Shape the spaces where life happens — and build a career that's active, creative, and full of variety.
Landscape Tradesperson
As a Landscape Tradesperson, you’ll gain hands-on experience, develop a wide range of skills, and shape outdoor environments that people use and enjoy every day. It’s varied, rewarding work — with clear pathways to grow your career, your confidence, and your contribution to the industry.
Salary Range
$50,000 – $120,000+ (Varies by experience and role type.) Increase your earning potential through licensing, leadership roles, or specialist skills
Recommended Training
Certificate III in Landscape Construction Certificate IV in Landscape Construction Management
Job Listing (Coming Soon)
Browse current job openings and take the next step in your landscaping career.
Job Overview
Landscape Tradespeople are skilled professionals who bring outdoor spaces to life — shaping the gardens, parks, and landscapes where people live, work, and play. This licensed trade combines construction expertise, physical work, and creative problem-solving. From laying pavers to building decks and installing irrigation, tradespeople follow detailed plans or make on-site decisions to get the job done right. Landscapers are often the finishing touch on a project — the team that transforms a blank or built space into something functional, beautiful, and ready to enjoy. No two sites are the same, and every day offers new challenges, fresh air, and hands-on impact.
Tasks & Duties
Building outdoor features like decks, retaining walls, paving, pergolas, and garden beds
Preparing job sites through excavation, levelling, trenching, and drainage setup
Installing turf, plants, soil, mulch, and irrigation systems
Using a wide range of tools and equipment, including compactors, trenchers, power saws, drills, laser levels, and skid steers
Interpret plans or follow instructions to complete on-site tasks
Ensure safe work practices and environmental compliance
Collaborate with teammates, supervisors, and clients on project delivery
Maintain tools, equipment, and a tidy, efficient worksite
How to Become a Landscape Tradesperson
Most people start with a paid apprenticeship in Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30921), combining on-the-job training with study at a TAFE or RTO.
Others begin as labourers or trade assistants, then qualify through experience and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
In Queensland, completing Certificate III can also lead to a QBCC Structural Landscaping Licence, required for many types of landscape work.
Below are key certifications available:
- Certificate II in Landscaping (AHC21624) A great starting point to build basic skills — ideal for school-based training or pre-apprenticeship programs.
- Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30921) The core trade qualification for this role — delivered as a paid apprenticeship and recognised for licensing
- Certificate IV in Landscape Construction Management (AHC42021) For experienced landscapers ready to move into team leadership or site supervisor roles.
Career Progression & Pathways
Many landscaping careers begin with hands-on work and grow into leadership, specialised trades, or business ownership. Here's how your journey could unfold:
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 ?
In Queensland, landscapers may apply for one of two main QBCC licences depending on the type and scale of work:
- Structural Landscaping (Trade) Covers construction of features like decks, paving, retaining walls, pergolas, fencing, and small sheds (under 10m²).
- Builder – Restricted to Structural Landscaping Includes all structural landscaping tasks plus ponds, water features, artificial landforms, irrigation systems, and playground equipment.
- Industry Membership Joining your local professional association (like Landscape Queensland) can provide career support, mentorship, industry networking, and business development opportunities.
To apply for either licence, you’ll need to complete the formal qualifications and meet QBCC’s experience requirements.
While not all landscaping work requires a licence, being licensed allows you to quote, supervise, and run your own projects — opening the door to higher-level roles and business ownership.
“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
You don’t need experience to get started — just the right attitude and a willingness to learn. These are the qualities that make a great Landscape Tradesperson:
- Reliable, self-motivated, and open to learning on the job
- Strong work ethic and a positive attitude — ready to show up and get involved
- Enjoys being outdoors and physically active in all weather
- Follows instructions well and stays focused to get tasks done
- Works well in a team and communicates clearly with others
- Keen to develop hands-on skills with tools, equipment, and machinery
- Interested in learning more about plants, soil, structures, and construction techniques
This pathway is a great fit for people who enjoy active work, solving problems on-site, and seeing tangible results from their efforts.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Take our interactive career quiz to discover which landscaping pathway best matches your skills and interests.
