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Landscape Architectural Technologist

Landscape architectural technologists work with landscape architects, architects, engineers, and other professional designers, planners, and landscape contractors. Their team goal is to design and develop environments for people with a focus on outdoor environments.

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 2225.4: Landscape Designers and Landscape Architectural Technicians and Technologists

2006 NOC-S

  • C125: Landscape and Horticultural Technicians and Specialists

2011 NOC

  • 2225: Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists

2016 NOC

  • 2225: Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists

2021 NOC

  • 22114: Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists

2023 OaSIS

  • 22114.01: Arborists and tree service technicians
Duties
Updated Mar 22, 2023

Landscape architectural technologists are involved in the technical aspects of planning, designing, developing, and inspecting:

  • Residential landscapes and private gardens
  • Institutional and commercial properties
  • Rehabilitation projects for naturalized areas
  • Public parks
  • Stormwater retention ponds
  • Multifamily residential projects
  • New communities or subdivisions
  • Resorts and entertainment facilities
  • Interior courtyard spaces in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings
  • Exterior building improvements such as living walls and green roofs

Duties vary from one position to another. In general, landscape architectural technologists prepare technical and presentation drawings. They also:

  • Prepare and produce computer-assisted (CAD) technical drawings
  • Compile site inventory and analysis information
  • Prepare and develop digital and actual 3D models
  • Prepare construction-drawing packages that include grading, planting, irrigation, layout, and preparation details
  • Estimate project costs
  • Provide onsite inspection of work done by contractors and subcontractors
  • Prepare project specifications and contracts
  • Select plant materials, hard-surface materials, site furnishings, and amenities
  • Select irrigation systems, play equipment, and outdoor lighting
  • Consult with clients and help prepare and deliver presentations
  • Provide graphics for marketing brochures and portfolios

Landscape architects prepare initial designs, concepts, and stamp plans. Supervised by the landscape architect, technologists may be involved in all parts of design and development prior to landscape architect approval. The work is then presented to the client for approval. In addition to drafting and rendering plans, technologists may build physical or digital scale models to give the client a 3D idea of the proposed project.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 22, 2023
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Landscape architectural technologists most often work in an office environment and on construction sites. They tend to work standard office hours but sometimes work overtime to meet project deadlines.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Landscape Designers and Landscape Architectural Technicians and Technologists

2006 NOC: 2225.4

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to survey sites and to prepare drawings and sketches

METHODICAL

Interest in analyzing information to assess site data and prepare reports

DIRECTIVE

Interest in assisting landscape architects in designing landscaped environments

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 22, 2023

Landscape architectural technologists need:

  • Communication and collaboration skills
  • Creativity
  • Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Time-management skills
  • An interest in computers and design-related applications
  • An interest in developing natural and created environments
  • Spatial awareness (to develop 3D models)
  • Sensitivity to people’s needs
  • Sensitivity to environmental needs and constraints
  • The ability to work independently and on a team

They should enjoy using instruments and equipment to perform precision tasks. They should like being methodical and analytical. They should be comfortable working with landscape architects and other related professionals.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists

2016 NOC: 2225

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 104 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Sep 26, 2023 and Apr 26, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Work Setting: Various locations
Attention to detail
Tasks: Plan and construct landscaped environments which may include trees, shrubberies, lawns, fences, decks, patios and other landscape structures
Tasks: Plant and move trees
Work Site Environment: Outdoors
Tasks: Water and tend to plants, lawns and/or gardens
Tasks: Examine trees and shrubs to diagnose problems and disease
Construction Specialization: Organized
Tasks: Apply various treatments such as pruning, spraying, repairing damaged areas and injecting with treatment solutions
Construction Specialization: Team player
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 22, 2023
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Landscape architectural technologists need a broad technical knowledge of design and its implementation. This includes analog and digital drafting, rendering, and modelling. They must also understand the aesthetic and functional aspects of natural and ornamental landscapes, including plant and human needs.

Program graduates may join the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects as Landscape Architectural Technologist (LAT) members.


Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 22, 2023
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certification is not required for this occupation. However, legislation exists for protected titles or duties.

This occupation has more than one related certification. For details, see below.

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Certified Engineering Technologist

Certified engineering technologists (CET) use industry-recognized codes, standards, procedures, and practices to solve problems within their technological areas of expertise. Depending on their duties, they may need supervision by a Professional Engineer, Professional Geoscientist, or Professional Technologist (Engineering / Geoscience).

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Engineering Technologist (CET).

You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Engineering Technologist.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Engineering Technologist.

Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience)

Professional Technologists (Engineering) and Professional Technologists (Geoscience) are currently unique to Alberta. They practice independently according to established methodologies and specifications in engineering and geoscience. They have the authority to sign off and stamp work within a prescribed scope of practice.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and Professional Technologists Regulation [pdf], you must register as a Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience) with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to:

  • Practise engineering or geoscience within a prescribed scope of practice
  • Use the titles Professional Technologist (Engineering) or Professional Technologist (Geoscience)
  • Use the abbreviations P.Tech. (Eng.) or P.Tech. (Geo.)

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Professional Technologist (Engineering or Geoscience).

 

Additional Information

Voluntary membership with the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA) is available. To register as a Landscape Architectural Technology (LAT) member, individuals must complete an accredited diploma program and be actively working in this field.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 22, 2023

Landscape architectural technologists work for:

  • Landscape architectural, planning, and engineering firms
  • Parks and recreation offices
  • Landscaping contractors and supply companies
  • Irrigation-design and residential landscape-design companies
  • Building companies
  • Greenhouses and nurseries
  • Golf course and resort design companies

With further education, experienced landscape architectural technologists may become certified in specific areas. For example, they may specialize in irrigation design or contract administration. Some experienced technologists start their own businesses.

Provided they have the right credentials, landscape architectural technologists may consider working toward a landscape architect designation under the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects. They may also consider pursing further education to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 2225: Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists occupational group, 79.7% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 2225: Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 22, 2023

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists

2016 NOC: 2225
Average Wage
$23.62
Per Hour
Average Salary
$38,302.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.2
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
9.7
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2225 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $37.90 $21.39 $18.00
Overall $18.00 $42.28 $23.62 $20.00
Top $20.00 $43.71 $26.82 $24.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Information, Culture, Recreation
Business, Building and Other Support Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
42%
42%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
64%
64%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
8%
8%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 22, 2023

Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA) website: www.aala.ab.ca

Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) website: www.csla-aapc.ca/csla-aapc

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 22, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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