Native Plants Landscape Designer

Role Description Overview

The Landscape Designer is a key position within the leadership of our company. The Designer is responsible for guiding clients from initial consultation through design, installation, and project completion. This role balances creative design with practical execution, ensuring each project aligns with site conditions, plant availability, and Wise Hands’ ecological approach.

Designers work closely with clients, administration, and field crews to deliver thoughtful, functional landscapes that are both beautiful and sustainable.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct on\-site Design Consultations and assess site conditions
• Identify the appropriate ecotype for each property and guide plant selection accordingly
• Develop design concepts using plant palettes suited to the site and available inventory
• Clearly communicate design vision, scope, budget, and maintenance expectations to clients
• Coordinate with administration to ensure plant availability and project readiness
• Prepare design materials and installation estimates (with estimating support from admin), and communicate any change orders to clients and administration
• Brief and debrief with foremen and/or the operations manager before and after installs
• Support installations as needed to ensure design intent is executed properly
• Conduct final walkthroughs with clients to confirm satisfaction
• Follow up with clients post\-install to support long\-term success of the landscape

Design Approach Expectations

• Designs should be rooted in site\-specific ecotypes and Florida native plant communities
• Plant selections should prioritize availability to align with installation timelines
• Custom plant requests may be incorporated when appropriate, but may require extended scheduling
• Initial designs should include a general plant palette aligned with the site ecotype, allowing flexibility based on availability at time of install
• Designs should balance aesthetics, function, and long\-term ecological performance
• Clear and proactive communication with clients is essential throughout the process

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Consultations \& Design Throughput

• Complete up to 3 consultations per week
• Maintain a design turnaround time of approximately 2 weeks per project

The demand for this role varies seasonally. Spring and summer are typically the busiest, and consultation scheduling should be paced to maintain quality and avoid overload. Consultations may be distributed across seasons, with planning in Q2 and Q3 supporting installation work in the winter and slower months.

Design concepts, including an ecotype\-based plant palette and general plant placement with estimate, should be delivered to the client within 2 weeks of the consultation. This position relies on

Scheduling \& Install Coordination

• No more than:
• 1 full\-day install per week, or
• 2 half\-day installs per week, or
• 1 full\-day and 1 half\-day install per week
• Install days must not overlap to allow designer presence on site

Client Communication

• Follow up with client requests within 2 business days via email, phone, or text
• Clearly communicate design, scope, budget, timeline, and expectations
• Set expectations around irrigation, 811 locates, plant establishment, and watering timelines
• Communicate any changes or issues that may impact budget or scope in a timely manner

Project Execution

• Complete a final walkthrough with the client after installation
• Ensure client satisfaction and address any outstanding items

Team Coordination

• Conduct briefing and debriefing with foreman and/or operations manager for each project

Client Experience \& Retention

• Offer maintenance services to each client, or clearly explain the time and effort required to maintain their landscape
• Complete or delegate a two\-week post\-install follow\-up

Compensation and BenefitsCompensation

• Training rate: $23/hour during the 90\-day introductory period
• Post\-training rate: $25/hour

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling with some remote work opportunities, though this role is primarily based in the office and field for client meetings and installation oversight
• 401(k) eligibility after one year of employment
• Approximately 10 paid holidays per year
• Accrued paid time off beginning after the 90\-day introductory period, with approximately two weeks accrued over the course of the first year
• Access to wholesale pricing on nursery plants

Additional Requirements

• This position requires the use of a personal smartphone to access company systems, including Housecall Pro, Trello, and ADP for time tracking (minimal data)
• Reliable transportation is required for travel to consultations, job site check\-ins, and other work\-related responsibilities
• Comfort using mobile apps and digital tools throughout the workday is essential

Pay: $24\.00 \- $28\.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30\.0 – 45\.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Tell us about your familiarity with Florida native plants. How many years of experience do you have working with Florida native plants and/or design?
• What design software have you used in the past?
• Why do you want to work at Wise Hands?

Experience:

• Landscape design: 1 year (Required)
• Landscaping: 2 years (Preferred)

Location:

• Saint Petersburg, FL 33711 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person