Here's what this actually is:
You're the skilled installer who makes jobs happen.
You work directly with the foreman—executing the plan, operating equipment, solving problems in real-time, and training less experienced crew members. You're not just following orders; you're the person the foreman relies on to get quality work done right.
This is the role between labourer and foreman. If you're ready to lead without running the whole show, this is it.
What makes us different:
The owner and project manager have done this job. Josh and Sean started where you are. They know what good installation looks like because they've done thousands of square feet themselves. You're not working for people guessing from an office.
We run 3 crews. Small enough to know your name. Large enough to have proper systems, maintained equipment, and steady work.
We care about what we build. High-end interlock, retaining walls, drainage systems across Ottawa and surrounding areas. You'll be installing work that actually matters, not rushing through garbage jobs.
What you'll actually do:
Work with the foreman and 1-3 other crew members building quality landscape projects.
Your day:
- Execute proper installation techniques—base pre and installation, screeding, laying, cutting to finishing
- Operate skid steers, excavators, plate compactors, saws, and other equipment
- Read site plans and translate them into actual installation
- Train labourers on technique and standards
- Spot and solve issues before they become problems
- Handle sections of the job independently while the foreman manages the bigger picture
You're NOT:
- Just moving materials around
- Doing grunt work with no skill development
- Working for a foreman who doesn't know what they're doing
- Cutting corners to hit unrealistic timelines
What we need:
Experience: 3+ years in landscape construction (interlock, walls, grading)
Technical skills:
- Know proper installation techniques—not just "make it look good"
- Understand base preparation, drainage, compaction
- Operate a skid steer and excavator both competently and safely
- Read plans and execute them accurately
- Work independently without constant supervision
But here's what really matters:
You care about doing it right. You take pride in quality work. You're not just there for a paycheck—you actually want to build things that last.
You're willing to teach. When a labourer asks why we do something a certain way, you explain it instead of just saying "because I said so."
You want to grow. You're learning to run jobs yourself, and you're paying attention to how the foreman manages the crew and solves problems.
You value structure. Clear expectations and good planning make everyone's job easier.
This isn't the right fit if:
- You just want to be told every single move
- "Close enough" is your standard
- You're not interested in eventually running your own crew
- You think teaching others is a waste of time
What you get:
$26-32/hour based on actual skills
- Higher end: you can run sections independently and operate all equipment
- Lower end: you're still developing some skills
- Weekly pay, every Friday
- Performance bonuses for quality work completed on time
Full-time, April–December. Steady work, booked months ahead.
Clear path to foreman. We like to promote from within. Lead hands who prove themselves typically move up in 1-2 seasons. This isn't a dead-end position.
Why lead hands stay with us:
Proper equipment – maintained skid steers, excavators, compactors. You're not fighting broken tools.
Clear expectations – you know what quality looks like because the foreman and PM have actually done the work.
Real training – you'll learn techniques and equipment operation you haven't done yet.
Foremen who lead well – they know construction, they communicate clearly, and they're not constantly hovering or disappearing.
Pride in the work – you'll install projects you want to show people.
The bottom line:
Most companies treat lead hands like senior labourers—just faster at the grunt work.
We treat lead hands like skilled tradespeople being developed into foremen.
If you care about quality work, want to keep learning and growing, and are tired of working for disorganized companies that don't value skill—you're exactly who we're looking for.
Apply:
Email [email protected]
- Your resume
- One paragraph: what makes you good at landscape installation (be specific)
- Subject: "Lead Hand Application – [Your Name]"
We'll respond within 48 hours.
WLS Landscaping | Ottawa, ON | www.wlslandscaping.com
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $26.00-$32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Flexible schedule
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Richmond, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- Landscaping: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
