Professional Gardener Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of green living, the focus on professional gardeners has never been stronger.

As the appreciation for nature and green spaces grows, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can cultivate, beautify, and maintain our natural landscapes.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s really expected from a professional gardener?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of professional gardening,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable professional gardener job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Professional Gardener Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Gardeners are responsible for maintaining and developing the beauty and health of plants and landscapes.

They have a deep knowledge of horticulture and use this expertise to care for a wide range of plant life.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Planting, watering, pruning, and fertilizing trees, plants, and flowers
• Operating and maintaining gardening equipment and machinery such as mowers, trimmers and leaf blowers
• Designing and planning garden layouts and plantings based on aesthetics, sunlight, and seasonal changes
• Identifying and treating plant diseases and pests
• Performing regular soil testing and amending soil as needed
• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment, including removal of fallen leaves and debris
• Advising clients on plant and flower maintenance and care
• Installing and maintaining irrigation systems
• Creating and maintaining garden structures like walkways, patios, water features, and fences
• Carrying out basic construction tasks such as building raised beds, trellises, or working with landscape structures
• Ordering and purchasing garden supplies and plants

 

Professional Gardener Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a professional and experienced gardener to maintain the beauty of our gardens and grounds.

The gardener will be responsible for planting, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and ensuring that all plants and trees in the garden are in healthy condition.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a passion for gardening, a keen eye for detail, and the physical stamina to cope with the demands of the job.

Ultimately, the role of the professional gardener is to create and maintain a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing garden that provides a tranquil and relaxing environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Maintain and grow the garden to ensure it meets specific requirements and expectations.
• Perform basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking.
• Plant and nurture new trees, flowers, and various plants.
• Work with hand tools and basic light machinery such as plant vehicles, and small diggers.
• Service all garden equipment and machinery.
• Maintain a clean garden by clearing rubbish and litter from the garden and grounds.
• Provide guidance to management on matters related to the garden.
• Advise management on the costs of plants and garden necessities with detailed written quotations and reports.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a gardener.
• Experience in operating and maintaining gardening equipment and tools.
• Knowledge of artificial and natural plants; familiarity with botanical terms.
• Physical stamina and fitness to work outdoors and cope with physical tasks.
• Strong understanding of pest management and fertilization.
• Knowledge of local pests and how to eliminate them.
• Attention to detail.
• Diploma in horticulture or related field is preferred.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Gardener
• Work Environment: Outdoor garden setting with occasional indoor greenhouse work. The role is physically demanding and requires the ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Grounds Maintenance Manager or Facility Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Gardener Do?

Professional Gardeners typically work for various types of clients such as residential homeowners, businesses, schools, or public parks.

They can also be self-employed individuals who offer their services on a contractual basis.

Their primary role is to plant, maintain and beautify gardens and landscapes.

This includes tasks like mowing lawns, trimming hedges, planting flowers, removing weeds, and ensuring the health of all plants.

They have a deep understanding of botany and plant care, including knowledge of different types of soil, plant diseases, and how various climatic conditions can affect the growth of plants.

They use this knowledge to advise clients on the best types of plants to grow and how to care for them.

Professional gardeners may also design landscapes, a process that requires them to understand the client’s preferences and needs, the property’s physical features, and the best types of plants and layouts for the space.

They use a variety of tools in their work, including lawnmowers, pruning shears, and sometimes more complex machinery.

Part of their job is also to maintain these tools and ensure they are in working order.

In addition to these tasks, they may also be responsible for tasks like applying fertilizers and pesticides, installing irrigation systems, and managing composting programs.

They often work in various weather conditions and need to be physically fit as the job involves a lot of manual labor.

Their ultimate goal is to create beautiful, healthy, and sustainable gardens and green spaces that meet the needs and preferences of their clients.

 

Professional Gardener Qualifications and Skills

A professional gardener should possess a variety of skills and qualifications that allow them to cultivate and manage plants and landscapes, including:

• A deep understanding of plant species, their life cycles, and how to care for them.
• Physical stamina and strength for tasks such as digging, lifting, bending, and standing for long periods of time.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and treat a wide range of plant diseases and pests.
• Time management skills to ensure that all gardening tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Manual dexterity and precision for tasks such as pruning, transplanting, and planting seeds.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with clients about their vision, preferences, and any concerns they may have.
• Knowledge of garden design principles and the ability to apply them to create aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces.
• Experience with gardening tools and machinery, such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and irrigation systems.
• Commitment to safety procedures to ensure a safe work environment for both the gardener and the client.
• Knowledge of organic gardening practices and environmentally friendly pest control methods is often preferred.

 

Professional Gardener Experience Requirements

Professional gardeners typically begin their career journey with a passion for plants and outdoor work.

A high school diploma or equivalent is often required, with some having an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field.

Most professional gardeners have significant hands-on experience, often gained through summer jobs, internships, or volunteering in a garden or nursery.

Entry-level positions may require 1-2 years of experience in gardening, landscape maintenance, or a related field.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often considered for higher-level roles.

They have usually worked in various garden settings, such as residential homes, public parks, and commercial properties, and have developed expertise in plant care, landscape design, and garden management.

Those with over 5 years of experience in gardening usually have a rich knowledge of plant species, garden design, and horticultural techniques.

They may also have experience supervising other gardeners, managing large-scale projects, and working closely with clients to fulfill their gardening needs.

Many employers also value professional certifications such as Master Gardener or Certified Horticulturist, which demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in the field of gardening.

 

Professional Gardener Education and Training Requirements

Professional Gardeners usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, but some roles may prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, or a related field.

Practical experience in gardening is highly beneficial.

Many gardeners gain this through volunteering, internships, or entry-level gardening positions.

There are also a number of gardening and horticulture courses available at colleges and through online platforms.

These courses cover areas such as plant biology, soil science, pest management, and garden design.

In addition, professional gardeners may need to be physically fit and have a good knowledge of outdoor working safety procedures.

Certifications are not mandatory, but they can enhance a gardener’s credentials.

For example, the Professional Gardener certification offered by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) is well-respected in the industry.

Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest gardening techniques, plant species, and tools is essential in this field.

Therefore, attending workshops, seminars, and trade shows can be beneficial.

Some positions may require a driver’s license and the ability to operate gardening machinery.

Specialized roles, such as arborists or horticulture therapists, require additional training and certification.

 

Professional Gardener Salary Expectations

A Professional Gardener earns an average salary of $32,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may fluctuate based on factors such as experience, location, the size and type of gardens they maintain, and the employing company.

 

Professional Gardener Job Description FAQs

What skills does a professional gardener need?

A professional gardener should have a deep understanding of botany and various types of plants.

They should possess physical stamina to perform tasks like mowing, pruning, watering, and planting.

Proficiency in using gardening tools and equipment is crucial.

They also need problem-solving skills to address plant diseases and pests.

Good communication and customer service skills are important as they often interact with clients.

 

Do professional gardeners need formal education?

Not necessarily.

While a degree in horticulture or a related field can be beneficial, it’s not a strict requirement.

Many professional gardeners learn their craft on the job.

However, some formal training or certification, such as a Master Gardener Certificate, can enhance job prospects and credibility.

 

What should you look for in a professional gardener’s resume?

A professional gardener’s resume should showcase their experience with various gardening techniques and plant types.

Any formal education or certifications in horticulture should be highlighted.

Experience with landscaping design software can be a plus.

Also, look for indications of physical fitness and stamina, as gardening can be physically demanding.

 

What qualities make a good professional gardener?

A good professional gardener should have a passion for nature and outdoor work.

They need patience and a keen eye for detail to nurture plants and create aesthetically pleasing landscapes.

Good gardeners should also be self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently.

They must also possess good problem-solving skills to deal with unexpected issues like plant diseases or pest infestations.

 

Is it difficult to find good professional gardeners?

Finding a good professional gardener can be challenging, as it requires not just knowledge and skills, but also a passion for plants and outdoor work.

You may need to provide competitive wages and good working conditions to attract skilled gardeners.

Some businesses also find success by offering on-the-job training opportunities to passionate individuals with less experience.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve dug into the soil to unearth what being a professional gardener really means.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about planting seeds.

It’s about nurturing the future of our environment, one plant at a time.

With our comprehensive professional gardener job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to grow your career.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for growing precise job listings or pruning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every plant is part of a greater ecosystem.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.