What You Can Expect From a Landscaper Career
Having a landscaping career can be a rewarding experience. You can make a huge impact on the way a home looks. You can also enjoy a great salary and benefits. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from this career.
Qualifications required
Depending on the state or country you live in, there are different requirements for landscapers. In some cases, the qualifications require formal education and certifications. In others, they require on-the-job training. Some states even require landscapers to pass state board exams.
Landscapers may work for landscaping companies or on their own. Most landscapers have a high school diploma, but some may need an associate’s degree. Other qualifications include a safety record and systems to monitor performance and quality.
Landscapers may specialize in designing gardens, parks and recreational structures. They are also responsible for keeping plants healthy and mowing grass. In addition, they must have a certificate to spray chemicals. Landscapers also have to be physically fit. They may be required to do various tasks including pruning shrubs and edging shrubs.
Landscapers may also specialize in areas such as turf management, tree care and lawn care. Some may prefer to spend their time in the field. Others may be better suited inside the office.
Landscapers may also have to complete an apprenticeship or undergo continuing education courses. Some landscapers may be certified by the Professional Grounds Management Society. Other certifications include the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the Sports Turf Managers Association, the International Society of Arboriculture, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
Landscapers may also be required to have certifications to work with chemicals and pesticides. In some cases, the qualifications require a commercial pesticide applicator license. In other cases, the qualifications may be voluntary.
Some states may require landscapers to complete a four-year apprenticeship. They will receive a journeyperson certificate after they complete the program. A landscaper apprenticeship generally involves four 12-month periods of technical training.
Work environment
Creating a good work environment for landscapers is a must. Keeping a landscaper motivated is more than just paying them a good salary, but it’s also about building a positive workplace culture.
The best companies provide an enjoyable environment for their employees, which includes attractive plants, water features, and other features that help create a comfortable work space. Many of these companies also take the time to establish a company culture that fosters employee interactions.
To create a good workplace culture, employers should make it easy for employees to communicate. Employees want to feel like they’re valued and heard. Companies can accomplish this by scheduling regular employee satisfaction interviews, offering bonuses to good employees, and making it easy for employees to bring ideas and suggestions to the table.
To create a good work environment for landscapers, employers should also consider the benefits of employee training. During training, workers receive a brief period of on-the-job training to familiarize them with the company’s equipment and processes. This training should be based on what the company needs and not on what the individual wants.
The best companies are also focused on employee safety. They conduct safety audits, train employees, and ensure that all employees are properly classified and paid for overtime work. These activities help protect the company from legal action or government fines.
The best companies also protect their employees’ safety with a good workers’ compensation program. Some companies also provide employee safety training, such as demonstrations of disengaging mower blades and other safety precautions.
To create a good work environment for landscapers, employers must also offer competitive salaries. Researching average salaries for their competitors can help employers to stay competitive.
Work week
Whether you’re an aspiring landscaper or a landscaping business owner, it’s important to understand how your work schedule can affect your day-to-day operations and long-term business success. A solid work-life balance can go a long way to making your company an attractive place to work.
Traditionally, landscaping companies have operated on a traditional workweek schedule. In most cases, this meant a full week of work each week, with the majority of construction work done between Monday and Thursday.
Aside from the traditional schedule, some companies opt to stagger their crews so at least one person is working each day. They also take advantage of the summer season to hire more seasonal help.
While many companies may be hesitant to change their work schedule, the benefits can be significant. Some companies have even seen their fuel costs drop by 15% due to less time spent driving to and from the shop. Aside from the obvious perks of a four-day week, it can be helpful for landscaping companies to get on top of their projects.
The industry as a whole has been plagued with a dearth of qualified Small Business
workers for many years. It’s not surprising that a majority of small businesses are having a hard time finding enough employees. This is especially true in a time of recession. However, a good work-life balance can be achieved with a little planning.
The most important thing to consider when scheduling your landscaping business is the best time to do so. If you do it during the busiest times of the year, you may not get as much work done as you’d like. During the off season, however, you may be able to delegate or subcontract certain tasks.
Average salary
Depending on where you live, your average salary for a landscaper can range from $17 to more than $38. Landscapers are responsible for maintaining gardens and landscaping, installing water features, fences, decks, and other man-made structures. They can also add decorative features, like fountains and ponds. They have more responsibility than gardeners, who can simply install plants and trees.
The National Association of Landscape Professionals conducted a survey five years ago. Landscapers and groundskeepers earn an average salary of $33,800 per year. It depends on your experience and skill level. The highest paying areas are in Alaska, Connecticut, and Washington DC. Those with specialty jobs like arborists, landscape supervisors, and designers can earn much more.
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to start a landscaping business. Many landscaping business owners learn their trade by working on their own. They start off with a small salary so they can invest more money and grow their business. After a few years, they can earn between $105,000 and $205,000.
There are many challenges in this industry. It’s difficult to control expenses and create revenues. You need to have a realistic budget and forecast your business. It is also important to have the right amount of money to pay your employees. Your salary should not be less than 12% of your total revenue.
You may also need to invest in educational credentials if you’re interested in a more advanced job. A bachelor’s degree isn’t required, but some landscapers choose to get further training. Among the lowest-paying areas for groundskeepers are Alaska, Mississippi, and Puerto Rico.
The landscaping business is a rewarding career for people who enjoy working outdoors. You’ll have the opportunity to meet people, make your mark, and impact the environment.
Career outlook
Those looking to make a splash in the landscaping world will find there is a lot of competition. The landscape industry boasts an estimated one million employees and a billion dollars in annual revenues. While many of the companies are small, there are some big name players in the business. Some of the more well known include Landscape Management, Inc. and the Landscaping and Lawn Care Association of the State of California.
The landscaping industry is expected to experience an 18% increase in job openings by 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor. The industry is expected to grow from its current level of employment by approximately 435,530 people by 2029. In addition, demand for landscapers and other related professionals is expected to grow from 2.2% to 6.9% from 2009 to 2020. This is due in part to the fact that a healthy economy will lead to more residential landscaping projects.
Although there are many career options in the landscaping industry, those interested in earning a buck will need to make sure they’re able to handle the physical demands of the job. Landscaping is a craft that requires a good deal of attention to detail. This can include using the best weed killer on the market, as well as proper pruning techniques. The job is also a good opportunity for those looking to get out of the house, and enjoy the weather while earning a buck.
For those looking to make a splash in the landscaping industry, the best bet is to check out a few local employment and job board sites and see what the best companies are offering. Whether you’re a veteran looking for a change of scenery or just interested in a new career, there is a lot to be said for this booming industry.