The biggest stress in the industry is finding and keeping staff. So how do we fix this problem? Well, it won’t happen over night. But, by attracting students to the industry we can expand the working pool. Total Landscape Care looked deeper into solutions for this problem.
One of the best ways to recruit future employees is by attending college job fairs, high school career fairs and other events such as these. But when you do showcase your company at these fairs, it’s important to have a game plan in mind.
Simply showing up will not ensure that you will have interested applicants, and telling interested individuals about a limited number of job titles with your company will not attract them either.
The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) recently introduced the Landscape Industry Careers website, which gives examples of the multiple employment options the landscape industry has to offer. This website not only lists the job titles of the industry, but it also gives job descriptions, education requirements and potential estimated salaries.
With this tool at your disposal, you as an employer can use the information to educate interested individuals on all of the opportunities that could await them if they pursue a career in the landscaping industry.
“There are dozens of job responsibilities within the industry,” NALP says on the website. “Some important jobs do involve physical work and working with the soil; however, there’s a whole lot more that defines the industry and its professionals. Many entry-level workers without training start in the field, learning the foundation of landscape management but they are supported by equipment and technology. Those who are promoted and those entering the industry with training and skills manage processes, people and plants.”
For example, the website states that for the role of landscape designer, an individual could earn between $49,000-$136,000 and have medical coverage, paid vacation time and dental. Generally for landscape design or engineering positions, a four-year degree is required.
For those who may want a more hands-on approach to the landscaping industry, the position of lawn care technician may be up their alley. Technicians can earn between $25,000-$81,000 with medical coverage, paid vacation time and dental. For certification, secondary education is required, and an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in agricultural science or business can help advance an individual to a supervisory position.
After reading up on the job descriptions and hearing testimonials from those in the field, interested applicants can then use the website to search for open positions.
“There are tremendous opportunities for progression within the industry,” NALP said on the website. “Those entering the field without a college degree who demonstrate a strong work ethic and mastery of their responsibilities will often earn supervisory opportunities and assume progressively more responsibilities throughout their career. College graduates often enter the workforce in managerial positions and continue to grow their careers. This industry rewards those who demonstrate the right aptitudes and commitment.”
If you as a company have openings listed on NALP’s job board or the company’s website, you could take the initiative and have the requirements for said positions already at your disposal to discuss with interested individuals who ask about the job.
Along with showcasing the employment opportunities available, the website also gives in-depth information on the landscaping industry, helps match interested applicants with the field they prefer and offers lists of colleges and how to find the right one.
“Lawn and landscape firms are businesses,” NALP said on the website. “They require talented, trained professionals with education in business, chemistry, biology, horticulture, arboriculture, finance and more. They need leaders with initiative, problem-solving skills and drive. The overwhelming majority of students who graduate with degrees relevant to the landscape industry report no difficulty in finding employment and strong compensation packages. Most professionals believe their degree has helped advance their career.”
The website offers a look into every aspect of the landscape industry, from business development, account managing, landscape supervising, project managing and more. For a full list of career types, click here.
