Cleaning and maintenance companies, but also communities, real estate agencies and trustees, industrial sites, retirement homes, sports facilities call on green space maintenance agents (maintenance of parks, lawns, sports grounds, etc.).
HIS MISSIONS
the pruning of shrubs, hedges … taking into account the type of plants, the desired height … It can give shrubs a particular shape, we then speak of ornamental pruning. He must be able to have a legal approach to know what it is possible to do at the property boundary with regard to branches, fruits, shade;
treatment (fertilizer, weedkiller, etc.) of soils and plants . To apply phytosanitary products, you must hold a
watering and maintenance of the watering system (which must be restarted and adjusted after winter);
land clearing ;
maintenance of planting areas : hoeing of beds, collection of leaves, removal of dead plants, stripping of
Pruning and felling are part of the maintenance activity . Some companies specialize only in this sector.
The landscape worker (sometimes called “pruner”):
prepares his site and his intervention in the tree (because going up and down the tree too frequently wastes time and takes risks). He identifies and selects the branches requiring intervention.
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cuts the branches (using saws or chainsaws) according to the chosen pruning: formation pruning (to give a silhouette to young trees), maintenance pruning, accompanying pruning (for trees that have reached the maximum development)…
heals trees by cleaning wounds or rubbing balm over them to help with healing.
cuts down trees that require it or implements consolidation methods (staying: cables are fixed in the ground and connected to maintain the trunk).
Pruning and felling are done at height (so don’t be dizzy), either by being roped or on a basket. The pruner is always accompanied by a person who stays on the ground to ensure his safety, evacuate the branches…
IN LOCAL AUTHORITIES
A green space maintenance agent can work in a local authority (town hall in particular) by passing a competition (competition for 1st class technical assistant) or by being recruited directly (we then speak of recruitment without competition). He generally works in a team and mainly does maintenance.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Travel is frequent for construction sites . The B license is therefore essential , the EB license (trailer) is often requested . The C license is a plus (It authorizes the driving of vehicles used for the transport of goods or equipment whose total authorized weight (PTAC) is greater than 7.5 tonnes. Obtaining it is subject to conditions of age, categories of permits already obtained and success in an exam, etc.).
The green space maintenance worker works most of his time outdoors, in all weathers (rain, cold, snow, wind, heat, etc.) . He sometimes happens to work in the workshop (for the maintenance of the tools)and in the greenhouse (when the company produces its own plants).
To exercise this profession, it is essential not to be allergic to products (used in particular for treatment) or to pollen.
Work on machinery (mini-excavator, mower) is frequent , so you must hold certain CACES . The green space maintenance agent must indeed be able to drive a certain number of construction machines for driving tractors and small mobile construction machines;
If the green space maintenance agent is alone for certain tasks , he often works as a team .
Finally, the nature and the workload vary according to the seasons .
REQUIRED QUALITIES
Know the plants, flowers, essences, trees, diseases …
Mastery of basic masonry techniques and ability to interpret a plan .
Rigor and care : you have to work cleanly and meticulously to obtain a result that will please the client.
Team spirit : it is a profession where the progress and efficiency of work depend on that of others.
Autonomy : you have to know how to manage your time, solve the problems that arise.
Versatility : a green space agent must know how to do everything (maintenance, creation, pruning, etc.).
TRAINING AND ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT
This profession is accessible with a CAP/BEP green space maintenance officer, agricultural horticulture, landscaping, …
It is also accessible with a convincing professional experience in the sector without any particular diploma .
A professional baccalaureate or an Agricultural BTS in horticulture, landscaping , etc. may be requested for management functions.
Recruitment can be open on a seasonal, fixed-term or vacation contract .
The job can be done in direct integration, without competition , in the grade of maintenance agent oron competition with conditions of diploma according to the framework of employment: technical agent
One or more Certificate(s) of Aptitude for Safe Driving (CACES) conditioned by medical fitness to be renewed periodically may be required :
CAREER EVOLUTION
The green space maintenance agent (or landscape worker) can evolve as a team leader or can set up on his own to become a company manager.
