Landscape & Horticulture Technician/Specialist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists include those who survey and assess landscapes; draw sketches and build models of landscape designs; construct and maintain graders, parks, golf courses and other landscaped environments; advise clients on issues related to horticulture such as irrigation; breed, cultivate and study plants; and treat injured and diseased trees and plants. They are employed by landscape designers and contractors, lawn service and tree care establishments, golf courses, nurseries and greenhouses, and municipal, provincial and national parks, or they may be self-employed (National Occupational Classification).
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- ECO Canada career profile - Horticulturist
- ECO Canada career profile - Arborist
- Sokanu: Landscaper - occupational info and videos
- Sokanu: Horticulturist - occupational info and videos
- Sokanu: Arborist - occupational info and videos
Education
Completion of a university or college program agronomy, aboriculture, horticulture, landscaping, landscape design or landscape technology is usually required. In Manitoba, trade certification is available for landscape horticulturists. The Province of Manitoba dictates requirements for arborists. A training course is available through the University of Manitoba.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
- Manitoba Arborist Training
- Plant Science Department
- School of Agriculture - Diploma in Agriculture
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Canadian Occupational Projection System -Landscape and Horticulture Technician - Gov. of Canada
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Manitoba Nursery Landscape Association
- Canadian Horticultural Council
- Canadian Institute of Forestry
- Landscape Industry Certified Technician - includes lists of certified technicians
- International Society of Arboriculture
- International Society of Arboriculture - Prairie Chapter
- Botanic Gardens Conservation International
- Canadian Golf Superintendents Association
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Manitoba Horticultural Association
- Manitoba Master Gardener
- Western Canada Turfgrass Association
- National Horticulture Associations - from Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
- Flowers Canada Growers
- Canadian Nursery Landscape Association
- The Canadian Greenhouse Conference - a non-profit and event
- Manitoba Golf Superintendents Association
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- Trees Winnipeg - non profit organization with events and projects to raise awareness about the benefits of urban forests
- Assiniboine Park Conservancy
- Gardens Manitoba - a list of gardening organizations
- Article: The horticulture industry's age problem is bigger than you think - The Washington Post
- Article: Why we need horticulturists - The Washington Post