Garden Manager | High End Residential
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.
Q: What does an Experienced Garden Maintenance Manager do at McDugald Steele?
This role leads the ongoing care and stewardship of high-end residential gardens. The Garden Maintenance Manager oversees crews, manages client relationships, and ensures each property is maintained to the highest horticultural and aesthetic standards.
Q: What types of projects will I be working on?
You will manage established, design-forward residential gardens throughout Houston. These properties reflect a high level of detail, requiring thoughtful horticultural practices, seasonal adjustments, and long-term care strategies.
Q: What are the primary responsibilities of this role?
- Lead and manage garden maintenance crews in the field
- Oversee plant health, irrigation performance, and seasonal enhancements
- Maintain strong client communication and service consistency
- Ensure quality control across all assigned properties
- Coordinate schedules, materials, and ongoing garden needs
Q: What qualifications are required for this position?
- Proven experience in garden maintenance, horticulture, or landscape management
- Strong plant knowledge suited to the Houston climate
- Leadership experience managing crews and field operations
- Ability to maintain high standards of detail and organization
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Q: What skills make someone successful in this role?
Successful candidates are detail-oriented, proactive, and take pride in their work. Strong communication skills, leadership ability, and a deep understanding of horticulture are essential. A commitment to quality and consistency is key.
Q: Is this a field-based or office-based role?
This is primarily a field-based position, working directly within the gardens and alongside crews, with some administrative coordination as needed. Including the use of a dedicated company vehicle when at work.
Q: What is the work environment like?
You will work outdoors across a variety of residential properties in Houston, collaborating with a team that values craftsmanship, professionalism, and long-term relationships.
Q: What opportunities for growth are available?
McDugald Steele supports professional development and long-term career growth. This role offers the opportunity to advance within garden management and leadership while working alongside experienced landscape architects and construction teams.
Q: Why join McDugald Steele?
McDugald Steele offers a collaborative environment where landscape architecture, construction, and garden management are fully integrated. Team members are trusted to take ownership of their work while contributing to projects that are thoughtful, refined, and built to endure.
Q: Where is this position located?
This position is based in Houston, Texas, serving residential properties across the Greater Houston area.
