Careers
Grow Your Career in Landscape Architecture & Horticulture
At McDugald Steele, a career is an opportunity to shape meaningful gardens and be part of a team committed to lasting work. We are a fully integrated design-build firm, bringing together landscape architecture, construction, and garden management. This allows our team to stay closely involved in every phase of a project, from concept through installation and long-term care. Our work is guided by a clear set of values: a commitment to raising the standard while respecting the land, collaboration across disciplines, and accountability in everything we do. These principles define how we design, how we build, and how we serve our clients.
We look for professionals who are skilled, collaborative, and take pride in their work. In return, we offer an environment that supports growth, encourages ownership, and values the contribution of every team member. At McDugald Steele, you will find a place to build a career with purpose and be part of work that endures.
Our Career Opportunities
DESIGN
McDugald Steele is seeking an experienced Project Landscape Architect to lead a portfolio of high-end residential projects from concept design through construction documentation and into field implementation. This role requires a design-driven professional with excellent computer proficiency and strong technical field-production skills, capable of translating design intent into clear and precise documentation. The ideal candidate values thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and the opportunity to see projects carried through construction to completion for some of Houston’s most extraordinary gardens.
To help you better understand the role and what it is like to work at McDugald Steele, we have answered some of the most common questions candidates ask about the Project Landscape Architect position.
moreCONSTRUCTION & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
McDugald Steele is seeking a Landscape Construction Estimator to join our growing team in Houston. This position supports high-end residential and commercial landscape construction projects through estimating, budgeting, pre-construction planning, and project coordination.
To help you better understand the role and what it is like to work at McDugald Steele, we have answered some of the most common questions candidates ask about the Landscape Estimator position.
moreThis position plays a critical leadership role in translating design into built work. The in-house Construction Supervisor works closely with the project landscape architect, project managers, and skilled trades to ensure projects move smoothly from site mobilization through final walkthrough. Supervisors are trusted to lead crews, manage daily production, solve jobsite challenges, and ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the company's high standards of craftsmanship. The Construction Supervisor ensures the product matches the contracted scope, the project stays on schedule and is delivered with superior operational results. For motivated individuals who take ownership of their work and lead by example, this role provides a path to grow professionally while helping deliver some of Houston's most extraordinary residential landscape projects.
To help you better understand the role and what it is like to work at McDugald Steele, we have answered some of the most common questions candidates ask about the Landscape Construction Supervisor position.
moreGARDEN MANAGEMENT
At McDugald Steele, our Garden Maintenance team is entrusted with the long-term care of some of Houston’s most refined residential gardens. The Experienced Garden Maintenance Manager plays a critical role in preserving design intent through expert horticulture, thoughtful oversight, and consistent attention to detail. This position blends leadership, plant knowledge, and client engagement, ensuring each garden continues to thrive, mature, and reflect the level of craftsmanship it was built upon. To help you better understand the role and what it is like to work at McDugald Steele, we have answered some of the most common questions candidates ask about the Garden Manager position.
moreMcDugald Steele is seeking a Spray Technician / Chemical Applicator in Houston, Texas to support the health, quality, and long-term performance of residential landscapes through the precise application of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and pest control treatments. This role is central to maintaining plant health across our portfolio of high-end residential projects. The position requires a detail-oriented individual with a strong understanding of plant care, chemical application, and environmental conditions, as well as a commitment to safety, consistency, and quality. Working as part of the garden management team, the Spray Technician plays a key role in diagnosing landscape conditions, implementing treatment plans, and supporting the long-term stewardship of landscapes.
The following outlines the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for the Spray Technician / Chemical Applicator role at McDugald Steele.
moreThe part-time rose specialist role is focused on the long-term care and stewardship of roses within McDugald Steele's portfolio of residential garden management clients. Learn more about this part-time horticulture position in Houston, including key responsibilities, required experience, and the role it plays within our garden management team.
moreThe Garden Management Foreman plays a key role in overseeing the care and long-term stewardship of high-end residential landscapes. This position is responsible for leading field crew teams, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring that each project reflects the level of precision and attention to detail that defines McDugald Steele. The following outlines the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for the role.
moreThis role supports the ongoing care of high-end residential landscapes through consistent, detail-oriented field work. It is best suited to individuals who take pride in the quality of their work, value precision, and are interested in developing a long-term skillset in landscape maintenance and horticulture. The following provides a closer look at the responsibilities, expectations, and qualities we value in this role.
moreINTERNSHIPS
McDugald Steele invites motivated students and emerging professionals to apply for a Garden Management Internship in Houston. This hands-on internship offers the opportunity to work within high-end residential gardens, supporting planting, seasonal maintenance, irrigation, and landscape enhancements. Interns gain direct exposure to our design-build approach, learning how thoughtful garden management sustains the long-term beauty and performance of each property. To better understand the experience and opportunities the Garden Management internship role offers, we have answered several of the most common questions below.
moreStart Your Career in Landscape Construction! At McDugald Steele, this internship offers a hands-on introduction to how high-end residential landscapes are built. You will work alongside experienced construction teams to see how design is translated into precise, lasting outdoor environments. We are seeking motivated college students and recent graduates interested in landscape construction, construction management, or a related field. This is an opportunity to gain real-world experience on active job sites across Houston while learning the technical and operational side of the design-build process.
moreAt McDugald Steele, internships are more than a line on a resume. They are a hands-on introduction to how exceptional gardens are designed, built, and maintained. We are seeking motivated college students and recent graduates who want real-world experience in landscape architecture, garden management, construction, or business operations. Whether you are studying landscape architecture, horticulture, construction management, or a related field, this is an opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and contribute to meaningful projects across Houston.
moreCultivating Culture Within the Firm
Our work is rooted in craftsmanship, collaboration, and the long-term stewardship of landscapes. As a Houston-based landscape architecture and garden management firm, our culture is shaped by the people who design, build, and care for each project. This section offers a closer look at the team, processes, and daily work that define life at the firm.
Career Blog
Inside the Career - A Landscape Architect's Path at McDugald Steele
An Interview with Adam Morocco, Business Development Director
From Design Associate to Business Development Director, Adam Morocco's career path at McDugald Steele showcases the diverse opportunities available to landscape architects within our design-build firm. As a licensed landscape architect who has worked across almost every department, Adam offers unique insights into what it is really like to build a landscape architecture career here. Discover how creative vision, technical expertise, collaborative teamwork shape professional growth at McDugald Steele.
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A Day in the Life of a Garden Manager
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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Garden Manager at McDugald Steele?
Our Garden Managers are at the heart of managing and enhancing the extraordinary gardens our clients love.
Watch the video to get a glimpse into this exciting role!
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Seasonal Rhythms: How an Experienced Garden Manager Masters Nature’s Schedule
Mastering Plant Materials and Seasonal Strategies for Thriving Houston Gardens
A successful garden thrives under the care of an experienced garden manager. At McDugald Steele, our garden management team brings exceptional horticultural expertise to every landscape. Deep knowledge of plant materials informs every maintenance plan. Experience with Houston’s diverse microclimates allows our landscape professionals to anticipate seasonal challenges. Understanding each garden’s unique needs ensures year-round beauty and health.
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