HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
There is no single path into this occupation, and employers may hire people with different school backgrounds. Many workers have a high school diploma or less, and some learn through short-term experience on the job. For students, part-time or summer work can be a practical way to build basic skills and find out if outdoor work is a good fit. Helpful experience can include school or community gardening, volunteer cleanup projects, farm work, construction support, or other outdoor labour. Because some jobs require travel between sites, having a valid driver’s licence may improve job opportunities in some places. Requirements can vary by employer, type of site, and province.
THE WORK
What you may do
Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers help care for outdoor spaces at homes, businesses, parks, schools, and public properties. They may mow lawns, trim grass and shrubs, rake leaves, plant flowers or trees, and water or fertilize plants. They also remove weeds, litter, and debris to keep areas tidy and safe. Depending on the job, they may spread soil, mulch, or gravel, dig holes or trenches, and help move or load materials. Some workers use hand tools and power equipment, and some jobs involve preparing sites for landscaping work or helping with basic installation and maintenance tasks. The work often changes with the season and the needs of each site.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day often starts early, especially in warm months when there is a lot to do. A worker may load tools and supplies, travel to a site, and check what needs attention first. Tasks can include mowing, trimming, planting, watering, weeding, raking, edging, and cleaning up branches or litter. On larger jobs, the work may also involve moving soil or mulch, helping with sod or garden-bed preparation, or using equipment to keep grounds in good shape. The pace can be steady and physical, and plans may change if the weather changes or if a customer needs something different. At the end of the day, the team usually cleans tools, stores equipment, and makes sure the site is left neat.
SKILLS TO BUILD