There are many options for someone looking for landscape design jobs. Many people in this field are self-employed, though the majority still work for a company as an employee. In almost all states, a license is required, which means there are educational guidelines. The following is an overview of landscape design jobs that you can use to learn more about this occupation.

Type of Work

Anyone is a landscaping job will be working a lot outside. Landscape designers create landscape plans for various structures, including commercial and residential. They may also design roadways and the building of walkways in cities. A landscape designer may also work on rebuilding nature areas, like wetlands and forests that have been disturbed. They may work for themselves in their own business or they may work for a real estate developer, government agency or a firm, to mention a few job possibilities.

Skills and Education

A license is required in 49 states to be a landscape designer. Most licensing requirements specify that a degree in landscape architecture is required. It may also require work experience and passing an exam. Some states even require continuing education.

Anyone interested in working in landscape design jobs should like the outdoors. They should be good at working with their hands and have good creative thinking skills. The basic skills needed for landscape design jobs include:

- analytical skills
- creative vision
- artistic talent
- good communication skills
- computer skills
- people skills

In this job you may need to work with special computer programs. You may have to learn how to work with drafting tools and other drawing tools. You should have the ability to visualize something and then draw it. This type of job is based largely on being able to visual and create, but it also is deeply rooted in being precise with dimensions and measurements. You have to be creative but at the same time you have to be exact. You will have to be exact in measurements so you can create a landscape plan that is a replica of the area to be landscaped. It is not a skill everyone has.

Employment Outlook

Most of the  jobs available are with architectural and engineering companies. Government jobs also offer a lot of opportunity. Most jobs are located in urban or suburban areas. The expected job growth for this professional is expected to be rather good with more than average growth into 2016. However, employment is largely based upon the real estate and construction markets.

In general, if you like the outdoors, have a creative ability and live in an urban area then landscape design jobs may be a good fit for you. There are landscape designers all over the country, though, so even if you are in a rural area you may still find a nice amount of work. This profession is varied from area to area. The only real way to see if it is the job for you is to search for jobs and possible training positions where you can get hands on experience before you make your final decision.