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Landscaping and Groundskeeping Management
Landscaping and groundskeeping management is a growing career field that involves the creation and management of a variety of ornamental and functional landscapes. Read on for information that can help you decide if a career in landscape and groundskeeping management is right for you.
Is Landscape and Groundskeeping Management For Me?
Career Details
As a landscape or groundskeeping management professional, you may be responsible for overseeing the maintenance of lawns and landscapes for a variety of establishments, including homes, hotels, office buildings and shopping malls. Your duties may include planting trees and flowers, watering, trimming and fertilizing, as well as installing lighting and sprinkler systems.
Groundskeepers can also be in charge of clearing snow and other debris from parking lots and walkways, and repairing planters, fountains and fences. As a groundskeeper, you may be employed at golf courses, athletic fields, cemeteries and parks. Depending on the size of the establishment, you may work independently or supervise one or more other workers.
Employment Information
Aspiring landscape and groundskeeping supervisors should expect good job prospects over the next several years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for this field is projected to grow by 13% over the 2012-2022 decade {www.bls.gov). The BLS also reported the mean annual wage for landscape and groundskeeping managers as $45,100 in May 2012.
How Can I Work in Landscape and Groundskeeping Management?
Certificates and Associate's Degrees
While many jobs in landscape and groundskeeping management can be obtained with a high school diploma and several months of on-the-job-training, some schools offer educational programs in landscape management, landscape design and groundskeeping. These programs are typically found at the certificate and associate's degree levels, and can take anywhere from one to two years to complete. Students in these types of programs may take courses in plant materials, weed control, soil composition, botany, landscape equipment and agribusiness computer operations. A groundskeeping certificate program may also include instruction on sanitation technology, building maintenance and groundskeeping maintenance practicum.
Bachelor's Degrees
If you choose to earn a bachelor's degree, you may consider completing a program in horticultural technology or turfgrass science. As a student in a horticultural science program, you may study plant science, plant pathology biochemistry, cellular biology and environmental science. On the other hand, students in turfgrass science programs typically receive instruction on how to maintain landscapes such as athletic fields and golf courses, with classes on the survey of turf, organic chemistry, woody landscapes, soil science and more.
