Landscape Technician Job Description
A landscape technician cares for the plants, trees, shrubs and foliage in gardens. His job may also include the design and installation of new gardens and building peripheral structures like walls, bridges or walkways. He may work for private residents or large corporations. The gardens may be small and located on residential property or part of a large, publicly accessible area owned by a private company or local government agency.
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Skill Requirements
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The ability to choose proper plants, shrubs and flowers based on soil content and climate is required for this position. A landscape technician needs to have vast knowledge of plants, their growth patterns and what additives are necessary for them to flourish. To design visually attractive gardens, he needs a good eye for color, design and textures. Organizational abilities are needed to create and adhere to various watering and feeding schedules.
Job Duties
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Keeping gardens healthy and aesthetically appealing is normally the focus of a landscape technician’s job. If his job is located in a region that experiences distinct seasonal changes, he needs to effectively plan new growth that will thrive in various weather conditions and be sure old growth is removed on schedule. He is expected to spot detrimental insects or plant diseases and eradicate them with eco-friendly tactics and topical applications. If he is assigned a garden design project, he has to explore options and present them to the garden’s owner for review. He frequently has to perform his job following a predetermined budget.
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Work Conditions
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Most of a landscape technician’s work day is spent outdoors. He needs to be healthy and flexible to plant, inspect, remove and care for a wide range of shrubs, trees and plants. A landscape technician is frequently required to endure bad weather to perform his job. If his job requires him to build garden structures, he needs to be skilled in using small power and hand tools. He usually works a 40-hour week that may include some weekend work for special projects.
Educational Requirements
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Depending on the preferences of the employer, a landscape technician may be required to have either an associate’s or bachelor’ degree. Both degrees include instruction on plant and soil science, the safe use of fertilizers and pest deterrents, irrigation system and landscape design and general plant propagation and care. The bachelor’s degree program typically includes more in-depth horticulture and science classes. Some regions require landscape technicians to have a landscape contractor’s license.
Salary and Advancement Opportunities
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Chances for career growth in this position are normally available through continuing education and building a reputation for exemplary landscape design. Landscape technicians frequently start out serving residential customers and advance into commercial positions as their experience and knowledge increase. According to Salary's website, the 2009 median salary in the United States for a landscape technician was $27,360.
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References
- Photo Credit botanic garden in yalta image by Kostyantyn Ivanyshen from Fotolia.com
