Nelson College
Landscaper Kaihoahoa Whakapaipai Whenua
Landscapers design, develop, maintain and remodel gardens and landscapes.
Landscapers may do some or all of the following:
- discuss and develop designs with clients
- read and interpret plans and discuss design concepts with landscape architects
- do basic planning and design work, and planting plans
- calculate construction costs such as labour and materials
- select seeds, bulbs and plants and plant these
- construct decking, fencing, walls and courtyards, and lay down paving
- install garden lighting, irrigation and ornaments.
Physical Requirements
Landscapers need to have a good level of fitness and must be strong, as their work involves bending, kneeling for long periods and heavy lifting.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for landscapers includes:
- any building and construction work
- any work in the horticulture industry
- labouring work.
Personal Qualities
Landscapers need to be:
- reliable and hard working
- able to work independently or as part of a team.
Skills
Landscapers need to have knowledge of:
- different plants and their required growing conditions
- how to interpret and follow plans and drawings
- construction methods and materials
- design regulations, permits and plans
- tiling and bricklaying.
Business skills are useful for landscapers who run their own business.
Conditions
Landscapers:
- usually work regular business hours, but often work weekends
- spend most of their time in gardens and construction sites
- work in most weather conditions and in conditions that can be muddy
- may have to travel locally or further away for jobs.
Subject Recommendations
A minimum of three years' of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include English, maths, horticulture, biology and processing technologies.
Year 11 and 12 students can work towards a New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture through the National Trade Academy while still working towards NCEA. This usually includes off-site learning and some on-the-job training.
Related Subjects
Landscapers can earn around $23 per hour.
Pay for landscapers varies depending on experience, qualifications and where in New Zealand they work.
- Landscapers with no qualifications or in training can expect to earn minimum wage or a little more.
- Landscapers usually earn $25 to $36 an hour.
Experienced landscapers with extra responsibilities, in managerial positions or who run their own business can earn more.
However for those who are self-employed, what they earn depends on the success of their business.
Source: careers.govt.nz research, Seek, 2023, Trade Me 2023..
Landscapers may progress to a team leader or managerial role, or set up their own landscaping company.
Years Of Training
There are no specific requirements to become a landscaper. However, horticultural or gardening experience is useful. A driver's licence is also preferred by most employers.
Many employers prefer to hire someone with relevant training. Landscape design courses are available through a number of polytechnics and you can train on the job and complete an apprenticeship in landscaping through the Primary Industry Training Organisation (Primary ITO).
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