Employment Opportunities with Rustic Hills
Landscape Designer & Installer - Starting March 2025
Rustic Hills Garden Co. is an ecological landscaping company with a special focus on edible landscapes and gardens. Our clients are always excited to have our crews at their homes, because these projects are so meaningful to them - we are creating an environment in their own yard to connect with nature and to browse berries, herbs, fruit trees, medicinals, and fresh vegetables to nourish themselves and their families. We are looking for team members who are excited to be a part of this work, and are ready to get their hands dirty.
Job Description: The Landscape Designer & Installer will take a lead role in working with clients from first meeting through design & installation. Additionally, this position will work as part of our install crew under the direction of the Crew Leader. Depending on work flow, there will be times when this position is more focused on install work and times when it will be more focused on client and design work. Being a small company, we have found that having team members work on both design and installation fosters better communication among our team and with clients, ensures quality work both in the design phase and during installation, and supports a close team environment.
Job Schedule: Install days are from mid-April to mid-October Monday through Wednesday. Client consultations and design work will be done chiefly on Thursdays and Fridays, however checking in and communicating with clients and other team members will be required throughout the week as well (we can discuss reducing on-site crew work to allow office time as needed). This position is 30-40 hours during the install season (April-October). In the off-season, we focus on design work. During this time, hours are greatly reduced and work time is flexible. Optionally, this position can take a complete season off during the off-season and return again in the spring.
Compensation: $25-$30/hour based on experience.
Job Requirements:
High school diploma, GED or equivalent.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to job sites around the Twin Cities metro area
Strong verbal and written communication skills
2-5 years landscape design experience
Proficiency in Google Sheets, Docs and Slides, and design software of choice. We can provide a license and train in Smart Draw online software.
Interest in permaculture, ecological landscaping, and/or "foodscaping"
Good physical condition, manual dexterity and stamina.
Able to bend, kneel, walk, stand, and crouch for long periods of time during the workday.
Able to lift 50+ pounds repeatedly throughout the workday.
Able to work all day in all weather conditions
Positive outlook, ‘can do’ attitude, and a team player.
Ideal Qualifications:
Formal training in landscape design/horticulture
2-5 years previous landscaping experience
Experience in client relations and sales
Woodworking experience
Job Expectations:
Maintain healthy client relations through effective communication in person, clear written communication, attention to needs and concerns of the client, and thoughtful followup.
Meet on-site with clients
Create proposals and close sales
Create and deliver design packages to clients
Work with client to ensure proper communication of all aspects of design and installation
Articulate the material and equipment needs for each design project
Review design plan with Crew Leader and assist in planning for installation
Assist Crew Leader in communicating design details to on-site crew
Landscape tasks on-site include:
sod removal
edging installation
hauling and spreading mulch, soil, gravel and stone
planting perennial plants, vegetables, shrubs and trees
building stone patios and laying stone or gravel pathways
constructing raised beds
constructing garden fences and gates
installation of other elements such as trellises, arbors and other supports
site and tool clean up
What you can expect from us:
Honesty and integrity in the work that we do, both with our clients and our employees
Opportunities to learn and grow
A fun working environment
Intentional communication
Awesome people!