Landscape 

Horticulturist

Landscape Horticulturists are the masterminds behind many of the green spaces in our communities, knowing which plants and features would enhance the area for everyone’s enjoyment. 

As a Landscape Horticulturist, you’ll enjoy spending most of your time outside, designing and maintaining the various landscapes that cover our communities, from parks to botanical gardens, and more. 

Your work will take you to a wide range of sites, where you’ll assess landscapes, identify and treat plants, and put your vision to work—creating living art. 

What You'll Learn

  • How to survey, assess, design and build various landscapes 
  • How to identify a diverse range of plant material  
  • How to care for all kinds of plants, trees and shrubs 
  • How to diagnose and treat plants 
  • How to manage plant pests and incorporate integrated pest management 

Key Job Skills

  • Customer service 
  • Physical fitness 
  • Equipment and vehicle operation  
  • Plant health management 
  • Landscape design and maintenance 

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. To view specific designation details for non-public approved training providers, visit this page.

Technical Training 24 weeks over 4 years
Work-Based Training
5280 HOURS
Salary Range Hourly
$17.00 — $29.52
General Skills
Adventurous Athletic Curious Visual

  • Program Updates

  • January 2023: For information regarding transition to the harmonized program, please see the Transition Update or Transition Plan. Apprentices who have attained Current Level 1, 2, or 3 should contact their Apprenticeship Advisor to discuss options for addressing gaps in their training before taking their next level of technical training.

  • March 2018: Transition Plan

  • March 2018: OPSN 2018 009 (Harmonization)

 

Interprovincial Exam Information

Program Information

and Resources

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Landscape Horticulturists identify, propagate, cultivate, grow and maintain trees and plants, while also managing injury and disease. They create and modify landscapes by measuring, designing, and interpreting plans. They also construct and maintain gardens, parks, golf courses and other landscape environments.  

Landscape Horticulturists install and maintain hard landscape elements such as retaining walls, patios, walkways and water features. In addition, they advise clients on issues related to horticulture and landscape construction. They are employed by landscape designers, architects and contractors, lawn service and tree care establishments, recreation facilities, golf courses, parks, nurseries, greenhouses, and municipal, provincial and federal governments. They may also be self-employed. 

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Standard Level Exams

Challenge the

Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.