Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Labourers
(NOC 8612)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningLandscaping and grounds maintenance labourers perform work to assist in the construction of landscapes and related structures, and to maintain lawns, gardens, athletic fields, golf courses, cemeteries, parks, landscaped interiors and other landscaped areas. They are employed by landscaping and lawn care companies, golf courses, cemeteries, and landscaping operations of public works departments and private establishments.
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 fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. 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. Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Labourers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically temporary positions (such as a term, contract, or casual work). With employment conditions being seasonal in nature, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year are fairly common.
The median employment income for 16% of Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Labourers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $34,305. 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
$11.00
Minimum$15.00
Median$24.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,309
Minimum$12,638
Median$42,131
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$10.85
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.88
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers perform work to assist in the construction of landscapes and related structures, and to maintain lawns, gardens, athletic fields, golf courses, cemeteries, parks, landscaped interiors and other landscaped areas. They are employed by landscaping and lawn care companies, golf courses, cemeteries, and landscaping operations of public works departments and private establishments.
Job duties
Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Spread top soil, lay sod, plant flowers, grass, shrubs and trees and perform other duties to assist with the construction of a landscape and related structures.
- Cut grass, rake, fertilize and water lawns, weed gardens, prune shrubs and trees and perform other maintenance duties as directed by supervisor.
- Maintain lawns and grass along roadsides.
- Operate and maintain power mowers, tractors, chain saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, pruning saws, snowblowers and other landscape maintenance equipment.
- Spray and dust trees, shrubs, lawns and gardens, as directed, to control insects and disease.
- Perform other manual duties to clean and maintain landscaped environments.
Sample job titles
- golf course labourer
- grounds maintenance worker
- groundskeeper
- landscape worker
- lawn care worker
- lawn mower
- park maintenance labourer
- snow shoveller - grounds maintenance
- tree pruner - landscaping
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education may be required.
- A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.
Other considerations
Most workers in these jobs work for part of the year and typically earn less than half the yearly income of employees who work for the whole year. Wages will vary according to the specific type of work performed, and annual incomes of many workers in these jobs are relatively low. They are often exposed to harsh weather conditions. The physical demands of this work may make it difficult for people to stay in these jobs for a long time. Progression to technical or supervisory jobs in landscaping and horticulture is possible with additional training or experience.
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
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Management, Admin & Other Support
Information, Culture & Recreation
Public Administration
Accommodation and Food Services
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
55-64
45-54
25-34
65+
35-44
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
High school
$6,919 median annual incomeLess than high school
$8,938 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
N/ATrades certificate
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$14,445 median annual incomeHigh school
$14,229 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$21,289 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$19,107 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$15,980 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
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.