There is a satisfaction that seems to come from working with the soil and coaxing beautiful things to grow when pursuing landscape jobs:

Landscape Designer

For those with an eye for patterns, colours and arrangement, plus a love for plant materials, landscape design might be the ideal career choice. A landscape designer has the opportunity to look at the big picture– to see how the gardens,  buildings, walkways, driveways, and environs work together to create incredible effects. Whether it be a formal setting, or more casual country garden, the best gardens are well-planned by trained designers. Designers also usually are responsible for creating inventory lists and cost estimates.

Horticulturalist

A horticulturist will be involved in working directly with plants, but must also have the knowledge and management skills to oversee a number of tasks. These can include plant propagation, chemical management for pest and weed control, integration of gardens with public interpretation and government requirements, greenhouse management, and so on. A person with strong leadership skills looking at landscape jobs would find this to be a rewarding path.

Gardeners & Groundskeepers

Landscape jobs are typically associated with gardeners and groundskeepers. These people spend most of their time in direct contact with the soil and plants, caring for them and nurturing them. Gardeners will be the first to see the green shoots in the spring, and then the first buds, and flowers. Those who wish to have the closest relationships with plants and the soil will know that this is their niche. Groundskeepers not only work with blooming plants, but will care for lawns and hedges, creating neatly manicured natural areas.

Aborist

An arborist is one who specialises in the care of trees. This will likely involve the need to be able to work at heights, and to climb. Arborists know how to prune each species, and how to recognize and combat disease and pests. For those with a love for plants and working out of doors, but who like an element of risk, this could be satisfying work.

Outdoor Lighting Specialist

There are those with a mechanical bent rather than a green thumb, who also find gardens appealing. Such people might consider becoming an irrigation and/or outdoor lighting specialist. Gardens and lawns need water delivered regularly, and people prefer that the piping be hidden. Lighting enhances natural scenes but no one wants to look at a maze of wiring. Expertise in these areas is in demand.

When looking for landscape jobs, there are positions for people of varying talents. Landscaping, in any of its many aspects, can be a rewarding career path.

If you love being outdoors and have a drive to better the environment, there are interesting and exciting ‘green jobs’ that you can pursue. With several categories of outdoor environmental jobs, you are sure to find your niche in this growing sector.

In the field of natural resources and conservation, rangers, wardens, and landscapers work outside in all weather conditions. They are involved primarily with land stewardship and monitoring. In addition, they work with the public to educate on topics pertaining to the land’s resources and the steps that can be taken to preserve them.

Ecology

Protect the endangered species of the world when you work in the field of Ecology. Analyse how organisms interact with their natural environment and report on the distribution of organisms in a specific area. Make a difference when you work to create and maintain thriving natural habitats.

Energy

Energy is a rapidly growing field with diverse and exciting new positions. Wind is an energy source still being evaluated so there are many positions for wind resource specialists. Out in the field, they conduct assessments, design measurement campaigns, and evaluate wind farm layouts. Similarly, hydrologists are hired to study the distribution and circulation of water and their work is done primarily through research at outdoor sites.

Construction and Engineering

There are many construction jobs that focus on the geotechnical aspects of building projects. Evaluating the earth’s subsurface, creating foundations, and monitoring the conditions at the building site are all duties that fall under this category. Geotechnical engineers and construction workers assure that the physical and chemical properties are taken into consideration before and during building.

Recycling and Waste Management
Those looking to work hands-on to better the environment can consider a job in waste and recycling. Many of the worksites are located outdoors and the jobs can include collection services, sorting and processing, and composting and landfill operations.

Farming and Animal Care

Another hands-on industry is farming. The United Kingdom is rich in farm land. Animal care, horticulture, and fencing are just a sample of the many jobs in the agricultural community.

Recreation Jobs

For individuals who are adventurous and athletically inclined, there are many outdoor recreational jobs that connect people with the environment. Those working in a wilderness park, leading a mountain climbing or river rafting expedition serve an important purpose. They are bringing others closer to nature as well as educating them on their surroundings.

A recent report by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) looked in detail at internet use amongst gardeners. The report shows that the growth in use of the internet by very keen gardeners now stands at 74 per cent which almost matches the national average of 76 per cent.
Around seven out of ten use the web to get information about products and services. And, over the last three years, there has been a substantial increase in the role of the internet as a source of inspiration for the garden, with 27 per cent indicating that they now use the web for this purpose.
The report highlights the blurring of channel definitions in retailing and describes how online and mail order shopping are merging into one. It also questions whether the worth of online sales should be the only measure of the value of retailers having a web presence and explores the internet’s role as a means of driving footfall.

Riding on the wave of enthusiasm for allotments and grow-your-own gardening, the RASE and National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners have launched a new event. The Edible Garden Show 2010 will take place at Stoneleigh Park in March next year and is hoping to attract 12,000 keen gardeners who are interested in growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Latest figures from the Horticultural Trades Association suggest that there are signs of recovery in the UK garden market, with garden centres leading the way. Whilst the association’s Garden Industry Monitor (GIM)  showed total sales of garden products down by around 10% in 2008, the first half of 2009 seems to have recovered the position held a year earlier.

Citing significant interest in ‘Grow Your Own’ (GYO) and better weather as the reasons for the change, the HTA is “cautiously optimistic” that the garden industry is well-placed as the UK economy turns towards recovery.