Landscape Team Leader
Step up on site — and lead your crew while staying on the tools. As a Landscape Team Leader, you’ll combine practical skill with crew coordination — guiding a small team, planning daily tasks, and making sure the job gets done right. It’s a natural next step for experienced landscapers who lead by example.
Salary Range
$70,000 – $110,000+ (Varies by experience, licences, and project scope.)
Recommended Training
Certificate III in Landscape Construction
Job Listing (Coming Soon)
Browse current job openings and take the next step in your landscaping career.
Job Overview
Landscape Team Leaders are experienced landscapers who lead from the front, staying hands-on while guiding a small team through day-to-day tasks. You’ll still be on the tools, but with added responsibility for setting up the job, assigning tasks, and supporting crew members as you go. You’ll work under a Site Supervisor or Project Manager, helping keep things running smoothly on-site. It’s a great step up for qualified landscapers who know the work and are ready to lead others, share knowledge, and take ownership of daily progress. This role often bridges the gap between being fully trained and stepping into formal supervision, with a strong focus on teamwork, problem-solving, and getting the job done right
Tasks & Duties
Leading a team of 2–5 landscapers, apprentices, or labourers
Setting up the site, running toolbox talks, and planning daily tasks
Completing hands-on work like paving, planting, irrigation, decking, or turfing
Reading and working from site plans and specifications
Monitoring progress and maintaining quality standards
Solving day-to-day problems or on-site challenges
Operating and maintaining tools, small equipment, or machinery
Mentoring and supporting junior staff and apprentices
Communicating with Site Supervisors, Project Managers, or clients as needed
How to Become a Landscape Team Leader
Most team leaders start out on the tools — building experience, completing training, and showing leadership potential on the job.
Key Certification Pathways:
- Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30921) The core trade qualification required for most leadership roles in the landscaping industry.
- Certificate IV in Landscape Construction Management (AHC42021) Ideal for those stepping into supervision, planning, or WHS management responsibilities.
Career Progression & Pathways
Wondering where a landscaping career can take you? Many professionals start with hands-on roles and progress into leadership or specialised fields.
Starter
Landscape Labourer, Apprentice - Landscape Construction
Skilled
Landscape Tradesperson (Certificate III qualified), Licensed Structural Landscaper (QBCC), Team Leader, Leading Hand
Advanced
Site Supervisor, Project Manager, Landscape Estimator, Landscape Construction Manager, Specialist Contractor (e.g. concreting, decking, retaining walls), Trainer & Assessor, Business Owner – Landscape Construction
Already Working in Landscaping or Horticulture?
If you’ve been working in garden or grounds maintenance, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This process allows experienced workers to have their skills formally assessed and credited toward the qualification, helping you fast-track your pathway to becoming qualified.
Speak with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to explore your RPL options.
Other Key Considerations
- White Card (Construction Induction) Required to work on school, council, or public infrastructure sites.
- Driver’s Licence Helpful for travelling between job sites or operating equipment like trailers and ride-on mowers.
- First Aid Certificate Often preferred for roles involving public spaces, schools, or recreational facilities.
- ACDC Licence (QLD) This may be supported if weed control is part of your role.
- Working at Heights Ticket Often required for elevated or multi-level projects.
- Traffic Management Ticket May be necessary when managing roadside or public access projects.
- Machinery Operation Tickets Training in excavator, skid steer or loader use can be beneficial when supervising mixed-skill teams
“Landscaping is such a hands-on career — you’re outdoors, creating something real. Every project is different, and there’s so much pride seeing a space transform because of your work.”
Skills, Attributes & Experience
This role is ideal for tradespeople ready to lead others while staying grounded in practical work. You’ll need:
- Strong trade skills in landscape construction or maintenance
- Confidence reading plans and setting out tasks
- Clear communication and crew coordination skills
- Reliability and attention to detail
- Ability to think ahead and solve problems on site
- Keen to develop hands-on skills with tools, equipment, and machinery
- Respect for safety, quality, and timeframes
- A calm, supportive presence when leading others
- A team-first mindset and pride in doing the job well
You’ll be someone the team can rely on — leading by example, getting stuck in, and helping deliver great work every day.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Take our interactive career quiz to discover which landscaping pathway best matches your skills and interests.
Take the Career Quiz