Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative

This occupation is found in a wide range of outdoor spaces with horticultural spaces including public parks and gardens, green spaces, schools, tourist attractions, business and retail parks, historic gardens, private gardens, and estates. Some organisations own the horticultural space such as public gardens and private estates. Some will work on a variety of spaces belonging to other people such as domestic gardens, construction sites, retail and business parks. Employers may be charities, commercial businesses or governmental organisations and range in size from micro businesses through to large employers. Many organisations will be specialised in their activities, such as grounds maintenance or landscape construction. The broad purpose of the occupation is to undertake practical operations required to create and maintain horticultural spaces. This includes both the soft aspects (plants and soil) and the hard elements (surfaces, features and structures). Some will carry out the full range of operations from landscape construction through to maintenance, although the majority will focus on one specialism due to the breadth of skills required. Horticultural specialists maintain soft and hard elements of the space. This will include planting and maintenance activities. Landscape construction specialists will install landscapes including building hard surfaces, structures and features and planting. This will include planting and maintenance activities. Horticulture or landscape construction operatives frequently work outdoors year-round and in all weathers. They sometimes work at heights for example pruning taller plants and hedges. Horticulture or landscape operatives will require qualifications and or training to undertake activities such as use of machinery. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with supervisors and colleagues. Depending upon the employer they will interact with clients, members of the public, other trades and landowners. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for completing their own work to specification, with minimal supervision, ensuring they meet set deadlines. They are responsible for meeting quality requirements and working in accordance with legislation, environmental, health, safety and welfare considerations. They are accountable for the health and safety of themselves and others. Horticulture or landscape operatives are responsible for checking their tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are maintained and safe to use. They report to supervisors, team leaders, head gardeners or clients.