Overview:

A Landscape Technician in in charge of growing and maintaining plants on properties. They also manage and redesign a variety of plants and the construction of hardscapes.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Grow, maintain and transplant flowers, shrubs and trees
• Maintenance and installation of sprinkler systems
• Construct walkways, walls and small foot bridges
• Follows plans and specifications, inspects and directs the planting of landscape material associated with improvement, beautification, and erosion control
• Create and adhere to various watering and feeding schedules
• Plan new growth planting patterns in distinct seasonal changes
• Identify detrimental insects or plant disease and eliminate them
• Ability to adhere to a predetermined budget
• Operate a variety of mechanical equipment
• If certified or under the supervision of a certified applicator will apply chemicals

What education and training is required?

An associates or bachelor’s degree in landscape horticulture, turf grass, plant science, soil science, agronomy, biology or related field is required.

To pursue a career as a Landscape Technician:

The following high school courses are recommended:agricultural education, a focus on science particularly biology /botany/earth science/geography, mathematics, and geometry.

Typical Employers:

Employed by greenhouses, nurseries, government agencies, residential communities, athletic venues or universities.

Future Job Market/Outlook:

Depending on location the job market for landscape technicians can be considered good.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:

• Soil Science Society of America
• American Nursery and Landscape Association
• Committee for Sustainable Agriculture
• Weed Science Society of America
• Professional Lawn Care Association
• Professional Landscape Designers
• The Professional Landcare Network