Job Summary

Landscape or maintain grounds of properties using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include, but not limited to any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler maintenance, mulching, and assisting in planting and hardscaping.

Essential Job Tasks

• Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.
• Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws.
• Water lawns, trees, or plants, using portable sprinkler systems, hoses, or watering cans.
• Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws. See more occupations related to this task.
• Care for established lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing, removing thatch, or trimming or edging around flower beds, walks, or walls.
• Follow planned landscaping designs to determine where to lay sod, sow grass, or plant flowers or foliage.
• Trim or pick flowers and clean flower beds.
• Plant seeds, bulbs, foliage, flowering plants, grass, ground covers, trees, or shrubs and apply mulch for protection, using gardening tools.
• Mow or edge lawns, using power mowers or edgers.
• Rake, mulch, and compost leaves.
• Decorate gardens with stones or plants.
• Provide proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, burial sites, or other grounds features.
• Shovel snow from walks, driveways, or parking lots and spread salt in those areas.
• Install drainage systems, retaining walls, planters, patios, or driveways.
• Gather and remove yard debris or litter from lawns.
• Haul or spread topsoil or compost

Job Context

• Outdoors, exposed to weather. May work in rain, snow, or other inclement weather.
• Sounds, Noise Levels May be Distracting or Uncomfortable
• Possible Exposure to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment
• Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
• Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
• Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Control Precision — The ability to adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle quickly and repeatedly to exact positions
• Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed
• Ability to follow instructions and help others