Overview
Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists survey and assess landscapes; draw sketches and build models of landscape designs; construct and maintain gardens, parks, golf courses and other landscaped environments; advise clients on issues related to horticulture such as irrigation; breed, cultivate and study plants; and treat injured and diseased trees and plants. They are employed by landscape designers and contractors, lawn service and tree care establishments, golf courses, nurseries and greenhouses, and municipal, provincial and national parks, or they may be self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Arborists and tree service technicians
Examine trees and shrubs to diagnose problems and disease, and apply various treatments such as pruning, spraying, repairing damaged areas and injecting with treatment solutions.
Golf course superintendents
Direct crews who maintain the health and appearance of golf courses and their surrounding landscapes, plant and move trees, and apply fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides.
Horticulturists
Plan and coordinate the growth and use of plants for landscaping, ornamental uses and other purposes.
Landscape designers and landscape architectural technicians and technologists
Survey and assess sites, prepare drawings, sketches and reports and perform other duties to assist landscape architects in designing landscaped environments.
Landscape gardeners
Plant and maintain private and public lawns and gardens.
Landscapers
Plan and construct landscaped environments which may include trees, shrubberies, lawns, fences, decks, patios and other landscape structures.
Lawn care specialists
Visit clients, assess the health of lawns, and apply fertilizer, pesticides and other lawn care products.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$37,541
$47,969
$62,568
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
737expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of a two-to-three year college program in agronomy, arboriculture, horticulture, landscaping, landscape design or landscape technology is usually required.
Experience as a landscape and grounds maintenance labourer may be required for golf course superintendents, landscape gardeners and landscapers.
An apprenticeship program is available for horticulturists, arboriculturists and landscape gardeners.
Additional information
- The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Horticulturists
- Horticulturists Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Horticulturists
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a horticulturist in BC, you will need a Skilled Trades BC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Visit websiteHorticulturists Red Seal Certification
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of BC in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Visit websitePost-secondary programs in B.C.
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