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 won't just build — you'll transform. You'll use a wide range of trade skills — from carpentry and concreting to drainage, paving, and plant installation, to create outdoor spaces that people love, communities thrive in, and the environment benefits from. Every project is different. Every site is a new challenge. It's hands-on, rewarding work where you can see the results of your craft and know you're making a real impact, outdoors, every day.
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 Parks & Gardens Apprentice
Start your career in landscaping with a paid apprenticeship while completing a Certificate III in Parks and Gardens (AHC31021) — the nationally recognised qualification for this pathway.
Delivered through a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO), this course combines full-time, hands-on work with structured study over 3–4 years. You’ll build skills in plant care, turf management, pruning, pest control, and maintaining green spaces — all while learning on real job sites with professional guidance.
This qualification prepares you for skilled roles in horticulture and parks maintenance, and sets you up for further progression into leadership or specialised green industry careers
- Certificate III in Parks and Gardens (AHC31021) The core trade qualification for this role — delivered through an apprenticeship and focuses on horticulture, plant care, turf management, and environmental maintenance.
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 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.
- Professional Industry Membership Joining an industry association like Landscape Queensland can connect you to professional networks, mentorship opportunities, and support services throughout your career.
“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.
Take the Career Quiz