HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A Canadian secondary-school student can start by taking biology, chemistry, English, and computer-related courses, plus any shop, design, or outdoor learning opportunities. After graduation, common routes include a college horticulture or landscape-related program, an apprenticeship in landscaping or horticulture, or direct entry into an entry-level grounds maintenance job. Early experience through summer or part-time work with landscaping crews, garden centres, or parks can help build practical skills in planting, lawn care, equipment use, and customer service. As they gain experience, some workers move into supervising teams, estimating materials and labour, and helping plan and manage projects.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Plan, organize, direct and control the operations of landscaping, interior plantscaping, lawn care and tree service establishments
- Tender bids on contracts for landscaping and grounds maintenance work
- Plan and estimate the materials and labour requirements for individual contracts
- Organize and direct the planting and maintenance of trees, gardens, lawns, shrubs and hedges and the construction and installation of fences, decks, patios, walkways and retaining walls
- Hire and supervise staff
- Maintain financial and personnel records.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Communication SkillsComputer SkillsCo-ordinating skills Supervising