Although the terms landscaper and groundskeeper are sometimes used interchangeably, they define two separate jobs with distinct responsibilities. "A landscaper is more involved with the horticultural maintenance of facilities, while a groundsworker might be involved with refuse removal and snow removal," says Donald Bottger, director of facility and environmental services for the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.

Other landscaper duties include planting trees and shrubbery, fertilizing and watering plants and constructing patios and walkways. And groundskeepers’ work isn’t confined to greenery; they might maintain swimming pools and fountains or ensure picnic areas and public spaces are free of litter.

Both jobs are ideal for green thumbs and outdoorsy folks, and they’re also good callings for those who have the entrepreneurial spirit to start their own lawn care and landscaping businesses. Bottger says there is plenty of potential for advancement in this career – landscapers could move up the ranks and become supervisors, while groundskeepers could be promoted to grounds managers or facilities managers.

From manicured lawns on college campuses to ornate gardens at historic homes, the work of landscapers and groundskeepers surrounds us. You’ll also find their handiwork in public parks, botanical gardens, sports fields and even cemeteries.

Aging baby boomers aren’t just driving demand for more professionals in the health care field – they also influence job openings within landscaping and groundskeeping. Older homeowners often employ lawn care services when they can no longer tend to their homes themselves. These services are also popular among working professionals who have limited daytime hours available for yard work.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3.5% employment growth for landscapers and groundskeepers between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 41,700 jobs should open up.

Formal education and certification aren’t necessary for most work in this field, but Bottger says career-oriented landscapers and groundskeepers may consider pursuing both. 

"It’s incumbent on the individual to be on the search for certification programs and education opportunities, to stay up to date on the latest trends (and) latest equipment and to take advantage of cooperative education programs," he says. 

Certifications through organizations including the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the International Society of Arboriculture are offered at various levels that indicate a landscaper’s or groundskeeper’s level of experience. An inexperienced worker with no credentials could secure an entry-level position, then receive ample on-the-job training.