Groundskeeper (Gardener)

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Work Tasks

• Take care of lawns, flower beds, bushes, and trees
• Water and spray lawns with fertilizers and pesticides
• Plant grass, flowers, trees, and bushes, put down mulch, rake leaves, and shovel snow
• May build walls and patios and terrace hillsides
• Work for lawn and garden service companies, landscape architects, homeowners, parks, the government, golf courses, race tracks, schools, etc.
• Work with lawnmowers, chain saws, power clippers, trimming tools, rakes, hoes, shovels, tractors, snow blowers, hand tools, fertilizers, and pesticides

Salary, Size & Growth

• $35,500 average per year ($17.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (942,900 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.8% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma
• Skills/Courses: Must be able to follow directions and learn proper planting procedures.
• Certification/Licensing: A driver's license may be required.