Gardener

As a gardener, you will:

• raise and look after plants from seeds or cuttings
•  dig, plant and weed flower beds and borders
•  tidy overgrown shrubs and trees and clear paths
•  control pests that damage plants
•  use equipment safely, like lawn mowers and hedge trimmers
•  build items such as sheds, patios or fences

We've identified this as a green job

As a gardener, you could plant a variety of flowers, shrubs and greenery to encourage pollinator insects and increase biodiversity. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by a professional body

With experience, you could:

• become a head gardener, garden designer or horticultural manager
•  set up your own business, gardening for private customers
•  move into a related role, such as landscaper, groundsperson or arboricultural officer
•  do a qualification to work as a tree surgeon