Exploring Careers in Green Space Management, Parks & Landscaping (UK)

As towns and cities across the UK invest in wellbeing, biodiversity, and climate resilient infrastructure, careers in green space management, parks, landscaping and groundskeeping are increasingly relevant. These roles play a vital part in creating and maintaining spaces that improve quality of life, boost ecological health, and support sustainability agendas.

What Are Green Space Careers?

Green space careers involve managing, designing and maintaining outdoor environments such as parks, public gardens, sports pitches, heritage landscapes and urban forests. These jobs range from hands on maintenance to specialist design, environmental stewardship and strategic management.

Many of these roles are classed as “green jobs” because they support environmental sustainability.

Typical Roles and Pathways

1. Groundskeeping & Maintenance
Role: Grounds workers and maintenance staff keep parks, public gardens and landscapes healthy, functional and attractive.
Salary: Entry level roles commonly start between £19,000 and £30,000 per year.

2. Landscaping & Horticulture
Role: Landscape operatives, horticultural workers and garden designers help plan, build and cultivate outdoor spaces.
Salary: Salaries vary widely, from around £16,000 £20,000 for new entrants up to £35,000+ for experienced landscapers.

3. Urban Forestry & Tree Management
Role: Arborists and urban forestry officers care for trees, woodlands and urban canopies.
Salary: Starting arborist roles are around £25,000+, with experienced specialists earning up to £50,000 or more.

4. Parks & Recreational Green Space Management
At a managerial level, local authorities and organisations recruit specialists to lead entire parks or ecology teams. For example, Parks, Landscape and Ecology Managers in councils are advertised at around £47,000 £51,000 per year.

5. Landscape Architecture & Consultancy
Role: Landscape architects and management consultants combine design, planning and sustainability expertise.
Salary: Market rates for landscape architects often range from £30,000 to £55,000+.