Landscape Designer Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Landscape Designer Do?
Landscape designers design and create outdoor public areas, landmarks, structures, parks, gardens and private gardens to achieve environmental, social-behavioral, or aesthetic outcomes.
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Where Do I Start?
Surveying Methods
Have an understanding of surveying methods, remote sensing methods and equipment.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Landscape Designer
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialSurveying Methods knowledge
Have an understanding of surveying methods, remote sensing methods and equipment.
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EssentialEcology knowledge
The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialTopography knowledge
Graphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialPest Control In Plants knowledge
Types and features of pests in plants and crops. Different kinds of pest control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialDesign Principles knowledge
The elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialLandscape Architecture knowledge
The principles and practices used in the architecture and design of outdoor areas.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialLandscape Analysis knowledge
The methods of analysis and computation used in the design of outdoor spaces.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialLandscape Architectural Instruments knowledge
The instruments, tools, symbols and terminology of landscape architectural drawing and specifications; the laws and codes pertaining to landscape architecture and design.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPlant Disease Control knowledge
Types and features of diseases in plants and crops. Different kinds control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, environmental and …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAdvise Contractors skill
Advise contractors on the interpretation of plans and recommends changes when necessary.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdvise Supervisors skill
Advise supervisor of problems, changes, or suggestions for more effective regulation practice or development activity.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCreate New Landscape Designs skill
Use creative ideas to conceptualize landscape projects by making designs, drawings and sketches. These designs consist of parks, highways or walkways and try to create a public functional area.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDevelop Architectural Plans skill
Draft a master plan for building sites and landscape plantings. Prepare detailed development plans and specifications in accordance with applicable laws. Analyse private development plans for their accuracy, appropriateness, and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInspect Project Regulations skill
Inspect projects for regulation and specification compliance. Formulate recommendations to existing specifications and plans.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMake Accurate Drawings skill
Make accurate technical drawings to scale from sketches, drawings, and verbal instructions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Landscape Design Projects skill
Make preparations for the development of parks, recreation areas and roadside landscaping. Prepare designs, drawings and specifications for such projects and estimate the costs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Pest Control skill
Carry out crop spraying pest and disease operations in line with National industry and customer requirements. Carry out slurry and fertiliser spreading in accordance with local environmental regulations
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Studies And Field Investigation skill
Plan and performs studies and field investigations as required. Inspect landscapes using established techniques and procedures.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Weed Control Operations skill
Carry out crop spraying for weeds and plant disease operations in line with national industry and customer requirements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialReview Construction Plans Authorisations skill
Review plans for conformance to codes and authorised approval for construction.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 19 displayed)
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OptionalAgronomy knowledge
The study of combining agriculture production and protection and regeneration of natural environment. Includes the principles and methods of critical selection and adequate application methods for sustainability in agriculture.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalForest Ecology knowledge
The ecosystems existing in a forest, starting from bacteria to trees and soil types.
Recommended Books
4 booksEcological Forest Management HandbookForest of Your Own -
OptionalGreen Logistics knowledge
Know about green logistics, in which significant efforts are made to minimise the ecological impact of logistics activities.
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalBotany knowledge
The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.
Recommended Books
2 books -
Optional
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OptionalRainwater Management knowledge
The characteristics of water sensitive urban design methods such as wet basins, dry basins, drainage and surface infiltration.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalHorticultural Design knowledge
Design of horticultural areas taking into account factors, such as climate and microclimates, topography and orientation, site drainage and groundwater recharge, municipal and resource building codes, soils and irrigation, human …
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OptionalBuilding Codes knowledge
The set of guidelines that determine the minimum standards for buildings and other constructions in order to protect public health and safety.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalPrinciples Of Landscape Construction knowledge
Principles and techniques to prepare ground or site for construction of wooden and brick terraces, fences and ground surfaces. This includes knowlege on how to measure and plan out the …
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalLandscaping Materials knowledge
Field of information which distinguishes certain required materials, such as wood and wood chips, cement, pebbles and soil for landscaping purposes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPlant Species knowledge
The variety of plants, trees and shrubs and their special characteristics.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalCharacteristics Of Plants knowledge
The varieties, characteristics and structural and functional features of plants, depending on their habitat.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalConduct Public Presentations skill
Speak in public and interact with those present. Prepare notices, plans, charts, and other information to support the presentation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate Solutions To Problems skill
Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalKeep Task Records skill
Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse A Computer skill
Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMake Decisions Regarding Landscaping skill
Resolve problems by making decisions regarding projects and installation tasks for landscaping sites.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Rainwater skill
Implementing water sensitive urban design elements such as wet basins, dry basins, drainage and surface infiltration.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork Independently In Landscaping skill
Perform tasks in landscape management by taking decisions independently. Complete all aspects of landscape design projects without any outside assistance or help.
Course recommendations coming soon.