According to reports, the landscaping market value has now topped $99.7 billion.
Growing every year, the landscaping industry currently employs over 1 million Americans.
Landscaping careers can be very fulfilling, especially if you are someone who doesn’t like the idea of being cooped up in an office. Do you love the outdoors, enjoy working with plants and natural materials, and have an eye for design? If so, then you already have some of the makings of a successful landscape professional.
However, if you aren’t experienced yet, it can be hard to know how to break into a career in horticulture and landscaping.
As it happens, we know a lot about how people begin careers related to landscape management. If you want to get savvy to this too, don’t go anywhere. We have 5 landscaping careers for you to investigate that will get you into the industry.
1. Hardscape Laborer
One of the common ways people begin landscaping careers is by starting out as hardscape laborers.
Hardscape work involves building concrete, clay, and stone features. As well as constructing patios, retaining walls, and segmental pavements. You might also be involved in installing things like steps, driveways, parking lots, plazas, and even private roads.
As you can see, hardscaping involves similar work to general construction. If you have experience in construction or building, this can really help flesh out your resume. It shows potential employers that you already have a basic knowledge of construction techniques.
Thanks to the physical nature of the work, hardscaping careers are best suited to someone who likes the outdoors, likes building projects, and enjoys creating things from start to finish. If this is you, it can be an engaging career path.
What’s more, becoming a hardscape laborer is not too difficult. Most landscaping businesses need to hire new hardscape laborers from time to time.
For instance, here at Blue Oak, we are often looking for a hardscape laborer to add to our team.
2. Hardscape Foreman
If you’ve never worked in landscaping before, but do have extensive experience in construction and managing teams, then you might even be able to break into the industry by applying for a position as a hardscape foreman.
Although, ideally, most landscaping companies would prefer to hire someone that has already worked as a hardscape foreman—this isn’t always possible.
According to Lawn & Landscape’s State of the Industry issue, 77% of landscapers reported that a lack of quality labor impacted their services and growth.
With labor shortages being an issue, you might be able to land a job as a hardscape foreman, that is, providing you have the right transferable skills and experience.
Some of the work is similar to that of a hardscape laborer. However, you will also typically do more managing, directing, and organization. Depending on the company you work for, you might also be in charge of picking up materials and interacting with clients occasionally.
That said, being a hardscape foreman is not a cushy job, as you will have to work alongside your team from time to time. On the upside, a hardscape foreman doesn’t stand a big chance of getting trapped in an office, and you will earn more than as a hardscape laborer.
3. Lawn Technician
Another path you could choose to break into various landscaping careers is that of being a lawn technician.
If you have no experience working with lawns, then you’ll likely start in a laboring position. Here you’ll be responsible for things like mowing and applying fertilizer.
However, once you have some experience and knowledge under your belt, you can start to take on additional responsibilities.
Managing lawns and rescuing sick ones is a specialized skill and requires significant understanding and know-how.
However, once you attain this, being a lawn technician can be highly rewarding. Fertilization, aeration, water management, and pest and weed control is a science. Once you master it, you’ll be well on the way to becoming a coveted lawn specialist.
In the U.S., many take pride in a beautiful, well-kept lawn. If you can facilitate this for your company’s customers, then you’ll be an asset.
4. General Crew Member
Besides applying for hardscaping or lawn care jobs, you can also choose to apply for a position at a landscaping company as a general crew member.
Not all landscaping businesses have dedicated employees for every area. You might find that by taking a general, junior crew member position that you can dip your toes into multiple areas of the careers related to landscape management.
This way, you can get a feel for the different careers related to landscape architecture, careers in horticulture and landscaping, and alternative careers for landscape architects. From here, you can then specialize further and head in a direction that you enjoy and excel.
Now That You Know About These Landscaping Careers, Are You Ready to Apply?
Within the landscaping industry, there are many different landscaping careers. From arborist to lawn technician to hardscape laborer, these are just a few of the different specialties that exist.
Now that you know about some of the positions you could apply for to break into the landscaping industry, are you ready to start sending your resume in for positions?
If the answer is yes, and you’re located in Hillard, Ohio, then we’ve got good news. We regularly hire and recruit new members for our team, and we would love to hear from you if your skills match any of our openings.
Here at Blue Oak, we pride ourselves on offering a positive team environment. We are always on the hunt for hardworking and reliable applicants who are passionate about landscaping and hardscaping.
Are you interested in applying? Check out our Hardscape Foreman careers page and our Hardscape Laborer careers page to apply for open positions!