Contractors and Supervisors in Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, and Horticulture Services
(NOC 8255)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningIndividuals in these jobs manage businesses and supervise workers engaged in landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticultural activities. This group of jobs includes landscaping and grounds maintenance contractors who own and operate their own businesses, as well as those who supervise and coordinate the activities of nursery and greenhouse workers and landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers. They work for landscaping companies, cemeteries, lawn care and tree service companies, nurseries, and greenhouses and by landscaping operations of public works departments and private businesses.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Contractors and Supervisors in Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, and Horticulture Services most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 42% of Contractors and Supervisors in Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, and Horticulture Services who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $41,315. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$17.25
Median$23.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,141
Minimum$20,499
Median$71,371
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.84
Median$32.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Individuals in these jobs manage businesses and supervise workers engaged in landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticultural activities. This group of jobs includes landscaping and grounds maintenance contractors who own and operate their own businesses, as well as those who supervise and coordinate the activities of nursery and greenhouse workers and landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers. They work for landscaping companies, cemeteries, lawn care and tree service companies, nurseries, and greenhouses and by landscaping operations of public works departments and private businesses.
Job duties
Contractors and supervisors in this group:
- Supervise and coordinate the activities of workers who maintain lawns, gardens, athletic fields, golf courses, cemeteries, parks, interior plantscapes, and other landscaped areas.
- Tender bids on contracts for landscaping and grounds maintenance work.
- Plan and estimate the materials and labour requirements for individual contracts.
- Organize trees, gardens, lawns, shrubs and hedges planting and maintenance and the construction and installation of fences, decks, patios, walkways and retaining walls.
- Create work schedules and procedures and coordinate activities with other work units.
- Solve work-related problems and prepare and submit progress and other reports.
- Request supplies and materials.
- Maintain financial and personnel records.
- Hire staff and train workers in job duties and company policies.
- May manage operations of own company.
- May provide snow removal services during winter months.
- May perform the same duties as workers supervised.
Sample job titles
- greenhouse supervisor
- grounds maintenance contractor
- horticulture workers supervisor
- landscaping contractor
- lawn care service contractor
- nursery supervisor
- park caretaker
- park maintenance supervisor
- tree removal contractor
Skills
You should enjoy working outdoors. Supervisory and communication skills are essential. You must be willing to try new processes and methods. The ability to adapt to constantly changing technologies is important for more efficient production. You must also be observant, innovative, and resourceful.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A college diploma, specialized courses or industry-related training and certification in landscaping and horticulture are usually required.
- A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.
Other considerations
Experience as a landscape or horticulture supervisor or as a landscape or horticulture technician is required.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Southern
North Shore
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Public administration
Real estate and rental and leasing
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
45-54
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
15-24
55-64
35-44
25-34
Top levels of education
High school
$20,508 median annual incomeLess than high school
$15,657 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$28,551 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$26,080 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$19,500 median annual incomeCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$23,463 median annual incomeHigh school
$19,301 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$29,551 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$31,535 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$17,956 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Applied horticulture/horticulture operations - General
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the general production and processing of domesticated plants, shrubs, flowers, foliage, trees, groundcovers, and related plant materials; the management of technical and business operations connected with horticultural services; and the basic scientific principles needed to understand plants and their management and care.
Landscaping and groundskeeping
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to manage and maintain indoor and/or outdoor ornamental and recreational plants and groundcovers and related conceptual designs established by landscape architects, interior designers, enterprise owners or managers, and individual clients. These programs include courses in applicable principles of horticulture, gardening, plant and soil irrigation and nutrition, turf maintenance, plant maintenance, equipment operation and maintenance, personnel supervision, and purchasing.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 550
Truro, NS B2N 5E3
(902) 893-6600
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
Plant nursery operations and management
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to operate and manage outdoor plant farms, tree and shrub nurseries, and related facilities that develop domesticated plant products for propagation, harvesting, and transplantation. These programs include courses in applicable principles of plant science; farm and business management; nursery operations; equipment operation and maintenance; safety procedures; and personnel supervision.
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.