Landscaper
Construct, plant and look after gardens and parks. You'd help the environment while giving people a pleasant place to live, work and relax in.
Also known as: landscape gardener, landscape designer, garden designer
About the job
What it's like
You'd 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.
Your tasks might include:
discussing requirements with clients
working from design plans
ordering supplies
preparing the ground or interior space
turfing and seeding lawns
planting and pruning trees and shrubs
putting in new plants
building features like paving, paths and water features
constructing 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.
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You could:
choosing plants native to the region to support the local eco-system
reduce water usage through effective irrigation
using organic waste materials as compost instead of fertilizers
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Related industries
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Engineering and manufacturing -
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- creative
- respecting
- building relationships
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- taking initiative
- time management
- taking responsibility
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design
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Biology
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Design and Manufacture
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Environmental Science
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Rural Skills
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.
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