Landscaping and Groundskeeper Worker
Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units.
Annual openings
3,919
BLS median wage
$45,760
Typical education
Some employers value a High school (GED), but others do not.
10-year growth
+6%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
Some employers value a High school (GED), but others do not.
Credential requirement
No certification is required or expected for this job.
Credential detail
A CDL Class B with Air Brake certification is not required, but is it is valued by employers, even providing additional opportunities, because of the use of equipment on the job.
Work experience
No previous work experience is required. Without experience, some employers value the completion of this free safety course to demonstrate your interest.
Work-based learning
Start here and advance to Tree Trimmer or Arborist through an apprenticeship. Search here for those.
Employer competency information
Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies
- Love outdoors and physical work and okay with heights — Part of the joy of this job is being outdoors.
- Being safety-minded and having attention to detail — Working with equipment safely requires focus.
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
- Math/Science/Physics — The science of plant healthcare is a practical use of this knowledge.
- Mechanically minded — Machines are an integral part of the job, as is being able to drive, operate, and fix them.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Work style
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
Interests it draws on
- Human Services
- Home Services
Automation exposure
High exposure
Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.
A typical day
- Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.
- Mow or edge lawns, using power mowers or edgers.
- Rake, mulch, and compost leaves.
- Gather and remove litter.
- Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws.
- Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws.