Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists

Most workers learn through on-the-job training. Some employers seek workers with a university degree or college diploma in agronomy, arboriculture, horticulture, landscaping, landscape design or landscape technology. Golf course superintendents, landscape gardeners and landscapers may need prior experience as landscape and grounds maintenance labourers.

To apply certain chemical pesticides, workers need a provincial pesticide applicator certificate. Other certifications are not usually required, but may be helpful. The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s Landscape Horticulture Certification Program offers national certification for landscape technicians, designers and managers. The Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (PNW-ISA) offers certifications for arborists and other tree workers.

Apprenticeship programs

SkilledTradesBC offers apprenticeship programs for interested landscape horticulturists and arborist technicians. Those who wish to be certified must complete the apprenticeship program (four years for landscape horticulturists; one year for arborist technicians) or a combination of courses and work experience. Apprenticeship programs include work experience and in-class instruction. Some part-time and online programs are available. To apprentice, workers must be sponsored by an employer. A person who successfully completes an apprenticeship program and the final certification exam earns a Certificate of Qualification. Uncertified workers with significant work experience in the trade may apply to challenge the certification exam to earn the Certificate of Qualification.

To work in other provinces

Workers may need Red Seal certification to work in other provinces. This can be earned through work experience and successful completion of an exam. Uncertified workers with significant experience in the trade can apply to challenge the exam.

Workers coming to B.C. 

Those who are certified for an occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information, such as a letter of good standing, references or criminal record check.

Workers who trained outside of Canada

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. Contact SkilledTradesBC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

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In general, landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists are in high demand and enjoy a great deal of job satisfaction.

The need for workers continues to rise with increases in housing construction and renovation, parks and more public interest in gardening and golfing. Landscape design, greenskeeping services, and landscape and garden maintenance have seen the biggest boost.