Free Position Description (Landscaper) Template

Purpose of the Free Position Description (Landscaper) Template

A well-crafted position description is a foundational tool for any business, and in the physically demanding landscaping industry, it's essential for both operational clarity and workplace safety. This Free Position Description (Landscaper) Template provides a structured starting point for defining the role, responsibilities, and performance expectations for your landscaping staff.

It goes beyond a simple list of tasks to integrate crucial Work Health and Safety (WHS) accountabilities, helping to foster a strong safety culture from day one.

Using a clear position description helps attract the right candidates during recruitment, sets clear expectations during onboarding, and provides a benchmark for performance management. For landscapers, this includes specifying duties related to the safe operation of equipment, handling of hazardous substances, managing sun exposure, and performing manual tasks safely.

Clearly articulating these WHS duties helps meet your legal obligations as a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) to provide a safe working environment.

How to use the Free Position Description (Landscaper) Template

This template is designed to be adapted to the unique context of your business. It is formatted for easy editing in Microsoft Word (DOCX), with a PDF version also available for straightforward distribution and printing.

To get started:

• Download the DOCX file.
• Carefully read through each section, including the role summary, key responsibilities, and WHS duties.
• Customise the content by adding your company name, reporting lines, and specific details about the equipment, tools, and chemicals used in your operations.
• Adjust the qualifications and experience required to match the seniority and specialisation of the role you are hiring for.
• Consult with experienced team members or supervisors to ensure the responsibilities listed are accurate and reflect the practical realities of the job.

Important: This document is a template and must be customised to your specific workplace, equipment, and state or territory regulations. We strongly recommend a thorough review to ensure it aligns with your operational needs and existing safety procedures before implementation.

Key Inclusions in the Template

Our template provides a comprehensive framework covering the essential components of a modern landscaping role. It prompts you to define:

• Primary Purpose: A high-level summary of the role's contribution to the organisation.
• Key Responsibilities: Details on horticultural tasks, garden maintenance, hardscaping, client communication, and teamwork.
• WHS Accountabilities: Specific duties such as participating in risk assessments, using PPE, reporting hazards, and following safe work procedures for high-risk activities. Defining these duties is a critical part of your safety framework, and expert WHS consulting can help ensure they are robust and practical.
• Qualifications & Experience: Space to list required licenses (e.g., driver's licence, chemical handling), certifications, and desired practical experience.
• Behavioural Competencies: Attributes like reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to safe work behaviour.

When to use it

A position description is a dynamic document that should be used throughout the employment lifecycle. It is most valuable when:

• Recruiting and advertising for a new landscaper.
• Onboarding a new employee to clarify their role and responsibilities.
• Conducting performance reviews and setting goals.
• Planning for training and development needs.
• Reviewing roles and responsibilities as part of updates to your WHS management systems.
• Restructuring teams or changing job functions.

Who should use it

This template is designed for anyone responsible for managing staff and safety in a landscaping, horticulture, or grounds maintenance business. This includes:

• Business Owners and Directors
• Human Resources (HR) Managers
• WHS/OHS Managers and Advisors
• Operations Managers and Team Leaders

Integrating this document into your management system helps ensure that safety responsibilities are clearly assigned and understood at all levels. Businesses seeking certification under international standards might find our ISO 45001 consulting services beneficial in aligning such documents with formal system requirements.

Ensuring these roles are actioned correctly can be verified as part of regular WHS compliance auditing activities. You can find more templates like this in our free WHS resources library.