skillfactor-pipeline/skills/curator-of-horticulture/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — curator of horticulture

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 37-3011.00 (Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers).

Task statements

• [Core] Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws.
• [Core] Mow or edge lawns, using power mowers or edgers.
• [Core] Care for established lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing, removing thatch, or trimming or edging around flower beds, walks, or walls.
• [Core] Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.
• [Core] Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws.
• [Core] Gather and remove litter.
• [Core] Mix and spray or spread fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs, or trees, using hand or automatic sprayers or spreaders.
• [Core] Water lawns, trees, or plants, using portable sprinkler systems, hoses, or watering cans.
• [Core] Trim or pick flowers and clean flower beds.
• [Core] Rake, mulch, and compost leaves.
• [Core] Follow planned landscaping designs to determine where to lay sod, sow grass, or plant flowers or foliage.
• [Core] Plant seeds, bulbs, foliage, flowering plants, grass, ground covers, trees, or shrubs, and apply mulch for protection, using gardening tools.
• [Core] Decorate gardens with stones or plants.
• [Core] Attach wires from planted trees to support stakes.
• [Supplemental] Shovel snow from walks, driveways, or parking lots, and spread salt in those areas.
• [Supplemental] Maintain or repair tools, equipment, or structures, such as buildings, greenhouses, fences, or benches, using hand or power tools.
• [Supplemental] Provide proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters, burial sites, or other grounds features.
• [Supplemental] Maintain irrigation systems, including winterizing the systems and starting them up in spring.
• [Supplemental] Care for natural turf fields, making sure the underlying soil has the required composition to allow proper drainage and to support the grasses.
• [Supplemental] Use irrigation methods to adjust the amount of water consumption and to prevent waste.
• [Supplemental] Haul or spread topsoil, or spread straw over seeded soil to hold soil in place.
• [Supplemental] Advise customers on plant selection or care.
• [Supplemental] Care for artificial turf fields, periodically removing the turf and replacing cushioning pads or vacuuming and disinfecting the turf after use to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• [Supplemental] Plan or cultivate lawns or gardens.
• [Supplemental] Install rock gardens, ponds, decks, drainage systems, irrigation systems, retaining walls, fences, planters, or playground equipment.
• [Supplemental] Build forms and mix and pour cement to form garden borders.

Detailed work activities

• Build construction forms or molds.
• Clean facilities or sites.
• Cultivate lawns, turf, or gardens.
• Decorate indoor or outdoor spaces.
• Dispose of trash or waste materials.
• Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.
• Evaluate reports or designs to determine work needs.
• Inspect buildings or grounds to determine condition.
• Install equipment to protect or support trees.
• Install fencing or other barriers.
• Install masonry materials.
• Irrigate lawns, trees, or plants.
• Maintain equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Operate grounds maintenance equipment.
• Plant greenery to improve landscape appearance.
• Prepare chemicals for work application.
• Provide information about landscaping services or costs.
• Remove debris from work sites.
• Remove snow.
• Treat greenery or surfaces with protective substances.
• Trim trees or other vegetation.