Strategies for Finding – and Hiring – Top Talent in the Outdoor Space

Whether you’re searching for designers and project managers who can deliver creativity and precision, or reliable crew members who bring those visions to life, the process can feel like running through quicksand. 

The good news? With the right strategy and messaging, you can attract exceptional employees who align with your business values and goals. We’re breaking it down into two parts: 

1. How to attract and recruit high-level professionals, like designers and project managers. 
2. How to land the reliable, hardworking crew members who are the backbone of your business. 

Want more depth? Download the podcast episode!  

Recruiting High-Level Professionals 

Common Challenges 

• Competition is fierce for top-tier designers and project managers who can create Pinterest-worthy outdoor spaces. 
• These candidates need to deliver the quality your affluent clients expect and represent your brand with professionalism. 
• Cultural fit matters—these hires are client-facing experts who must gel with your team while wowing customers. 

What High-Level Professionals Value 

• Career Growth Opportunities: High-level candidates are drawn to roles where they can build their portfolios with exclusive, high-profile projects. 
• Storytelling: A compelling company story that highlights your mission, origin, and the impact of your work resonates deeply. 
• Prestige and Branding: Designers and managers want to align with aspirational brands that showcase innovation and exclusivity. 

Strategies for Recruiting High-Level Professionals 

Leverage LinkedIn Ads

LinkedIn is where professionals search for opportunities, but it’s not just about posting job descriptions. Create visually stunning ads featuring completed projects, like a luxurious outdoor kitchen or a bespoke pool design. Include compelling captions, such as: 

“Your designs belong here. Join us to transform outdoor spaces into luxury retreats.” 

Job posts on LinkedIn with images get 40% more responses than text-only posts. Use LinkedIn’s targeting tools to reach designers with specific skills, like CAD, or project managers with experience in landscaping. 

Optimize Your Careers Page

The careers page on your website should reflect your brand’s values and professionalism. Include: 

• Photos and videos of your team at work. 
• Testimonials from current employees. 
• A gallery of your most stunning projects. 

To bring potential candidates back, use retargeting ads: “We’re hiring designers who dream big.” 

Use Meta Ads on Facebook and Instagram

Meta platforms are great for passive recruitment. Run video ads that take potential candidates through your team’s creative process, from brainstorming to the big reveal of a completed project. With detailed targeting options, you can reach candidates by job title, interests like architecture or outdoor living, or even behaviors like researching luxury products. 

Recruiting Reliable Crew Members 

Common Challenges 

• Seasonal work and physical demands often lead to burnout and high turnover. 
• Training new hires takes time, and losing them mid-season can be a significant cost. 

What Crew-Level Candidates Value 

• Stability and Growth: Crew members want steady work and a clear path for advancement. 
• Positive Team Culture: They want to feel like valued members of a supportive team. 
• Fair Compensation and Perks: Small benefits, like gas stipends or flexible schedules, can make your business stand out. 

Strategies for Recruiting Crew Members 

Use Facebook and Instagram Ads

Meta ads targeting local workers are incredibly effective. Highlight perks like paid training or referral bonuses. Pair these ads with engaging videos of your crew at work—think time-lapse clips of a luxury patio installation or a team celebrating a project’s completion.  

Partner With Trade Schools and High Schools

Build relationships with vocational schools and career programs. Offer to host career day talks, provide hands-on workshops, or invite students to your job sites for real-world experience.  

Leverage TikTok for Recruitment

TikTok is ideal for showcasing your team culture. Create authentic videos of daily work or let current crew members share what they love about their jobs. Add captions like:
“Work with us to create stunning outdoor spaces! Apply now.”  

Post Flyers in High-Traffic Areas

Sometimes, old-school methods work best. Put up bold, eye-catching flyers in coffee shops, gyms, or community centers. Include a QR code that links to an easy, mobile-friendly application form. Highlight perks like “Paid Training” and “Growth Potential.” 

Employee Referral Programs

Referral programs are an easy way to find top talent. Provide clear guidelines and offer rewards, such as a $200 bonus for employees whose referrals stay for at least three months. 82% of employees are more likely to refer others when there’s a reward involved. 

Building Your Dream Team 

Whether you’re recruiting high-level professionals or crew members, the key is understanding what they value and meeting them where they are—on platforms like LinkedIn, Meta, or TikTok, and in local community spaces. 

And remember, hiring isn’t just about filling roles. It’s about marketing your business as a place where people want to work. The more effort you put into showcasing your culture and values, the more top talent you’ll attract. 

Ready to take your team—and your business—to the next level? Start implementing these strategies today.