Landscaper

Don’t listen to what people say: Having a green thumb is not genetic, and it’s not easy. Some people can’t even grow weeds! So, if you’ve been blessed with a green thumb, consider it a gift and embrace that talent.

Landscapers or groundskeepers do pretty much anything that involves a yard: raking, mowing, trimming, planting, digging, mulching, sprinkler maintenance and all sorts of other fun things. It’s a landscaper’s job to make every yard they touch look as pretty as a cover of a magazine.

Many people use the terms “landscaper” and “groundskeeper” interchangeably, but you might be surprised to know they aren’t really the same thing. Technically speaking, a landscaper is someone who creates new landscaping designs (planting new flowers, bushes, trees, etc.) while a groundskeeper will mow and prune plants to keep what’s already there looking nice.

It should go without saying that landscapers work where the yards are, which is to say outside. If you’ve got bad allergies or an aversion to sunlight (hey, Dracula!), you should probably avoid this job like the plague.

We’re searching for a talented and dedicated landscaper to join our team. You’ll be responsible for performing a range of general lawn maintenance duties including mowing, applying fertilizers, maintaining the landscape design, removing weeds and dead plants and supervising repairs.

As a landscaper, you’ll ensure the growth and vibrancy of our plants, flowers, lawn and garden structures. The ideal candidate will be creative, with excellent problem-solving and organizational skills.

Typical duties include:

• Applying pesticides to remove harmful insects

• Conducting general maintenance duties such as mowing, trimming, cleaning walkways

• Fertilizing plants

• Maintain flower beds by removing weeds and dead plants

• Trimming overgrown limbs, hedges and leaves

• Planting new decorative bushes, flowers, plants and shrubs

• Supervising maintenance repairs to equipment

• Advising clients on how to care for the landscape

• Coordinating with garden designers and landscape architects to ensure projects meet the client’s expectations

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• At least 2 years experience in a similar role

• Able to operate maintenance equipment including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, weed eaters, edgers, snow blowers, chainsaws and hedge trimmers

• Able to use hand tools such as shovels and rakes

• Knowledge of lawn care and pest management

• Knowledge of sprinkler systems and irrigation systems

• High attention to detail

• Excellent organizational skills

• Good stamina and physical health

How much does a landscaper make?

The average landscaper makes about $14 an hour but pay will vary by experience and location. Landscapers with a significant amount of experience and who work for government agencies (which pay really well) can expect to earn up to $18 per hour.

What are the education requirements?

Most landscapers don’t need more than a high school diploma to get off the ground (see what we did there?). On-the-job training will teach you proper techniques and how to use commercial-grade mowers, sprayers and other equipment. Some equipment can be dangerous to operate, so safety training is usually included.

Career paths for landscapers

Larger companies usually have a supervisor overseeing a small group of landscapers. To get into one of these jobs, you’ll need to hustle. Many landscapers and supervisors choose to branch out and start their own businesses after a few years, so if you’ve got that entrepreneurial itch, this could be an excellent career choice. If you see yourself becoming a professional landscape architect or golf course designer, you’ll need at least a four-year degree.

The future of landscapers

It’s hard for busy working people to find the time to take care of their yards. When they do have free time, they’d rather spend it doing fun stuff, not sweating in the front yard. This is where you come in. Their desire to reduce “yard” time will increase the need for landscapers and groundskeeping. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall job opportunities for landscapers are predicted to rise 11% from 2016-26, faster than the average for all occupations.

Search for landscaper jobs on Snag.