Gardener (general)
Gardeners are responsible for the care of public and private parks and gardens. They plant and care for trees, shrubs, flower beds and lawns, and may also look after other open spaces, such as sportsfields, roadside verges, and the garden areas surrounding buildings. They carry out general maintenance of these areas, which may involve laying turf, cutting grass, trimming hedges, and keeping specific areas tidy and free of weeds. They may construct fencing, lay pathways and reticulation, and may even carry out concreting or brickwork.
Working conditions
Gardeners work outside all year round in hot, cold, dry, wet and windy conditions. They may also spend time in glasshouses or nurseries, and may occasionally work from an office. They often handle plants, soil and manures, and their work is often dirty. They usually only work during daylight hours.
Tools and technologies
Gardeners use tools, such as shovels, spades, pitchforks and hoes. They may also use gardening-related light machinery, such as hedge trimmers, rotavators, mowers, leafblowers and chainsaws. They are sometimes required to treat plants with chemicals and sprays, and may need to wear protective clothing.
Education and training
It is possible to work as a gardener without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in horticulture or a related area.
The Certificate II and III in Horticulture are offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Western Australia. Browse courses through Jobs and Skills WA and search on the My Skills website to find a registered provider near you.
You can also undertake a traineeship or apprenticeship. The horticulture (level 2 or level 3) and horticulture (parks and gardens) (level 2) traineeships usually take 12 months to complete. The level 2 traineeships are available as school-based traineeships. The gardener apprenticeship takes 36 months to complete and is available as a school-based apprenticeship in year 12 only.
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