Landscape Gardener

A landscape gardener designs and installs ornamental gardens, outdoor spaces, and hardscape features in residential, commercial, and public settings across Australia. They interpret client briefs and site conditions to create functional and aesthetically pleasing landscapes, selecting appropriate plants, materials, and construction methods for the local climate and soil type. The role combines horticulture knowledge with practical construction skills to deliver landscapes that meet client specifications and relevant building and environmental standards.

Interpret landscape design briefs and site plans, identifying client requirements, budget constraints, and aesthetic preferences. Conduct site assessments to evaluate soil type, drainage, sun exposure, existing vegetation, and terrain using Australian soil classification systems and local climate data. Select and source native and exotic plants appropriate to regional climate zones, water availability, and soil conditions. Prepare site plans and detailed drawings using computer-aided design (CAD) software or hand sketching to communicate design intent. Operate landscape construction equipment including excavators, compactors, bobcats, and mulching machines to prepare ground and install hardscape elements. Install hardscape features such as pavers, retaining walls, decking, water features, and irrigation systems according to design specifications. Establish turf, shrubs, and trees using horticultural best-practice techniques including soil preparation, planting depth, spacing, staking, and establishment care. Design and install or maintain garden irrigation systems, including drip irrigation and soaker hoses, to optimise water use and comply with local water restrictions.

The standard entry pathway requires a Certificate IV or Certificate III with at least two years of on-the-job training (ABS skill level 3). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

Your body takes a real beating. You're lifting heavy materials, digging, kneeling, and operating machinery in all weather: rain, heat, dust. Back and knee injuries are common and can end your career early. The work is also seasonal in many regions, which means unpredictable income. And you'll start at the bottom of the pay scale even with your qualifications.

Work is generally on-site, not remote. Regional towns have some opportunities but fewer clients. Practically speaking, wealthy suburbs and new developments drive demand. Winter work can dry up in southern states.

• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracycore
• Customer Needs Assessmentcore
• Goal Setting and Planningcore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Workload Self-Managementcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Advise customers on types of flowers
• Advise on plant fertilizer
• Complaint Handling
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Delivery Scheduling
• Digital Literacy
• Invoicing and Billing Administration
• Negotiation
• Regulatory and Legislative Awareness
• Research and Analysis
• Supplier Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026