Orchard Keepers, Inc, (orchardkeepers.com) est 2004, is an Ecologically based landscape company focused on the care of home orchards, edible landscapes, and native/drought tolerant gardens. We also install all manner of landscape components consisting of hardscape, garden structures, irrigations systems, veggie beds, plants and more. We are based in Santa Cruz CA, providing services locally in Santa Cruz and in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.

Orchard Keepers is looking to hire a foreman to lead one of our crews with the Install team. The installation/construction team provides design and installation services including irrigation, planting, carpentry, and hardscaping for projects ranging in size from one day to multiple months. Please check out our website to see photos of 6 completed projects.

Tasks on the install crew vary day to day, season to season. We are involved in every aspect of landscape construction, from irrigation systems to patios, plantings to raised bed construction. WE WORK HARD and expect a strong commitment to work ethic and attendance. We put a strong emphasis on performing quality work, having good communication with both staff and clients, and enjoyment of coming to work every day!

Under the supervision of the General Manager, the install foreman will oversee the daily operations of a crew of 2-5 people while working with the project manager as well. This person should be experienced with managing crews, and at least 2 of the following trades: irrigation, horticulture, carpentry, masonry, outdoor lighting, and drainage. This is a full-time, hourly position with benefits. Two positions are available. Orchard Keepers is an equal opportunity employer.

Tasks include:

• Daily load up of tools and materials for the job.
• Instructing crew on the ‘how-to’s’ and keeping them on task.
• Ensure our quality standards are always met.
• Creating and maintaining crew cohesiveness and morale.
• Be the team leader.
• Planting & irrigation installation.
• Lead by example.

With support of the Project Manager, this role keeps the project running smoothly by keeping the client up to speed with daily progress and the outlook for the remainder of each project. 

• Ensure the work follows the design.
• Work closely with our Maintenance teams to hand off after the install and seamless transition.
• Any other tasks related to the job and requested by one of your supervisors
• Mixture of job oversight and work in the field

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication and client relation skills ie, ability to convey information clearly & professionally.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and crews at a time, and run projects efficiently, from start to completion
• Experience with irrigation systems- underground pvc, valve manifolds, drip systems, WiFi controllers.
• Knowledge base of CA native plants, edible plants, and fruit trees.
• Aware of how to create and maintain proper soil health and soil moisture.
• Highly organized with a focus on detail.
• Creative and solution based thinker.
• Computer proficiency; Experience with Google Suite.
• Experience managing multiple crews (3+ years).
• Bilingual English/ Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to maintain an organized truck with all the necessary tools and irrigation parts needed for a typical day.

Orchard Keepers starts all new employees off with a 30 day probationary period before hiring full time. This will allow us to assess the skill level of the new employee and make sure the new hire is the right fit. Our goal is to hire staff that are excited to work in this field, work well as a team, stick around for awhile and understand what the daily/weekly tasks are. We are able to achieve this goal through a 30 day probationary period, which not only allows us to make sure the new hire is a fit, but that the new hire knows exactly what the job entails. After the 30 days, the new hire will meet with management and a determination of future employment will be reviewed.

Schedule:

• Monday-Thursday 7:00AM-5:30PM

• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Stand for up to 10 hours
• Stoop, kneel, bend, crouch
• Lift overhead
• Ascend or descend Ladders

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

• Managing a crew: 2 years (Required)
• Landscape Construction: 3 years (Required)
• Driver's License (Required) with a clean driving record

• $33-$40 starting
• Health care after 30 days
• PTO accrual
• 401k eligible after 1 year

Work Location: Based in Santa Cruz

If interested, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Thanks!
Orchard Keepers Team