LANDSCAPING CAREERS
What Do Landscape
Professionals Do?
Are you considering a career in the landscaping industry? With the growing demand for outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and sustainable, there has never been a better time to join this thriving sector.
Landscaping Job Duties & Career Information
The professional landscaping sector offers a variety of career opportunities that contribute to the health, appearance, and attractiveness of landscapes. For example, an agronomist focuses on soil science and what goes on below ground, whereas an arborist specialises in cultivating and caring for trees above ground.
Some individuals work outdoors or indoors, such as on the phone, computer, or laboratory. Some work directly in landscaping, while others provide the necessary equipment. This industry includes staff at all levels, from entry-level workers, specialist scientists, marketing, and sales to CEOs of large companies.
Irrespective of their specific roles, all individuals involved in designing and maintaining green areas are considered landscape professionals, displaying a strong enthusiasm for their work.
Many individuals look for work in the field without a clear idea of what role they want or how to begin. No problem this site should help you to answer these questions! In the UK, there are over 144,400 landscape professionals offering various career opportunities for dedicated individuals willing to learn and work hard.
Day in the life videos
Hear from the people who already have landscaping careers . You will learn what their day to day role in landscaping is like, how they joined the landscape industry and what they love about the landscaping work they carry out.
All of these positions offer career advancement opportunities.
Employees who show skill, hard work, and ability are typically promoted to more senior positions. If you are interested in the landscaping sector but unsure of how to begin, look for jobs in this field or speak to a local landscaper for career guidance.
Entry Level Landscaping Roles
There are numerous entry level jobs for those looking for training and experience to help them succeed. All of these positions offer career advancement opportunities.
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Client Service Agents & Office Staff – Certain individuals in the landscaping industry are responsible for providing internal support to the outdoor workforce. They address inquiries, resolve issues, and uphold a courteous and professional company image.
Gardeners – play a crucial role in maintaining the beauty and health of our outdoor spaces. From mowing lawns to planting new blooms, gardeners bring life and vibrancy to our surroundings.
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Machinery Operators—Some landscaping projects, like installations, require forklifts and bulldozers to shift soil, dig holes, and lift heavy items. Equipment operators, trained on the job, are typically the first workers involved in a new landscaping project.
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Hardscape operatives. They lay patios, pathways, steps and retaining walls to enhance the outdoor areas of homes and businesses. They possess strong planning and implementation abilities, finding fulfilment in completing projects from beginning to end.
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Landscaping installers – plant greenery, turf and trees while also setting up irrigation systems and hard landscaping features like patios. They often use heavy equipment and work mainly outdoors, requiring physical strength. Strong organisational skills are beneficial in this role.
Lawn Care Technicians – also known as turf care specialists, are responsible for assessing the condition of lawns and applying the appropriate treatments to maintain their health and appearance. This typically involves analysing soil samples, identifying any issues such as weed infestations or diseases, and then applying fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides as necessary.
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Irrigation Installers and Maintenance Engineers – Skillful technicians maintain sprinkler systems to promote healthy landscapes, employing problem-solving abilities to ensure efficient operation.
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Tree Surgeons and Plant Care Technicians – Trees and plants require a significant amount of care. Trained and licensed arborists are needed for certain tasks, whilst technicians can perform basic pruning under supervision from experts in tree and plant science.
Want to learn more about the various entry-level landscaping roles?
Tak a look at our landscaping job roles pages to find out more about what each job role entails and the education paths and earning potentials of each role
Specialist Landscaping Roles
Different job roles in landscaping industries require specific skills. Some jobs need university qualifications, while others provide advancement opportunities through apprenticeships and hands-on training.
Head Gardeners – Head Gardeners are key figures in the management and maintenance of large estates, public parks, or botanical gardens. They oversee a team of gardeners and horticulturalists, delegating tasks and ensuring that the grounds are kept in immaculate condition.
Soil Scientist – Soil scientists analyse soil samples to provide information about its quality and structure for construction, agricultural, government, industrial and scientific staff.
Botanists – Play a crucial role in the agricultural and environmental sectors by researching plant genetics, physiology, ecology, and more. They work to identify new plant species, develop new varieties for increased crop yields, and study the impact of climate change on plant life.
Arborists – Arboriculturists plant and nurture trees, aiming to conserve them using their specialised skills and knowledge. Various professionals in the field focus on tree care, with arboriculturists obtaining specific certification.
Landscaping crew supervisors – Formerly successful technicians are responsible for managing larger works projects and teams of people. They may serve as crew leaders and oversee crews or landscapers.
Estimators – are meticulous professionals who compile material lists and estimate costs for projects. They collaborate with designers, installers, and landscape managers, requiring strong mathematical and organisational skills for success.
Indoor Landscaper – Interiorscapers bring nature inside by planting and caring for indoor plants in commercial spaces and homes. These plants enhance comfort, aesthetics and improve indoor air quality.
Garden Designers and Architects – Design plans for improving existing landscapes or creating new ones for buildings. They create designs for both hard and soft landscaping elements. Landscape architects must hold a valid licence.
Project Managers – Experienced landscape professionals who excel in organisational and time management, as well as client relations, often progress to become project managers for landscape accounts and projects.
Procurement Managers – These individuals bargain with suppliers to ensure every project is equipped with top-quality products at optimal prices. They collaborate extensively with designers, cost estimators, and builders.
Want to learn more about the various specialist landscaping roles?
Tak a look at our landscaping job roles pages to find out more about what each specialised job role entails and the education paths and earning potentials of each role
Management and Executive Opportunities:
Successful individuals often progress to senior management and executive roles, where they play a crucial role in supporting their company’s business. In these positions, they take on increased responsibilities such as assisting customers, mentoring staff, maintaining profitability, and seeking new business ventures.
This could be you with the right skills, passion and experience
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Career
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Landscaping apprenticeships
These apprenticeship schemes provide a fantastic opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge in the landscaping industry. As an apprentice, you will work alongside experienced professionals, learning all aspects of landscaping from design to maintenance. Not only will you develop valuable skills, but you will also have the chance to earn while you learn. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to kickstart your career in landscaping!
Landscaping
Courses
Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or considering a career change, landscaping courses can provide the skills and knowledge needed to create beautiful and functional outdoor environments, work on engineering or construction projects, find new species of plants or help grow more food sustainably. There are so many options open to you. So why wait? Start your journey towards becoming a landscaping expert today!