HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A Canadian secondary-school student can usually start with Grade 12, then look for a landscaping or grounds maintenance job, since many employers train on the job. Helpful school subjects or experience can include outdoor work, shop, science, and basic safety. Some people also take college, private training, or apprenticeship-style programs in horticulture, landscaping, or gardening to build plant care, equipment, and maintenance skills. Early experience such as summer jobs, co-op, volunteer work, or helping with parks or grounds crews can be useful. Requirements can vary by employer, province, and the kind of work involved.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Spread top soil, lay sod, plant flowers, grass, shrubs and trees and perform other duties to assist with the construction of a landscape and related structures
- Cut grass, rake, fertilize and water lawns, weed gardens, prune shrubs and trees and perform other maintenance duties as directed by supervisor
- Operate and maintain power mowers, tractors, snowblowers, chain saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, pruning saws and other landscape maintenance equipment
- Spray and dust trees, shrubs, lawns and gardens, as directed, to control insects and disease
- Perform other manual duties to clean and maintain landscaped environments.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Communication SkillsPhysical/outdoor workSafety AwarenessTaking Directions