Landscaping Job: A Career that Offers Growth and Satisfaction

Oh, the beautiful outdoors! Where creativity and nature converge to bring the art of altering outdoor environments to life! Canada, one of the most beautiful places on earth, is home to spectacular scenery, from luxuriant gardens to breathtaking parks. This has led to the development of a solid landscaping business essential to maintaining the nation’s natural beauty and improving the aesthetics of both urban and rural locations.

Let us take a look into the world of landscaping jobs in Canada, where your creativity and commitment can grow, and the beauty of the great outdoors becomes your canvas, whether you’re a seasoned professional in the industry or an aspirant enthusiast looking for a meaningful career. Let’s look at the various employment options and pay available to you in this fascinating and important environmental sector.

❓ Who hires for a landscaping job ❓

🏨🏠💰 Landscaping businesses

The most obvious and direct employers for landscaping jobs are landscaping businesses. These businesses focus on providing landscaping services for residential, commercial, and public sites. They work as crew members, gardeners, maintenance people, landscape architects, and designers, among other positions.

🏡👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Property Owners (Residential)

Homeowners with substantial gardens or yards who want to enhance the appearance of their property typically hire landscapers directly. They could need help with garden planning, planting, watering, landscaping services and grass maintenance.

🏢 Property management firms

Organizations that oversee residential or commercial properties may hire individual landscapers or landscaping businesses to maintain the grounds on the properties they are in charge of.

🏛️ Government Entities

Municipalities, cities, towns, and other governmental entities own and operate public parks, recreation areas, and roadways. Government agencies may hire outside landscaping companies or employ their landscapers for these tasks.

🏫 Schools and Institutions

Many educational institutions, such as colleges, universities, and schools, have huge campuses that necessitate continuous landscaping work. They could employ landscapers directly or partner with landscaping companies.

👨‍💼🏭 Real estate developers

Landscaping is a requirement for all projects involving the development of real estate. Developers may engage with landscape architects to plan and install green spaces and outdoor amenities in residential complexes, commercial structures, or industrial zones.

🏌️‍♀️ Golf Courses

Skilled landscaping labour is needed to maintain the fairways, greens, and surrounding areas of golf courses. They typically have in-house groundskeeping personnel or certified landscapers on staff.

🛏️🏊‍♀️ Resorts and Hotels

Luxurious resorts and hotels place a high priority on beautiful landscapes for the delight of their guests. They hire landscapers to maintain their gardens, lawns, and outside amenities.

🌍 Community organizations and nonprofits

Many nonprofit organizations, community centers, and neighbourhood associations work on landscaping programs to improve the environment and public spaces. They might hire landscape designers for these tasks.

🔒 Private Estates

People who own large estates or other properties with extensive landscapes may employ their team of landscape architects for continuing maintenance and design activities.

📐✏️👷‍♀️ Landscape Architects

Working with contractors and recruiting subcontractors are standard practices in the execution of landscaping projects based on the ideas of landscape architects.

Other In-demand places include – Nursery stores & garden centres, Site preparation contractors, Nursery & tree production firms.

🔍 Types of Landscaping Jobs in Canada 🔍

1. Landscape Construction Foreman

💵 $30-40/hour

⚓ Requirements:

• Proven guidance ability
• Ability to lift to 50lbs
• 3-5 years of experience
• Diploma in Horticulture
• Class G license with clean abstract.
• A class 5 driver’s license
• Secondary school graduation certificate

2. Landscape Maintenance Labourer

💵 $20–$23 an hour

⚓ Requirements: 

• Two years experience
• Completion of High school, college, university or other technical training
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines
• Knowledge of materials, methods, tools and equipment for landscape maintenance
• Ability to walk, stand, crouch for long periods
• Basic plant knowledge and care
• Possess a valid driver’s license

3. Climbing Arborist

💵 $50,000–$75,000 a year

⚓ Requirements:

•  ITA or ISA certification
• have climbing experience and the ability to operate and maintain chainsaws and other necessary arbour equipment.
• Class 5 driver’s license – optional
• Familiarity with ANSI standards

4. Landscape Technician

💵 $24–$28 an hour

⚓ Requirements:

• Valid Class 5 license and clean driver abstract
• Industry accreditation

5. Gardener

💵 $36/hour

⚓ Requirements:

• Diploma or certificate in horticulture
• Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License Class
• City’s equipment operating permits and requirements.
• Ontario Landscape Exterminator’s License
• Structural Greenhouse/interior Plant Exterminator License- Optional
• Horticultural practices and the equipment used

6. Junior Landscape Estimator

💵 $20–$28 an hour

⚓ Requirements: 

• Three years of experience with landscape
• high school and college or technical training
• Knowledge of local building codes
•  valid driver’s license with a clean record

7. Landscape Crew Member

💵 $20/Hour

⚓ Requirements:

• Valid G or G2 driver’s license with clean driver abstract
• Reading architectural drawings
• Dense job training

8. Landscape Installer

💵 $22–$35 an hour

⚓ Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license
• 1-2 years of residential and/or commercial hardscape experience

9. Turf Technician / Mechanic

💵 Varied

⚓ Requirements:

• Licensed small engine technician (or auto technician) and hand-held power products.
• High School Diploma or equivalent experience required;
• A valid driver’s license is required, and a clean driving record.

10. Heavy Equipment Operator

💵 $56.86 an hour

⚓ Requirements:

• No degree, certificate or diploma
• Experience: 1 to less than seven months

11. Planning and Design Assistant

💵 $17-20/hour

⚓ Requirements:

• University degree in design disciplines such as Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Design, Graphic/Environmental Design
• Proficiency in AutoCad 2020 or higher, Revit, Adobe Pro and Photoshop. Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

12. Landscape Designer

💵 $50,000/year

⚓ Requirements:

• Degree in Landscaping Architecture or post-graduate studies with a specialization in landscape design
• 3+ years of experience in landscaping design
• Proficient in CAD (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Sketch Up, Dynascape or other )
• Knowledge of landscape construction methods and materials.

13. Greenskeeper

💵 $16.65–$16.89 an hour

⚓ Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license class G (Ontario) or equivalent
• Experience
• Client focus
• Organizational knowledge
• Communication
• Innovation
• Teamwork and Leadership.

14. Groundskeeper II

💵 $24.54 an hour

⚓Requirements:

• Should know to Perform groundskeeping, landscape maintenance and gardening duties

15. Irrigation technician

💵 $25 an hour

⚓ Requirements:

• Must have a minimum of 2 years experience with irrigation.
• You must be able to get to the site(s) daily and have a hard hat, safety vest, and steel-toed boots.

16. Horticulture Technician

💵 $20–$35 an hour

⚓ Requirements:

• Horticulturist Trade Certification
• Arboriculturists Trade Certification
• Landscape Gardener Trade Certification
• Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) certification
• Client focus
• Efficient interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral communication
• Excellent written communication
• Flexibility
• Organized
• Reliability
• Team player

💚 Landscaping Jobs Requiring zero experience in Canada 💚

Some landscaping jobs in Canada that might require zero experience include entry-level positions such as:

1. Landscape Laborer:
   Assisting with planting, weeding, and basic maintenance tasks.
2. Lawn Care Technician:
   Mowing lawns, applying fertilizers, and maintaining outdoor spaces.
3. Garden Helper:
   Assisting with gardening tasks, planting flowers, and maintaining flower beds.
4. Landscape Maintenance Worker:
   Participating in general maintenance of landscapes and outdoor areas.
5. Nursery Worker:
   Working in a plant nursery, watering plants, and handling inventory.

✔️ Benefits of Landscaping as a Profession ✔️

Numerous personal and professional advantages can come from choosing a career in landscaping. Here are some strong arguments in favour of thinking about a career in landscaping:

⚓ Job Stability:

There will always be a need to maintain and improve outside environments, making landscaping a continually demanding career. This occupation has an appealing quality of job security.

🕴️ Opportunities for entrepreneurship:

Many landscapers decide to launch their enterprises, allowing them to work independently, set their hours, and create a successful company.

📗 Continuous Learning:

Horticulture, design principles, and building methods are all used in landscaping. This industry provides lifelong learning opportunities to broaden your expertise and keep up with the most recent trends.

🗣️ Interaction with People:

If you prefer interacting with people, gardening offers many chances to do so. Developing a rapport with clients and learning about their demands enables you to provide specialized and satisfactory results.

🫂 Teamwork and Collaboration:

Since many landscaping projects call for collaboration, they present chances to hone these skills and build relationships with other industry experts.

ℹ️ Contributing to Communities:

Landscapers may considerably improve a community’s quality of life and well-being by designing attractive and useful outdoor spaces.

Other benefits are:

• The work is not repetitive; it is somewhat creative.
• It is more than cutting grass, and it is advantageous long term.
• You get to travel, see different green spaces, and meet and greet new people.

📣 Where can you find landscaping jobs? 📣

You can look through a number of platforms and tools to find landscaping jobs in Canada. Here are some well-known websites and venues where you can look for employment openings in landscaping:

⦿ Indeed (ca.indeed.com)

Indeed is a well-known employment search engine that compiles job postings from numerous websites, job boards, and publications. You can search for relevant opportunities in your selected Canadian location using precise keywords like “landscape technician” or “landscaping jobs.”

⦿ Workopolis (workopolis.com)

This well-known Canadian job-search website features many job opportunities, including those for landscaping.

⦿ Monster (monster.ca)

This international job board serves Canadian job hunters as well. On this platform, you may locate job ads for landscaping from several Canadian provinces.

⦿ Government Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca)

This official website of the Government of Canada lists various employment opportunities nationwide, including positions in landscaping and related fields.

⦿ LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

LinkedIn is a professional networking site where you may connect with possible employers and individuals in the landscaping business and find job ads and company profiles.

⦿ Websites of nearby landscaping businesses

A lot of these businesses directly advertise job openings on their websites. If you’re interested in working for a landscaping company, visit their website and look under the “Careers” or “Job Opportunities” area.

⦿ Local Newspapers and Classified advertising

Particularly for smaller businesses that might not use online job boards, specific job openings may still be promoted in local newspapers and classified advertising.

⦿ Landscaping Associations and Online Groups

Take into account joining associations and online groups for the sector. These groups frequently exchange job listings and offer chances to network with other industry experts.

⦿ Fairs and Events

Attend employment fairs and industry events where landscaping businesses might be hiring employees. 

💥 Some Tips and Tricks to Help You Find Your True Calling 💥

¤ Create a Powerful Resume

Create a CV that explicitly highlights your expertise and relevant experience in the landscaping sector. Any credentials, training, or accomplishments that attest to your knowledge should be highlighted.

¤ Do Market Research

Learn as much as you can about the Canadian landscaping industry. Find out what positions are in demand, where people like to work in landscaping, and what kinds of businesses are recruiting.

¤ Network

When looking for a job, networking is essential. Participate at industry gatherings, join associations for landscaping, and establish LinkedIn connections. By networking, one can access insider information on employment opportunities and crucial job referrals.

¤ Increase your Digital Presence

Make sure you are present online in a professional manner, especially on LinkedIn. Online searches by recruiters are common, so having a current and exciting profile might help you stand out.

¤ Examine government job postings.

Look through official government job websites, such as the Canadian Job Bank, which frequently include landscaping work openings.

¤ Intern or volunteer

Consider volunteering or interning with landscaping businesses if you’re starting in the field or want more experience. You could make contacts and learn valuable skills as a result of this.

¤ Polish on your Interview Answers

Research typical interview questions for the landscaping sector and practice your answers before the interview. During the interview, demonstrate your interest and desire for the position.

📚 Resources for upskilling in landscaping career

📖 Courses

-> The landscaping courses will help you advance in your professional career in landscaping:

🎞️ Youtube Videos

You can get knowledge and skills from these courses to help you succeed in landscaping.

-> How To Design The Perfect Landscape | Landscape Design 101

-> How Much Should I Charge for SMALL Landscaping Jobs

🎧 Podcasts

-> Don’t Miss These Landscaping Podcasts: They’re a Game Changer

🚫 Permits & Licences

-> Contractor Licenses & Permits for a Landscaping Business

🛡️ Insurance

-> Landscaping Insurance 101: For When Things Get Rocky

🌟 Tips on getting a high-paying position 🌟

In Canada, securing a high-paying landscaping position necessitates a mix of education, training, and networking. The following advice can help you improve your chances of finding a lucrative landscaping job:

Obtain the Necessary Certifications and Skills

Invest in landscaping-related training and certifications. You can strengthen your credentials and set yourself apart from other applicants by taking courses in horticulture, landscape design, irrigation systems, and pest management.

Build a Powerful Portfolio

Compile a portfolio of your prior landscaping work. Include images of the before and after, design blueprints, and information about the range of your work. A professionally designed portfolio shows prospective employers your knowledge and originality.

Gain Experience

If you’re starting, consider working as an intern or negotiating a lesser charge for your services. You can progressively raise your fees as you expand your clientele and establish a solid reputation.

Network

Attend trade exhibits, workshops, and regional gatherings to network with industry experts in landscaping. Making contacts might result in referrals and job chances.

Be Flexible and Willing to Travel

High-paying landscaping positions might be accessible across Canada, so be prepared to relocate or travel for employment if necessary.

Be Reliable and Professional

It’s important in any career to exhibit reliability and professionalism. Keep a pleasant attitude, arrive on time, and finish tasks by the deadline.

👀 Govt job programs for Landscaping pros 👀

The Canadian government supports professionals in the landscaping business through a number of initiatives and job programs. These initiatives attempt to give people who want to work in landscaping a career with the training, employment prospects, and financial support they need. The following are some possible programs that were offered:

☝️ Job Bank

The Job Bank is an online service the Canadian government provides that links job searchers and employers. It enables firms to advertise job openings in landscaping and provides job seekers with resources to locate employment possibilities in the industry.

✌️ Canada Jobs Grant

The Canada Job Grant program helps businesses train their employees in needed skills. It is intended to assist people in acquiring the abilities and information required to find and keep employment in various fields, including landscaping.

👌 Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS)

A federal program called YESS aims to assist young people between the ages of 15 and 30 in gaining useful work experience and mastering crucial skills. This program may present opportunities for young professionals interested in the landscaping sector.

🖖 Canada Summer Jobs

With the help of this scheme, firms will receive salary subsidies to provide summer jobs for students. Landscaping businesses frequently use this program to hire students as temporary employees.

🖐️ Provincial Programs

Some provinces and territories may have unique initiatives to support professionals in the gardening business in addition to federal ones. These initiatives might include apprenticeships, job placement assistance, or training.

Key Occupations in the Industry

NAIC Codes

• 561730 Landscaping services
• 444220 Nursery stores and garden centres
• 111421 Nursery and tree production
• 111422 Floriculture production
• 411130 Nursery stock and plant merchant wholesalers
• 541320 Landscape Architectural services
• 111419 Other food crops grown under cover
• 238910 Site preparation contractors
• 238990 All other specialty trade contractors (deck or patio construction, driveway construction, brick paving, etc.)

Source: NAICS Canada

Why Landscaping could an excellent profession for you:

• Canada has an ageing workforce
• The pool of youth entering the industry is declining.
• The demand for landscaping services remains high, with more and more homeowners looking to create and maintain beautiful outdoor living spaces.
• There is an ongoing labour shortage in the industry, and there is a critical shortage of skills in the industry. A certification or a training program helps you stay competitive.
• Residential renovation and commercial construction are creating new jobs not only in urban spaces but in rural ones as well.

Things you should know:

• Entry-level work is seasonal.
• Expect to be bruised, scratched, cut, windburned, sunburned, and sore.
• Consistently able to arrive at the job site early hours

Key Credentials to Acquire

• • Chainsaw Safety Training
• • Skidsteer Certification
• • Forklift Certification
• • CPR Certification
• • First Aid Certification
• • Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)
• • Landscape Horticulturist Certification Program
• • Landscape Horticulturalist RSE (Journeyperson)
• • Arborist
• • Driver’s licence (DZ)
• • Driver’s licence (AZ)
• • Provincial licence/certification to apply chemical fertilizers

Conclusion

In conclusion, for those passionate about horticulture and the outdoors, landscaping careers in Canada present a potential and fulfilling career path. The nation’s ongoing increase in residential and commercial property projects creates a continual demand for qualified landscapers. 

Overall, a career in landscaping can result in a satisfying and secure job in Canada, making it a desirable choice for aspirants passionate about conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of outdoor places.