Job Description

Key Responsibilities

1. Landscape Operations

• Lead the daily operation and maintenance of all hotel gardens and landscaped areas.
• Prepare daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal landscape-maintenance plans.
• Assign duties according to operational priorities, weather conditions, events and guest requirements.
• Maintain lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, groundcover and ornamental plants in healthy and visually attractive condition.
• Ensure that hotel entrances, driveways, pathways, pool areas, courtyards, outdoor venues and separate compounds are maintained to luxury standards.
• Oversee planting, pruning, trimming, mowing, fertilising, watering, transplanting and soil improvement.
• Monitor plant health and take timely action to prevent deterioration, disease or pest infestation.
• Ensure fallen leaves, branches, garden waste and other debris are removed promptly.
• Maintain nurseries, composting areas, garden stores and landscape work areas in a clean, organised and safe condition.
• Adjust landscape plans according to seasonal conditions and Chiang Mai’s climate.

2. Inspire Incredible Guest Experiences

• Ensure the hotel’s landscape creates a memorable first impression and contributes positively to the guest journey.
• Use landscaping to reflect the natural beauty, heritage and sense of place of Chiang Mai.
• Create thoughtful seasonal displays and floral or plant arrangements that enhance guest areas and hotel events.
• Identify opportunities to create attractive garden features, photo locations and meaningful guest experiences.
• Ensure landscape work is scheduled to minimise noise, dust, obstruction and inconvenience to guests.
• Respond promptly to guest feedback or concerns relating to outdoor areas.
• Support special celebrations, VIP visits and hotel events with appropriate landscape preparation.
• Encourage the team to recognise that every garden detail contributes to the hotel’s ability to Inspire Incredible.

3. Landscape Design and Development

• Develop landscape-improvement plans that support the hotel’s luxury positioning and operational needs.
• Recommend suitable plants based on design, climate, soil, water requirements, durability and maintenance costs.
• Select plants and materials that complement the hotel’s architectural style and local identity.
• Review landscape drawings and proposals for renovation, construction or enhancement projects.
• Coordinate planting and landscape-development projects with Engineering, contractors, designers and other stakeholders.
• Ensure new landscape projects consider long-term maintenance, irrigation, drainage, safety and cost implications.
• Maintain accurate records of major trees, plants, landscape zones and ongoing improvement projects.
• Protect mature trees, significant plants and other valuable landscape assets.

4. Irrigation and Water Management

• Monitor irrigation systems to ensure effective and efficient operation.
• Develop watering schedules according to plant requirements, seasons, rainfall and weather conditions.
• Identify leaks, damaged sprinklers, blocked irrigation lines and drainage issues.
• Coordinate repairs with Engineering or specialist contractors.
• Reduce unnecessary water consumption without compromising plant health or landscape quality.
• Explore responsible use of collected rainwater, recycled water or other sustainable water-management solutions where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records of irrigation issues, repairs and water-saving initiatives.

5. Plant Health and Pest Management

• Regularly inspect plants, trees and lawns for signs of disease, pests, nutrient deficiency or environmental stress.
• Implement preventive and corrective plant-health programmes.
• Ensure fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals are selected and used responsibly.
• Maintain chemical records and safety information in accordance with hotel procedures and applicable requirements.
• Ensure chemicals are correctly labelled, stored, diluted and applied only by properly trained colleagues or authorised contractors.
• Prioritise safe, environmentally responsible and integrated pest-management methods.
• Coordinate specialist treatment when issues exceed the capability of the internal team.
• Ensure all chemical applications are scheduled and controlled to protect guests, colleagues, animals and the surrounding environment.

6. Trees, Grounds and Safety

• Conduct regular visual inspections of trees, branches, pathways and landscaped areas for potential hazards.
• Arrange professional tree-health or structural assessments when required.
• Ensure dead, damaged or dangerous branches are removed safely and promptly.
• Monitor ground conditions, drainage, uneven surfaces, exposed roots and other potential safety risks.
• Coordinate corrective action with Engineering, Security or external specialists.
• Ensure outdoor lighting, pathways and access routes are not obstructed by vegetation.
• Maintain clear access to emergency exits, fire equipment, signage, utilities and service areas.
• Implement appropriate preparation and recovery plans for storms, heavy rain, strong winds, drought or other severe weather.

7. People Leadership and Development

• Lead, coach, motivate and develop the Landscape team.
• Conduct daily briefings and communicate priorities, safety requirements and hotel information.
• Create an inclusive working environment where colleagues have Room to Belong, Room to Grow and Room to Make a Difference.
• Provide structured orientation and on-the-job training for new colleagues.
• Train colleagues in gardening techniques, machinery use, chemical safety, personal protective equipment and environmental practices.
• Monitor colleague performance and provide timely and constructive feedback.
• Participate in performance reviews, development planning, recognition, counselling and disciplinary processes.
• Develop supervisors and potential successors through coaching and delegation.
• Recognise colleagues who demonstrate outstanding care, creativity, teamwork and responsibility.
• Ensure grooming, attendance, conduct and workplace behaviour meet hotel standards.

8. Productivity and Workforce Management

• Plan manpower according to landscape size, maintenance requirements, seasonal workload, events and business demand.
• Prepare effective duty rosters, schedules and work assignments.
• Monitor attendance, leave, overtime, casual labour and contractor deployment.
• Measure productivity against planned work schedules and quality outcomes.
• Balance service quality, colleague safety and cost efficiency.
• Review work processes and identify opportunities to improve productivity.
• Ensure appropriate coverage across the main hotel and any separate buildings or compounds.
• Arrange additional resources for major projects, seasonal work or special events when justified.

9. Equipment, Supplies and Asset Control

• Ensure gardening machinery, tools and equipment are used correctly and maintained in safe working condition.
• Establish preventive-maintenance schedules for lawnmowers, trimmers, blowers, pumps and other landscape equipment.
• Coordinate repairs and replacements with Engineering and Purchasing.
• Maintain accurate inventory records for tools, equipment, plants, fertilisers, chemicals and operating supplies.
• Investigate unusual loss, damage or excessive consumption.
• Ensure garden stores and chemical-storage areas remain secure, clean and properly organised.
• Recommend replacement or capital investment based on operational need, condition and return on investment.

10. Financial and Commercial Responsibility

• Prepare and manage the landscape operating budget in coordination with the Executive Housekeeper.
• Monitor payroll, overtime, plants, chemicals, equipment, water consumption and contractor costs.
• Review expenses against budget and take corrective action where required.
• Obtain quotations and support supplier or contractor evaluations.
• Ensure purchases are operationally justified, appropriately approved and cost-effective.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety, plant health or luxury presentation.
• Evaluate whether work should be completed internally or outsourced based on capability, cost, risk and quality.
• Understand how landscape quality affects guest satisfaction, hotel reputation, events, revenue opportunities and asset value.

11. Contractor and Supplier Management

• Prepare clear scopes of work for landscape contractors and specialist suppliers.
• Monitor contractor attendance, productivity, safety and quality.
• Ensure contractors comply with hotel security, safety and operational requirements.
• Inspect completed work before acceptance and payment approval.
• Maintain professional relationships with nurseries, suppliers, arborists and landscape specialists.
• Address performance issues promptly and document agreed corrective action.
• Recommend continuation, replacement or termination of contractor services based on performance and business needs.

12. Sustainability and Responsible Business

• Support IHG’s True Hospitality for Good commitment through responsible landscape practices.
• Prioritise native, climate-appropriate and water-efficient plants where suitable.
• Reduce water, chemical and energy consumption through effective planning.
• Promote composting, mulching and responsible reuse of organic garden waste.
• Reduce single-use materials and unnecessary waste within the operation.
• Protect local biodiversity and avoid practices that may harm wildlife or the surrounding environment.
• Educate the team on sustainable gardening practices and responsible resource use.
• Support hotel sustainability, community and responsible-business initiatives.

13. Interdepartmental Coordination

• Work closely with Housekeeping to maintain the overall cleanliness and presentation of outdoor areas.
• Coordinate with Engineering on irrigation, drainage, lighting, water features and equipment repairs.
• Work with Security to manage outdoor safety, access control and emergency conditions.
• Coordinate with Food and Beverage and Banqueting regarding outdoor events, weddings and special functions.
• Work with Front Office and Guest Relations regarding VIP arrivals, guest feedback and special experiences.
• Coordinate with Sales and Marketing regarding photography, promotional events and landscape presentation.
• Schedule disruptive work in consultation with affected departments.
• Participate in operational meetings and property inspections when required.

14. Administration and Reporting

• Maintain landscape plans, maintenance schedules, plant records and equipment inventories.
• Prepare daily, weekly and monthly reports for the Assistant Executive Housekeeper and Executive Housekeeper.
• Document landscape inspections, safety concerns, irrigation issues and corrective actions.
• Maintain chemical, fertiliser and pest-control records.
• Track contractor performance and project progress.
• Prepare proposals for landscape improvements and capital requirements.
• Report significant plant loss, safety hazards, equipment failure or operational concerns promptly.
• Carry out other reasonable duties assigned by the Assistant Executive Housekeeper, Executive Housekeeper or hotel management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Thai nationality.
• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum three to five years of experience in landscaping, horticulture or grounds management.
• At least two years of experience in a supervisory or management position.
• Previous experience in a luxury hotel, resort, large residential development or high-standard commercial property is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of tropical plants, trees, lawns, soil management, irrigation, fertilisation and pest control.
• Knowledge of Northern Thailand’s climate, native plants and seasonal growing conditions is an advantage.
• Experience managing landscape contractors and improvement projects.
• Understanding of chemical safety, occupational health and safety, and environmentally responsible gardening practices.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and operational reporting.
• Good command of spoken and written Thai.
• Able to communicate in English at an operational level.