (soil, pest, disease, weed, cultural practice, irrigation impacts).
• Proven ability to produce work in the field (this is not a desk-only management role).
• Strong understanding of proper application techniques, calibration, and safety practices.
• Ability to lead a crew with accountability, urgency, and a high-quality bar.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and comfort speaking with clients.
• NYS pesticide applicator license

Preferred Qualifications (Strongly Desired)

• Experience managing routes, scheduling, and field operations for turf programs.
• Experience with premium properties and detail-driven expectations.
• Spanish/English bilingual ability is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Proactive, not reactive: anticipates problems and prevents them.
• Diagnostic mindset: identifies root cause, not just symptoms.
• High production standards: moves efficiently without sacrificing quality.
• Lead-from-the-front: sets tone in the field and holds the team accountable.
• Safety + compliance: consistent, disciplined, and detail-oriented.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Health benefits, PTO, paid holidays, 401(k)