Landscaper
Career outlook for landscaper
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£20,000
£20,000
Experienced
£26,000
£26,000
Currently employed in Scotland
8,800
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would construct, plant and look after gardens and parks to make pleasant environments for people to live, work and relax in.
You’d make the most of the land or space you are working with to make it look attractive. Some landscapers specialise in interior projects with plants and garden features, often in shopping centres or large office blocks.
The work would vary depending on whether you are working inside or outside, the time of year and the condition of the space you are given. You’d need to use a variety of tools, and possibly also machines like small mechanical diggers.
You would follow the designs drawn up by garden designers or landscape architects. You’d use your knowledge of plants to ensure that they grow and thrive.
You would:
- Discuss requirements with clients
- Work from design plans
- Order supplies
- Prepare the ground or interior space
- Turf and seed lawns
- Plant and prune trees and shrubs
- Put in new plants
- Build features like paving, paths and water features
- Construct rock or water gardens
After completing a project, you’d advise the client on how to look after the space. You’d offer an on-going maintenance service.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
36%
Part-time
17%
Self employed
47%
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- Taking responsibility
- Time management
- Taking initiative
- Developing a plan
- Attention to detail
- Verbal communication
- Building relationships
- Respecting
- Creative
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Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this job but most entrants have a qualification in garden design, horticulture or landscape design or a similar subject.
Experience in garden design, horticulture, or landscape design is usually required. Qualifications that demonstrate this experience such as a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in Landscape Management (SCQF level 7).
Alternatively you can gain relevant work-based qualifications such as Scottish Vocational Qualification in Landscaping (SCQF level 2).
To enter a Landscape Management Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) requires National 5 qualifications and one to two Highers.
Useful subjects
- A science subject is required by most courses; biology or environmental science may be particularly useful.
- Maths
- English
- Geography