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Garden Labourers

ANZSCO ID 841411

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Overview

Snapshot

Employed
19,100
Future Growth
N/A
Weekly Earnings
N/A
Full-Time Share
52%
Female Share
8%
Average age
44
About this data

Summary

Garden Labourers assist in cultivating and maintaining gardens.

Specialisations: Lawn Mower.

Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Garden Labourer. Although some workers have a certificate II or III in horticulture.

Tasks

  • Loading, unloading and moving garden supplies and equipment.

  • Preparing garden sites and plots using hand tools and machines.

  • Assisting with planting and transplanting flowers, shrubs, trees and lawns.

  • Maintaining gardens by watering, weeding and mowing lawns.

  • Cleaning gardens and removing rubbish.

  • Assisting with propagating, planting and potting seeds, bulbs and cuttings.

  • Tending plants by hand watering and weeding.

  • Adjusting mist irrigation systems, shade and ventilation.

Characteristics

Job Type
Labourers
Skill Level
Entry level
ANZSCO Occupation group
8414 Garden and Nursery Labourers
Unemployment Rate
n/a
Industries
Pathway(s)
  • Vocational Education and Training (VET)
  • Informal or on-the-job
Interests
  • Practical
  • Administrative
Physical Demand
  • Medium
  • Heavy
  • Very Heavy

Outlook

Employment Outlook

JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. Employment projections data are only produced for occupations at the broad four digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level. While data are not available for this occupation, projections data are available for the parent occupation, Garden and Nursery Labourers, under the outlook section.

Earnings and hours

Working arrangements

  • Around 52% of people employed as Garden Labourers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 14 percentage points below the all jobs average (66%).

    Full-time workers work an average of 42 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).

    Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.

Industries

Main industries

1
Administrative and Support Services
49.1%
2
Construction
14.5%
3
Public Administration and Safety
12.5%
4
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
4.3%
5
Other industries
14.8%

Regions

Employment across Australia

NSW

31.5% All occupations: 31.6%

VIC

19.2% All occupations: 25.6%

QLD

26.1% All occupations: 20.0%

SA

6.5% All occupations: 7.0%

WA

13.2% All occupations: 10.8%

TAS

1.7% All occupations: 2.0%

NT

0.9% All occupations: 1.0%

ACT

0.9% All occupations: 1.9%

Employment by State and Territory (% Share)

State Garden Labourers All Jobs Average
NSW 31.5 31.6
VIC 19.2 25.6
QLD 26.1 20.0
SA 6.5 7.0
WA 13.2 10.8
TAS 1.7 2.0
NT 0.9 1.0
ACT 0.9 1.9


  • Around 56% of Garden Labourers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.

    Queensland has a large share of employment relative to its population size.

    The regions with the largest share of workers are:

    Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.

Worker profile

Age and gender

Age In Years
44
All Jobs Average is 40
Female Share
8%
All Jobs Average is 48%

  • The median age of Garden Labourers is 44 years. This is higher than the all jobs average of 40 years.

    A large share of workers are aged 45 to 54 years.

    Females make up 8% of the workforce. This is 40 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.

    Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.

Age Profile (% Share)

Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Age Bracket Garden Labourers All Jobs Average
15-19 5.5 5.0
20-24 10.4 9.3
25-34 16.7 22.9
35-44 19.0 22.0
45-54 22.8 21.6
55-59 10.8 9.0
60-64 8.6 6.0
65 and Over 6.3 4.2
Median Age 44 40

Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.

Employment Pathways

Education, training and experience

Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Garden Labourer. Although some workers have a certificate II or III in horticulture.

Visit

  • My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
  • AAPathways website to explore Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation & Land Management VET training pathways.

Highest Level of Education (% Share)

Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Type of Qualification Garden Labourers All Jobs Average
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate 1.1 10.1
Bachelor degree 3.6 21.8
Advanced Diploma/Diploma 5.5 11.6
Certificate III/IV 30.6 21.1
Year 12 21.0 18.1
Year 11 7.7 4.8
Year 10 and below 30.5 12.5

Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.

Skills and Knowledge

Employers look for Garden and Nursery Labourers who are hardworking, have a positive and enthusiastic attitude and are reliable.

Skills

Skills can be improved through training or experience.

  • 37%

    Operation and control

    Controlling equipment or systems.

  • 34%

    Coordination with others

    Being adaptable and coordinating work with other people.

  • 32%

    Active listening

    Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

  • 32%

    Operation monitoring

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • 32%

    Judgment and decision making

    Figuring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.

  • 30%

    Complex problem solving

    Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.

  • 30%

    Serving others

    Looking for ways to help people.

  • 29%

    Active learning

    Being able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.

  • 29%

    Repairing

    Fixing machines or systems.

  • 29%

    Social perceptiveness

    Understanding why people react the way they do.

  • 29%

    Time management

    Managing your own and other peoples' time to get work done.

  • 29%

    Troubleshooting

    Figuring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.

  • 27%

    Critical thinking

    Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

  • 27%

    Speaking

    Talking to others.

  • 27%

    Monitoring

    Keeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.

  • 27%

    Reading comprehension

    Reading work related information.

  • 27%

    Equipment maintenance

    Maintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.

  • 27%

    Learning strategies

    Figuring out the best way to teach or learn something new.

  • 25%

    Equipment selection

    Deciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • 25%

    Management of personnel resources

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.

Knowledge

These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.

  • 42%

    Chemistry

    Chemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.

  • 41%

    Customer and personal service

    Understanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.

  • 39%

    Mechanical

    Machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • 39%

    Mathematics

    Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.

  • 38%

    Biology

    Plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, how they rely on and work with each other and the environment.

  • 37%

    English language

    English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • 33%

    Administration and management

    Business principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.

  • 33%

    Engineering and technology

    Use engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.

  • 31%

    Technical design

    Design techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • 31%

    Education and training

    Curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • 30%

    Clerical

    Word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.

  • 29%

    Production and processing

    Raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.

  • 28%

    Computers and electronics

    Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • 27%

    Sales and marketing

    Showing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

  • 26%

    Transportation

    Moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.

  • 25%

    Economics and accounting

    Economics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.

  • 25%

    Public safety and security

    Use of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.

  • 24%

    Communications and media

    Media production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.

  • 22%

    Building and construction

    Materials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.

  • 22%

    Personnel and human resources

    Recruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.

Abilities

Workers use these physical and mental abilities..

  • 54%

    Static strength

    Lift, push, pull, or carry things.

  • 52%

    Multilimb coordination

    Use your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.

  • 50%

    Trunk strength

    Use your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.

  • 50%

    Control precision

    Quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.

  • 45%

    Manual dexterity

    Quickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • 45%

    Extent flexibility

    Bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • 43%

    Oral comprehension

    Listen to and understand what people say.

  • 41%

    Near vision

    See details that are up-close (within a few feet).

  • 41%

    Problem spotting

    Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.

  • 41%

    Selective attention

    Pay attention to something without being distracted.

  • 39%

    Arm-hand steadiness

    Keep your hand or arm steady.

  • 39%

    Visualization

    Imagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.

  • 37%

    Far vision

    See details that are far away.

  • 37%

    Sorting or ordering

    Order or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • 36%

    Finger dexterity

    Put together small parts with your fingers.

  • 36%

    Stamina

    Exercise for a long time without getting winded or out of breath.

  • 34%

    Deductive reasoning

    Use general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.

  • 34%

    Dynamic strength

    Exercise for a long time without your muscles getting tired.

  • 29%

    Speech clarity

    Speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • 29%

    Speech recognition

    Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Activities

These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.

  • 74%

    Handling and moving objects

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.

  • 58%

    Doing physically active work

    Use your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.

  • 56%

    Building good relationships

    Building good working relationships and keeping them over time.

  • 56%

    Controlling equipment or machines

    Operating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).

  • 53%

    Working with mechanical equipment

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.

  • 51%

    Keeping your knowledge up-to-date

    Keeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.

  • 49%

    Planning and prioritising work

    Deciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.

  • 49%

    Making decisions and solving problems

    Using information to work out the best solution and solve problems.

  • 48%

    Thinking creatively

    Using your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.

  • 47%

    Checking compliance with standards

    Deciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • 46%

    Scheduling work and activities

    Working out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • 45%

    Monitoring people, processes and things

    Checking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.

  • 43%

    Helping and caring for others

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, or emotional support.

  • 42%

    Checking for errors or defects

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.

  • 42%

    Researching and investigating

    Looking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.

  • 40%

    Coaching and developing others

    Working out the needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or helping them to improve.

  • 40%

    Driving vehicles or equipment

    Running, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

  • 39%

    Looking for changes over time

    Comparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.

  • 37%

    Coordinating the work of a team

    Getting members of a group to work together to finish a task.

  • 37%

    Communicating within a team

    Giving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.

Interests and demands

Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.

Interests

Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.

  • 100%

    Practical

    Practical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

  • 62%

    Administrative

    Following set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.

  • 43%

    Analytical

    Ideas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.

  • 43%

    Creative

    Working with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.

  • 38%

    Enterprising

    Starting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.

  • 19%

    Helping

    Working with people. Helping or providing service to others.

Values

Work values are important to a person’s feeling of satisfaction. All six values are shown below.

  • 48%

    Relationships

    Serve and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.

  • 43%

    Support

    Supportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.

  • 43%

    Working conditions

    Job security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.

  • 38%

    Achievement

    Results oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.

  • 38%

    Independence

    Work alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.

  • 29%

    Recognition

    Advancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.

Demands

The physical and social demands that workers face most often are shown below:

  • 100%

    Outdoors, exposed to weather

    Work outdoors, exposed to the weather.

  • 95%

    Loud or uncomfortable sounds

    Be exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.

  • 95%

    Very hot or cold temperatures

    Work in very hot or cold temperatures.

  • 91%

    Wear common protective or safety equipment

    Wear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.

  • 89%

    Dangerous equipment

    Work near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.

  • 87%

    Spend time standing

    Spend time standing at work.

  • 85%

    Using your hands to handle, control, or feel

    Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.

  • 84%

    Exposure to contaminants

    Be exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.

  • 81%

    Physically close to people

    Work physically close to other people.

  • 80%

    Walking and running

    Spend time walking and running.

  • 80%

    Face-to-face discussions

    Talk with people face-to-face.

  • 80%

    Teamwork

    Work with people in a group or team.

  • 77%

    In an open vehicle or equipment

    Work in an open vehicle (e.g., a tractor).

  • 77%

    Pace of work set by equipment

    Pace of work depends on the speed of equipment or machinery.

  • 70%

    Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings

    Be exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.

  • 66%

    Health and safety of others

    Take responsibility for the health and safety of others.

  • 66%

    Angry or unpleasant people

    Deal with unpleasant, angry, or rude people.

  • 66%

    Time pressure

    Work to strict deadlines.

  • 64%

    In an enclosed vehicle or equipment

    Work in a closed vehicle (e.g., car).

  • 64%

    Conflict situations

    Deal with conflict or disagreements.

Occupational Information Network
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 37-3011.00 - Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers.

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