Sustainability Manager

Job Description - Sustainability ManagerPosition SummaryThe Water Resource and Product Manager plays a critical leadership role within the landscape maintenance division, overseeing all irrigation and agronomic product strategies across the company's portfolio of commercial maintenance accounts. This role is responsible for optimizing water use efficiency, implementing cutting-edge irrigation technologies, managing fertilization programs, and supporting integrated solutions for pest, weed, and abiotic stress management. Through proactive system monitoring, team oversight, budget forecasting, and product evaluation, this role ensures high-quality landscape performance while aligning with sustainability and client budgetary goals.StructureFull-time, exempt. Reports to President.Functional Roles and Responsibilities Irrigation Oversight & Water ManagementOversee irrigation systems across all maintenance accounts to ensure performance, efficiency, and compliance with water management standards.Supervise and support a team of irrigation technicians in performing system inspections, monthly controller checks, and troubleshooting.Manage monthly controller programming levels across all properties to align with seasonal weather patterns and plant health needs. Management through online portals, where available, or at the property level for conventional, non-weather-based models.Identify, propose and implement irrigation upgrades using smart controllers, high-efficiency rotary nozzles, and drip irrigation technologies.Develop proposals and ROI assessments for system retrofits and water conservation initiatives.Water Use Auditing & BudgetingConduct biannual audits of each client's actual irrigation repairs to inform and refine annual irrigation budgets.Conduct audits of client's actual irrigation water usage to investigate and research budget variances.Collaborate with account managers to produce data-driven water management plans tailored to each property's infrastructure and plant palette.Stay up to date with local water agency regulations, rebates, and water-use restrictions.Fertilization & Soil Health ProgramsCreate and manage custom fertilization programs based on site-specific agronomic needs and client expectations.Coordinate soil sampling and lab analysis to inform nutrient management strategies.Work with vendors and distributors to design and source custom fertilizer blends.Select standard fertilizers for general-use properties based on performance, soil profile, and budget.Evaluate landscape conditions to determine whether fertilizer applications are necessary or redundant.Product & Technology EvaluationStay informed about and evaluate new technologies, products, and equipment relevant to water management, nutrition, and pest/weed control.Provide recommendations on the use of ancillary products to address pests, weeds, and abiotic plant health issues across properties.Act as the company's subject matter expert for sustainable landscape inputs and emerging environmental landscape solutions.Team Collaboration & Client SupportCollaborate closely with Account Managers, Construction Manager, and Senior Leadership to support property performance goals.Participate in client meetings and site walks as the technical expert on irrigation and agronomic health.Assist in training field staff and supervisors on best practices for irrigation efficiency, water budgeting, and product application.Ability to respond properly to the client and follow up to make sure their needs have been completed to their satisfaction.Successfully represent BellaVista at all times.Administration and PaperworkCollaborates with other departments to coordinate irrigation-related activities.Ability to use QuickBooks Workforce (or other time keeping app).Ability to properly fill out and sign weekly training forms.Ability to follow procedures for Material Usage and Chemical Report forms.SafetyUnderstanding of work hazards and applicable safety precautions associated with their assigned work area.Follows company safety policies and procedures.Have no accidents due to not following the company safety rules.Ability to understand and follow oral instructions.Assist driver/crew leader with parking or maneuvering in tight spaces - job sites, company yard, etc.Attend weekly training meetingsDemonstrate comprehension of weekly safety topics through written certifications.Champion a world class safety culture by becoming familiar with safety devices, emergency shutdown procedures and attend and actively participate in regular safety training.Required to wear personal protective clothing and/or use protective equipment to comply with established safety operating standards.QualificationsEducation and experienceBachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Landscape Management, or a related field preferred.Minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial landscape irrigation and/or agronomic product management.Proven experience in managing teams, developing budgets, and deploying new technology.Certifications (Preferred):Certified Irrigation Auditor (IA) or Landscape Irrigation AuditorQualified Applicator Certificate (QAC), Qualified Applicator License (QAL), or Pest Control Advisor (PCA)Skills and Abilities:Strong technical knowledge of irrigation systems, smart controllers, and water-saving technologies.Understanding of plant nutrition, fertilizer products, and soil science.Ability to read water usage data and translate it into actionable insights.Excellent project management, communication, and team leadership skills.Proficient with Microsoft Excel and irrigation software platforms (e.g., Rain Bird IQ, Weathermatic, Baseline, etc.).Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.Work Environment and Physical DemandsFrequent site visits to properties within the company's service regions.Ability to stand, walk, bend repeatedly, and work outdoors in various weather conditions for long periods of time.Ability to lift, push, pull up to 50 lbs.Office-based planning and analysis required regularly.

Created: 2025-05-22