Lead Gardener/Horticulturist

We’re hiring a Lead Gardener!

Scot Eckley Inc. ( has been designing beautiful gardens around Seattle and Bellevue for over 20 years. We currently care for a handful of them, and now we’re expanding Garden Care to all of our clients. We are looking for an experienced gardener/horticulturist to join us!
The company specializes in thoughtfully designed residential gardens. As a Lead Gardener/Horticulturist, you will play a key role in nurturing these unique gardens, ensuring they thrive and improve over time. 

The gardens you’ll work with were designed to get better over time. They’re meant to fill in, layer, and mature into something more beautiful. Your job is to guide that process—not just maintain what’s there, but actively improve it. This position will begin as part time, and as we grow our client base ramp up into full time (the goal for that is by the end of this Summer!) 

You’ll join a company that believes great gardens start with great people. We invest in you, your skills, your knowledge, and your growth. And we stop to smell the roses along the way—celebrating milestones, jobs well done, and company events together.

Your Superpower: You Notice Things

The Douglas fir branch caught in the Stewartia. A broken branch in an Edgeworthia. Leaning light fixture. A Hosta that needs to be divided in the fall. The boxwood hedge starting to yellow.

You see what needs attention: plants, hardscape, irrigation, or lighting--and you handle it. You don’t just tend to plants: you care for the entire property.  When something is off, you notice it and act accordingly . 

Responsibilities

• Guide the ongoing development and health of residential gardens, focusing on long-term improvement rather than routine maintenance
• Prune, deadhead, thin, and transplant plants with attention to their future growth and form
• Monitor plant health, identify issues early, and implement solutions
• Weed thoughtfully to protect soil and surrounding plants
• Manage mulching, soil care, and minor irrigation tasks
• Inspect and address issues with hardscape, irrigation, and lighting as needed
• Communicate observations and recommendations to clients and the Garden Services Manager
• Provide written updates after each visit to keep clients informed
• Ensure each property is treated with care and respect

Qualifications

• Proven experience in gardening, horticulture, or landscape maintenance with strong plant care fundamentals
• At least two years of experience in residential gardening
• Familiarity with organic garden care and fertilization practices
• Solid plant knowledge and a desire for ongoing learning
• Ability to notice and address issues proactively across plants, hardscape, irrigation, and lighting
• Dependable, detail-oriented, and takes ownership of work
• Strong communication skills with both clients and team members
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Ability to safely use ladders up to 16’ and lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Experience with power tools (mowers, trimmers, blowers, tillers) and hand tools
• Fluent in English
• Valid driver’s license and insurability

Compensation

$26 to $29 per hour, depending on experience . 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement with company matching
• Paid time off and 7 holidays
• Education reimbursement 
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid training and growth opportunities
• Supportive, respectful work environment
• Career advancement opportunities within the team

Scot Eckley Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Scot Eckley Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.