Emerging Crew Leader

Emerging Crew Leader – Fine Gardening   Objective  The Emerging Crew Leader role is designed to prepare individuals to lead teams  successfully, learn the High Prairie Way, and build a strong foundation for future  growth opportunities. This position serves as a bridge between technical mastery and  leadership responsibility, ensuring candidates are equipped with the skills, confidence,  and operational knowledge needed to advance into full Crew Leader status and beyond.  Career Path Overview  This program follows a tiered progression based on skill development, leadership  readiness, and performance. Advancement depends on competency, not fixed timelines.  Ste p  Title  1 Emerging Crew  Leader  2 Assistant Crew  Leader  Hourly  Rate  Core Milestone  $19.00/hr Learn leadership basics, complete Tech 2 skills,  shadow Crew Leader  $20.00/hr Co-lead projects, build communication skills,  mentor team  3 Full Crew Leader $21.19/hr Lead crews independently, manage efficiency,  ensure quality  Future Growth Opportunities  Position  Crew Manager  Compensation  $25–$28/hr  Focus  Field leadership + scheduling/account  management hybrid   Account Manager  $55K–$70K  Client relationships, proposals, oversight  salary  across crews  Phase 1: Emerging Crew Leader  Rate: $19/hr Goal: Build technical and leadership foundations while learning High Prairie’s processes,  culture, and quality standards.  Key Focus Areas  ● Technical Skills  ■ Plant identification (annuals, perennials, shrubs, small ornamental trees)  ■ Soil health, amendments, and fertilization basics  ■ Pruning techniques for seasonality and plant health  ■ Irrigation basics and troubleshooting  ■ Weed, pest, and disease management using IPM principles  ● Safety & Equipment  ■ PPE compliance and proper tool handling  ■ Small equipment proficiency  ● Leadership  ■ Introduction to leadership principles  ■ Communication and team collaboration basics  ● Systems  ■ Daily SOP adherence  ■ Digital reporting in Zoho or designated system  Requirements for Advancement  ● Complete all Tech 1 & Tech 2 competencies  ● Successfully demonstrate ability to lead simple tasks under supervision  ● Completion of introductory leadership and safety workshops  Phase 2: Assistant Crew Leader  Rate: $20/hr Goal: Co-lead teams on fine gardening projects, manage small tasks with minimal  oversight, and begin client-facing communication.  Key Focus Areas  ● Leadership Development  ■ Delegation and accountability  ■ Coaching and feedback skills  ● Client Service  ■ On-site communication and managing expectations  ● Operational Skills  ■ Job prep and material staging  ■ Tracking hours vs. budget  ● Upsell Awareness  ■ Identifying enhancement opportunities during site visits  Requirements for Advancement  ● Demonstrates ability to co-lead multiple fine gardening projects  ● Handles on-site decisions and small challenges independently  ● Positive review from Crew Leader/Garden Manager and strong client feedback  Phase 3: Full Crew Leader  Rate:$21.19/hr Goal: Fully lead Fine Gardening crews, ensuring efficiency, safety, quality control, and  client satisfaction according to High Prairie standards.  Core Responsibilities  ● Lead daily crew operations, including task assignments and site prep  ● Maintain labor efficiency and uphold quality standards  ● Communicate with clients professionally and answer horticultural questions  ● Identify and report warranty and enhancement opportunities  ● Submit accurate digital reports and manage budgets for assigned jobs  Required Mastery  ● Complete all technical skills from prior phases  ● Advanced plant health diagnostics and specialty pruning  ● Strong crew leadership and conflict resolution  ● Full operational understanding of company processes and software