While there are certifications and degrees available in the landscape field that can be beneficial, experience is often the most important credential for those aspiring to be landscape managers. Other positions within a landscaping company can lead to management positions through promotion. The work of a landscape manager is typically very hands-on, and one’s ability to demonstrate both strong leadership potential and practical ability, such as machine operation and knowledge of landscaping techniques, will determine one’s employability.
The requirements for becoming a landscape architect and those for becoming a landscape manager, as well as their respective job roles, are very different. Occasionally, the two job titles are used interchangeably. A landscape architect is in charge of designing a variety of landscapes, such as golf courses, university campuses, and shopping malls. The placement of green space, pathways, buildings, and other facilities on these types of sites is decided landscape architects. Landscape managers may occasionally direct renovations to an existing landscape, but their primary responsibility is day-to-day maintenance rather than landscape design.
In many jurisdictions, licensure is required to work as a landscape architect, but it is less common as a legal requirement to work as a landscape manager. Landscape managers who want to stand out in their field can seek certifications or join professional associations even if it isn’t required law. It’s also possible to work as both a landscape architect and a landscape manager at the same time.
The manager may work alone on a site or oversee teams of hundreds of employees, depending on the size of the landscape or company. Even when supervising a large group of people, it’s critical for anyone aspiring to be a landscape manager to understand that they’ll almost certainly have to do some manual labor themselves, leading example. Landscape managers should be familiar with the machinery and processes that are required to carry out their and their subordinates’ responsibilities.
For those who want to study specifically to become a landscape manager, every level of postsecondary study — from certificates to PhDs — is available in a few countries. This is not a common area of specialization in most places, so students who want to improve their employability in this field should consider other relevant degree programs like management, civil engineering, environmental studies, or horticulture. While formal postsecondary education is not always required to become a landscape manager, many industries are increasingly preferring postsecondary education when hiring for management positions.