Job Overview The well designed lawns of the residential areas and offices, as well as the public and the private parks and gardens are works of the landscapers. We owe those natural beauties from these workers.Those who supervise landscape workers and direct the activities involved in the landscaping projects are called landscape supervisors. They are tasked to manage the personnel, monitor the progress of the task in all aspects, and coordinate with both the client and the contractor of the firm regarding the visual and operational goals of the landscape project.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
If you wish to build a career in becoming a landscape supervisor, prepare as early as high school by taking subjects in natural sciences, communications, psychology, and livelihood education. It is a plus factor to be well rounded by joining clubs and groups that will hone the skills in leadership and management. As for the post secondary training, it is recommended to take a 2 or 4 year program in landscape management or agronomy initially. Taking business related courses such as business administration, accounting and economic courses will help you accelerate to a supervisory or managerial position faster.
Skills and Abilities
As supervisors of landscapers, it is a must to know the ins and outs of the art of landscaping. Skills in leadership and management are necessary to be effective in supervising the activities, schedules and the personnel, or the project and the needs of the project at hand as a whole. Communication skills and interpersonal skills will enable a smooth establishment of rapport with the people under the area of supervision and with the clients.
Duties
Landscape supervisors are basically landscapers in a managerial or supervisory positions. They are the ones who direct the many activities involved in the landscaping project.
As supervisors, they manage landscape workers and take care of the worker's performance. They direct or supervise their activities from pruning trees and shrubs, caring for lawns, fertilizer application, to name a few. They also prepare job cost estimates and coordinate the plan with the clients and the firm they are working for. They also plan and coordinate the work schedules of the personnel or the workers as well as deal with the customer's questions, concerns and needs related to the project.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The job opportunities for this profession is good and is expected to move as fast or even faster than the average. Presently, more and more people are concerned with the beautification of their homes and offices. These serve a a symbol of credibility and status. This idea gives way to increase job opportunities to the landscape workers such as the landscape supervisor. The earnings depend on the location, type of employer, presence of projects extrinsic to employment and the number of years of professional experience. Income range from 25,000 to 50,000 U.S. dollars yearly. There are many others who are in the supervisory positions and who are self employed who earn around and over 100,000 U.S. dollars yearly.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.