Gardeners & Groundskeepers
Description OES Code: 79030
Landscape and/or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. May work in nursery facility or at customer location. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, and sprinkler installation. Workers may help brick and stone masons.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $6.94
25th Percentile $7.49
50th Percentile $9.05
75th Percentile $12.25

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
The standard workweek is 40 hours, eight hours a day, five days a week. Fringe benefits for workers may include paid vacations, paid holidays, sick leave, health insurance, and retirement plans.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 128,600
Projected Employment 2008 103,980
Percent Change 1998-2008 32.1%
Separations 1998-2008 44,500

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 2,040
Projected Employment 2006 2,450
Percent Change 1999-2006 20.1%
Separations 1999-2006 470

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
With experience and more training, Gardeners and Groundskeepers can promote to supervisor, landscape manager, or contractor/owner of a private landscaping business.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Jobs as Gardeners and Groundskeepers can be found through any office of the California Employment Development Department, private employment agencies, personnel offices of local, state and federal governments, or the personnel departments of big companies.

Those looking for this kind of work should also apply directly to landscape maintenance and gardening firms, golf courses, and nurseries. Also, newspaper ads are helpful in finding a job. Better chances for employment seem to be during the beginning of the landscape season, which usually starts in March and April. However, employers may begin to hire earlier to get ready for the peak season.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Persons interested in becoming Gardeners and Groundskeepers can take horticultural courses at job training centers, community colleges, or adult schools, although most of these workers are trained by the employer.

Skills & Other Requirements
Employers usually require that the job applicant be in excellent physical condition, be able to do heavy work, and be able to follow directions. For some jobs, employers may require Gardener/Groundskeeper experience, some mechanical background, the ability to read and write, and a valid driver's license.

References
California Occupational Guide: #320

Related Occupations: Horticulturists, Landscape Architects

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)