landscaper.

Some of the tasks of a landscaper include:

• analysing the outdoor space: as a landscaper, you analyse the outdoor area to determine the best features to make it aesthetically appealing. That includes evaluating the soil quality and drainage in the compound. You also check the existing vegetation and sunlight exposure to determine the best plants to grow in the space.
• creating a design for the outdoor space: based on the site analysis, you determine which plants to grow and choose the best sections for water features or hardscaping elements. As a landscaper, you design the layout of the outdoor space, from the placement of trees and retaining walls to patios and paths.
• installing hardscaping elements: as a landscaper, you are responsible for growing the vegetation and installing the features determined during the design stage. You start planting trees and shrubs and set up the garden or plant flowers. You also install irrigation systems before laying down sod and other ground cover. If the outdoor space requires lighting, you install lights in strategic areas to ensure it illuminates at night.
• maintaining the outdoor space: you maintain the outdoor space to ensure the grass remains green and the flowers blossom. To keep the space functional and attractive, you prune, fertilise and water the lawns. You also mow the grass to keep it short.
• pest control: as a landscaper, you are responsible for identifying and controlling pests. You check for pests and determine the control measures. Sometimes, you perform tree rehabilitation.

The workplace of a landscaper depends on the type of work. Generally, you work outdoors, whether it is in parks, community spaces or private lawns. You are exposed to various weather conditions, so you may work in hot and humid weather in summer or cold and wet conditions during the winter. In residential areas, you are likely to work alone, while in commercial landscaping, you work in outdoor spaces of diverse properties. For instance, you may maintain outdoor areas in apartment complexes, shopping centres or office buildings. As a landscaper, you also work with city and local council planners, maintaining outdoor areas like roundabouts and road medians.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include architects, construction workers and project managers. You might also be working in close proximity to housekeepers and cleaners, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, security guards, handymen and plumbers.

As a landscaper, your schedule involves the typical work hours. After the design stage, you will likely work additional hours to install the outdoor elements. For instance, you prepare the ground and install the irrigation systems. After installing the features, your workload is reduced since you only maintain the vegetation. During installation of outdoor features, you are likely to work extra hours. You also maintain a watering routine for the lawns; sometimes, you water the lawns at night.

Landscapers are in high demand, with a projected job growth of 13.5% in the next five years. Most landscapers start as gardeners, managing and maintaining gardens in residential areas or commercial settings. With additional qualifications and expertise, you can become a lawn care specialist or arborist. To work on large-scale projects, consider specialising in landscape architecture or design.

Finding your landscaper job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a landscaper is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

As a landscaper, you maintain gardens and lawns. Your duties include mowing grass and trimming or pruning trees in the compound. You rake the compound to keep it clean and weed the flowers. To keep the lawns in good condition, you water plants and lawns and add fertiliser to ensure the grass grows as expected. You also install outdoor lighting and sprinkler systems for watering the grass.

The average salary of a landscaper in Australia is $68,000 per year. When you are new to the role, you start with a remuneration package of $60,000 annually and the earnings increase gradually. Experience and specialised training can increase your remuneration package to over $75,000 yearly. The complexity of your duties and your employer also influences your earnings.

Landscapers are in high demand in Australia, with their services required throughout the year. The projected job growth rate in the next five years is 13.5%, making it a promising career. Landscapers are useful both in winter and summer and ensure the grass and lawns are taken care of to maintain their beauty.

Landscaping is a physical job that involves trimming, digging and shovelling. Along with physical strength, you require manual dexterity and flexibility to bend and lift items. Aside from physical stamina, it is important to be safety-oriented to prevent accidents and injuries at the work sites. Your organisation and attentiveness to detail also help you complete tasks with precision.

You require at least an apprenticeship in landscaping to understand plant and bush care. Consider undertaking a vocational qualification like a Certificate II in horticulture. It is also important to gain practical experience through on-the-job training.

Applying for a landscaper job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.