Landscape Design Technician (Co-op) DLN1

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy Drawing and creative abilities are an asset. Writing skills and reading comprehension are valuable

Math and Science Grade 11 or 12 math required; moderate math skills needed for drafting & site measurement.  Basic understanding of science, botany and horticulture is an asset.

Technology Basic computer skills are required, CADD & Adobe are assets but not required

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Creativity, artistic ability and imagination to solve problems
• The ability to think logically and visualize spatial relationships
• Attention to detail, taking a methodical approach to tasks requiring precision (for example preparing specifications, estimating costs
• Ability to convey their ideas to others through verbal, written & illustrative means
• Ability to work independently & and in a team environment
• Good computer skills and interest in learning tools & technology to perform tasks
• An interest in ecology, plants, gardening and natural and created outdoor environments
• Good time management skills and the ability to adapt to high-pressure working schedules and deadlines
• Patience

Useful background experience for this program would be

Studies in art, drawing & sketching, photography, technology & learning new software, gardening, landscape construction, building and designing spaces, environments or things.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a …

Landscape designer, Garden designer, Landscape architect, Landscape construction worker or supervisor, Project manager, Nursery worker, Parks worker or designer, Landscape industry sales representative

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Depending on the job position graduates could be;
  • Working regular hours in an office environment with trips for site visits
  • Working outdoors on a landscape construction team
  • Working indoors and outdoors for nursery or greenhouse positions
  • Working extended hours seasonally is not uncommon
  • Travel may be required for site visits

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Designing and developing: residential landscapes and private gardens; institutional and commercial properties; rehabilitation of naturalized areas, public parks, storm water retention ponds, multi family residential projects, new communities or subdivisions, resorts and entertainment facilities, interior courtyard spaces in residential, commercial and institutional buildings.
• Consult with clients and assist in presentations
• Prepare graphic presentation drawings to communicate and sell designs and construct models
• Select plant materials, hard surface materials, site furnishings, play equipment and outdoor lighting
• Prepare CADD plants and technical drawings including grading, planting, irrigation, layout and details/preparation, assemble specifications
• Estimate project costs and phasing
  write contracts & proposals
• Site visits to gather and analyze project site information
• Supervise and/or inspect projects under construction 
• Provide graphics for marketing brochures and portfolios

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) 
• Landscape Ontario Certified Landscape Designer (CLD)
• Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)

Opportunities for further development or education

• Credits from diploma may transfer to a university degree at many different schools, and in particular the University of Guelph. Opportunities for International travel are offered.

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Click on the links below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.

Last Modified: April 24, 2025