Opportunities for Landscape Gardeners through Training Visas with National Contractors

Thinking about starting a career as a landscape gardener but don’t have the experience or qualifications yet? Training visas provide a unique pathway for gaining on-the-job experience in the US landscape industry. We’ll explore the landscape gardener job market, training visa options through national contractors, the application process, and answers to frequently asked questions.

The Outlook for Landscape Gardeners in the US

The landscape services industry is continuing to grow across the United States, driving demand for skilled landscape gardeners. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of landscaping and groundskeeping workers is projected to increase by 20% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than average. This growth stems from several factors:

• Increasing construction of new homes and commercial developments that require landscape installation and maintenance services. From 2020-2030, over 7 million new homes are projected to be built.
• Population growth is expanding the number of households and businesses that hire landscape contractors for regular lawn and garden upkeep. The US population is expected to grow by over 18 million people in the next decade.
• Rising incomes enable more consumers and corporations to invest in professionally designed and installed landscaping features like water gardens, pathways, lighting, and outdoor kitchens.
• Growing emphasis on sustainability practices in land development, such as drought-tolerant planting, rain gardens, green infrastructure, and use of native plant species. This increases the demand for landscape professionals with relevant skills and certifications.
• Ongoing replacement market as older landscape installations age and need renovation or replacement. Established lawns, gardens, and hardscape have a typical lifespan of 15-25 years before requiring renovations.

With steady industry expansion projected nationwide, landscape companies must actively recruit new talent to meet rising customer needs. This growing landscape job market makes America an attractive destination for overseas gardeners seeking training and career opportunities through the H-2B visa program.

The H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Work Visa

Administered by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the H-2B visa category enables US employers to temporarily bring foreign nationals into non-seasonal or seasonal jobs that require less than a bachelor’s degree. Landscaping positions supported through this visa program span various roles:

• Landscape installation laborers for new construction projects like patios, retaining walls, ponds and water features, planting beds, and lawn installation.
• Maintenance gardeners are responsible for recurring services like mowing, edging, pruning, weeding, and irrigation system checks.
• Foremen are overseeing crew-based landscape projects and maintenance routes. Requires 2+ years of hands-on experience.

The H-2B process involves several steps for both the employer and prospective employee:

1. Employers must submit an application to the Department of Labor showing there are not enough US workers qualified and willing to do the temporary job.
2. If certified, the employer petitions USCIS for H-2B classification, and labor certification is granted.
3. Employer recruits and selects qualified candidates who must have a valid offer of temporary employment.
4. Candidate applies for H-2B visa at US embassy/consulate in home country after receiving certified job offer from approved employer.
5. If approved, the candidate receives a visa allowing single or multiple entries into the US for temporary landscape work for up to 10 months.
6. Employers provide housing and transportation within the US. Pay must equal or exceed the prevailing wage rate.
7. Visa can be extended within a maximum 3 year period, but the worker must depart the US for the required time before reapplying.

Through a multi-step review, the program aims to prevent displacing US workers while filling a need for qualified foreign labor. For overseas gardeners, it opens the door to valuable on-the-job training with established landscape companies.

National Firms Sponsoring Landscape Trainees

Several respected national landscape corporations actively sponsor H-2B visa candidates each year to train as emerging landscape professionals. These sizeable employers are continually expanding operations across numerous states:

BrightView Landscapes

As the largest professionally managed commercial landscape services company in North America, BrightView has operations in over 20 US states and annually sponsors dozens of H-2B visa candidates. Their extensive network provides exposure to a wide range of landscape installation and maintenance projects. BrightView offers structured on-boarding programs, safety training, certifications preparatory classes, and performance reviews. Visa workers gain well-rounded experience applicable to future landscape careers.

Davey Tree Expert Co.

Employee-owned Davey Tree has served residential and commercial customers for over 150 years through a network of over 100 locations nationwide. They sponsor multiple visa candidates annually for landscape construction, tree care, and gardening roles. Extensive internal training programs develop core skills in various aspects of arboriculture, horticulture and project management. Overseas workers gain credentials and contacts for future landscape industry employment.

ValleyCrest Companies

As a leading provider of tree, vegetation and landscape maintenance services, ValleyCrest has a large national footprint with over 50 branch offices. Through a dedicated trainee program, they sponsor visas for hardworking candidates seeking long-term landscape careers. Comprehensive in-house training, mentoring relationships, and promotions from within empower visa holders to build an impressive professional portfolio.

Gentle Breeze Company

A prominent irrigation, landscape lighting and water feature design-build contractor in the Western US, Gentle Breeze takes on several H-2B trainees each season. Hands-on experience with sophisticated residential and commercial landscape installation projects teaches applicable technical skills. Trainees gain NGIC and CID certified irrigation training for future employment opportunities.

The Application and Selection Process

Applying for an H-2B training visa sponsored by one of these large national landscape firms involves meeting minimum requirements and navigating an extensive selection process:

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent degree
• Speak, read and write basic English
• Pass a background check
• Meet medical exam and visa interview requirements
• Commit to full-time seasonal or temporary placement

Steps

1. Research approved employer profiles, positions and programs online
2. Submit application and credentials package directly to employer
3. Pass initial phone screening by employer recruiters
4. Advance to remote video interview round with supervisory staff
5. If selected, employer files H-2B petition and labor certification
6. Schedule consulate interview after visa petition is approved
7. Receive certified job offer letter if visa and medical clearance granted
8. Plan relocation to assigned work location upon receiving H-2B visa

The process is competitive requiring determination, strong qualifications, and readiness to relocate for the temporary landscape job. With the right preparation and positive interview impressions, motivated candidates can secure these coveted sponsored training opportunities.

Benefits of an H-2B Landscape Training Visa

These temporary work visas offer distinct advantages for gaining experience in the US landscape industry:

• Structured onboarding and training: Employers provide thorough safety, technical and soft skills development programs.
• Career mentoring: Supervisors and mentors guide professional growth throughout the program term.
• Diverse project exposure: Rotations across multiple crews, sites and work types build well-rounded experience.
• Credential and certification assistance: Employers help trainees pursue relevant certifications.
• Strong industry connections: Developing relationships with a large national company benefits future job search.
• Competitive wages & housing: Pay meets or exceeds local standards with accommodations provided.
• Possible visa extensions: High performers may qualify to stay longer with repeat sponsors.
• Pathway to permanent residency: Experience can strengthen future green card applications through other programs.

Overall, these trainee programs through major US landscape contractors offer world-class applied training unavailable elsewhere. Graduates receive a proven launching point for long-term landscape careers stateside or abroad.