Landscape manager Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

Landscape managers give advice on the planning, development and care of new and existing landscapes. They can work in horticulture, estate management, forestry, nature conservation and parks and gardens.

As a landscape manager you would supervise larger projects carried out by landscape architects. Your duties would typically include:

• producing plans for the management, maintenance and development of projects
• assisting with the survey of sites to identify existing plant and animal life and natural resources
• drawing up contracts and overseeing the tendering process
• advising on planning applications and public enquiries before major construction projects
• monitoring and checking work on-site
• making sure projects meet clients’ time and cost requirements.

You could work on a wide variety of projects in many different locations ranging from public parks, reclaimed industrial sites and housing estates, to new roads and motorways.

Hours

You would usually work 37 hours, Monday to Friday. This may include evenings and weekends.

You would be office-based, but would travel to inspect sites and meet clients. Depending on the geographical area covered by your organisation, you may need to spend periods away from home.

Income

• Starting salaries for graduate landscape managers can be between £20,000 and £25,000 a year
• Qualified managers can earn £25,000 to £40,000 or more.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You can prepare for a career as a landscape manager by taking one of the following:

• a degree in landscape architecture accredited by the Landscape Institute (LI), the professional body for chartered landscape architects, or
• an accredited postgraduate course (if you already have a degree or substantial experience in a related subject).

To get on to a degree course you will usually need:

• two A levels (subjects such as geography and natural sciences are particularly relevant), and
• GCSEs including English and either maths or science.

Check with course providers for exact entry details because alternative qualifications (such as an Access to Higher Education course) and relevant work experience may also be considered.

When you have completed an accredited course you will be eligible for Associate Membership of LI and can apply for relevant work.

Training and development

Many employers will expect you to have, or be working towards, chartered membership of the Landscape Institute (MLI). You will be eligible for this once you have completed a period of supervised work experience, which usually takes around two years and involves:

• being mentored by a fully qualified member of the LI
• regular feedback from the 'Pathway to Chartership' supervisor
• a final oral exam.

As a member of the LI you will be expected to do at least 20 hours' continuing professional development (CPD) each year. See the LI website for details.

• Landscape Institute

As a landscape manager you could go on to work towards NVQ Level 4 in Amenity Horticulture Management, or a Level 3 Diploma in Work-Based Environmental Conservation.

You could also join the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) as a student, affiliate or full member, and gain access to networking and development opportunities. See the IEEM website for details.

• Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Skills and knowledge

• concern for the environment
• an understanding of conservation issues
• organisational skills
• creative and practical skills
• the ability to lead and manage others
• good spoken and written communication skills
• good negotiation skills
• the ability to work alone and in a team
• business and financial skills.

More information

Landscape Institute
33 Great Portland Street
London
WIW 8QG
Tel: 020 7299 4500
www.landscapeinstitute.org

Lantra
Lantra House
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
www.lantra.co.uk

Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM)
45 Southgate Street
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9EH
Tel: 01962 868626
www.ieem.net

Opportunities

You could find work within local authorities and central government departments, and with companies involved in building, civil engineering, mining, power supply and land reclamation.

You could also work with organisations like the National Trust and English Nature, or in private practice.

With experience you could progress to a senior management role or become self-employed and work as a consultant.

You may find the following useful for job vacancies and further reading: (links open in new window)

• Landscape Institute (Recruitment page)
• British Association of Landscape Industries
• Architecture Jobs
• Landscape Design Trust
• bd4jobs

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