Trades in Alberta

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Landscape Horticulturist

Learn more about this trade on the alis website.

  • Wage and Salary
  • Job Postings
  • Duties and Working Conditions
  • Interests, Abilities, Traits, and Skills
  • Career Advancement

Landscape horticulturists, in consultation with clients, work with other trades to carry out landscaping operations and design in a variety of environments. This includes residential, commercial and public grounds, playgrounds, golf courses, garden centres, tree nurseries, greenhouses and interior landscapes.Landscape horticulturists work with machinery and equipment ranging from simple hand tools such as pruning shears and sprayers to heavy-duty trucks, tractors, loaders and graders. They may be responsible for the routine maintenance of equipment. Since landscape gardeners also work with pesticides and fertilizers, they must be aware of government regulations restricting their use and the toxic or hazardous effects the chemicals may have.Graduates of the landscape horticulturist apprenticeship program are certified journeypersons who are able to:

  • practice environmental stewardship principles,
  • consult with clients on all aspects of landscaping,
  • provide advice to customers on plant selection and care,
  • use trade-related tools and equipment,
  • identify plants and evaluate plant health,
  • install and maintain turfgrass,
  • trim and prune hedges, trees and shrubs,
  • mitigate plant diseases and insect problems,
  • apply fertilizers and pesticides,
  • amend poor soil conditions,
  • assess and prepare construction sites,
  • construct and maintain landscape structures,
  • install ponds and drainage systems,
  • install retaining walls, paths and patios,
  • install operate and maintain irrigation systems, and
  • work in all aspects of greenhouse and nursery production.

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

  • Sponsored Apprentices,
  • Certified Journeypersons
  • Individuals deemed qualified by their employer, and
  • Self-Employed individuals.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.

Program Information

Program Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship
  • The term of apprenticeship for a landscape horticulturist is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1,260 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
  • Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
  • Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal.
  • Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Advanced Diploma).
Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for a Landscape Horticulturist are:

  • A minimum of 72 months AND 7,560 hours of work experience.
  • A successful theory exam.
  • An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).

Recognized CredentialsThe requirements for a Landscape Horticulturist are:

  • A valid recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
  • A successful theory exam.

Program Credit

Category Information
High School Credit

Supporting Resources

 
Description
Description / Resources
Resources
Trade Information Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.)
Job Information View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.)
Entrance Requirement You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide.
Curriculum Guide Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn.
Classroom Instruction View a list of currently scheduled classes.
Financial Assistance Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823.
Examinations Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam.
Legislation For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order.

 

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