How to become a landscaping and grounds maintenance labourer
Official title: Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers
Also called: Cemetery labourer, Grounds maintainer, Landscape labourer, Lawn care labourer, Sod laying labourer, Golf course labourer, Park maintenance worker, Park maintenance labourer, Tree pruner - landscaping, Bulb planter - landscaping, Grounds maintenance worker, Tree trimmer - landscaping
Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers perform work to assist in the construction of landscapes and related structures, and to maintain lawns, gardens, athletic fields, golf courses, cemeteries, parks, landscaped interiors and other landscaped areas. They are employed by landscaping and lawn care companies, golf courses, cemeteries, and landscaping operations of public works departments and private establishments.
Main tasks
- Spread top soil, lay sod, plant flowers, grass, shrubs and trees and perform other duties to assist with the construction of a landscape and related structures
- Cut grass, rake, aerate, dethatch, fertilize and water lawns, weed gardens, prune shrubs and trees and perform other maintenance duties as directed by supervisor
- Maintain lawns and grass along roadsides
- Operate and maintain power mowers, tractors, chain saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, pruning saws, snowblowers and other landscape maintenance equipment
- Spray and dust trees, shrubs, lawns and gardens, as directed, to control insects and disease
- Perform other manual duties to clean and maintain landscaped environments
How to become one
Some secondary school education may be required. A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.
Ways in
- Licence or registration: A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $40,463 a year The middle half earn $35,100 to $47,775.
- About 80,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 95,400 are projected by 2033. (+18.8%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a landscaping and grounds maintenance labourer?
Some secondary school education may be required. A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.
How much does a landscaping and grounds maintenance labourer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $40,463 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $35,100 to $47,775.
Is a landscaping and grounds maintenance labourer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2033, from about 80,300 to about 95,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a landscaping and grounds maintenance labourer?
Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03