What does a landscape manager do?
As a landscape manager, you will be responsible for protecting green spaces and the life within them. Duties may include conducting wildlife surveys and producing reports for clients and businesses detailing your observations and sustainability recommendations. You could be overseeing natural conservation areas, historic gardens, woodlands, parks, roadside verges or housing estates.
Responsibilities
* Assessing landscapes and their ecosystems
* Surveying sites to identify existing natural resources, plant and animal life
* Advising on the impact of proposed changes to land use
* Meeting communities and involving others in managing public spaces
* Producing plans and reports on landscape preservation
* Devising management and maintenance plans to ensure spaces are preserved for future use and enjoyment
* Advising others on the long term care and development of a landscape
* Drawing up contracts and overseeing contractors
* Applying for funding and managing bids
* Supervising construction projects carried out by landscape architects
* Advising on planning applications and public enquiries
How to become a landscape manager
There are several routes to becoming a landscape manager. You could complete a university or college course, an apprenticeship or apply directly to an employer for work.
You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
You can become a landscape manager by completing a degree in landscape architecture or landscape management, accredited by the Landscape Institute.
If you already have a first degree, you could complete a postgraduate course in a relevant subject.
You’ll Need:
* 2 or more A levels, or equivalent (undergraduate degree)
* Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (postgraduate degree)
* Equivalent entry requirements explained
* Find a university course
* Funding advice
College/Training provider
You could complete a college course to become a landscape manager, such as a Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture, or a Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Horticulture or Amenity Horticulture.
You’ll Need:
* 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent (level 2 course)
* 4-5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent (level 3 course)
* Equivalent entry requirements explained
* Find a course near you
* Funding advice
Apprenticeship
You could become a landscape manager by completing an intermediate apprenticeship as a horticulture or landscape worker, then progress to an advanced apprenticeship to train as a landscape manager or supervisor.
An apprenticeship with a landscaping company is a good way into the industry.
You’ll Need:
* 1-2 GCSEs or equivalent, including maths and English (intermediate apprenticeship)
* 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent (advanced apprenticeship)
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on‑job experience and a college or training provider.
Work
If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience as a landscape manager. You might start out as an assistant and progress as you become more experienced.
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a landscape manager. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Skills
* Passion for plants and animals
* Problem‑solving skills
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills
* Interest in technology
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 Amenity Horticulture Landscaping
* Level 7 Chartered Landscape Professional (Degree)
* Degree in landscape architecture or landscape management accredited by the Landscape Institute (postgraduate option available)
How much could you earn as a landscape manager?
* Newly trained landscape managers can start at £26,000
* Trained with experience landscape managers can earn up to £58,000*
Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.
Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources.
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