Landscaping Apprentice

Lavoro USA; West Union (IA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Lavoro USA in Iowa is seeking a Landscaping Apprentice to support daily outdoor projects for residential and commercial clients. You will assist with patios, walls, planting, grading, and seasonal tasks, while learning a skilled trade from the owner. No prior landscaping experience required beyond reliability and a strong work ethic.

This hands-on apprenticeship emphasizes safety, equipment operation, and steady skill growth through real-site practice and coaching.

Qualifications

• Reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs and perform physical labor for extended periods.
• Must pass a background check and sex offender registry check.
• Must be a non-smoker during work hours and on job sites.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Assist the owner with daily landscaping and hardscaping tasks.
• Support installation of patios, retaining walls, edging, river rock, planting projects.
• Help with seeding, grading, and lawn establishment.
• Learn and assist with operating equipment such as mini excavators, skid loaders, compaction equipment, small engines, saws.

Skills

Reliable transportation

Outdoor work

Strong work ethic

Physical stamina

Background check clearance

Non-smoker

Instruction following

Job description

Position Summary

Our client in Northeast Iowa's focus is Quality, Results-based relationships, and Trust. The Landscaping Apprentice supports the business owner in delivering high‑quality landscape products and services for residential and commercial clients. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on outdoor work, variety in daily tasks, and learning a skilled trade. No prior landscaping experience is required — only a strong work ethic, reliability, and a willingness to learn as we go.

Our prestigious client began in 2019 and is built on helping customers bring their ideas to life. The apprentice plays a key role in that mission by assisting with projects that range from patios and retaining walls to planting, grading, and seasonal work.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the owner with daily landscaping and hardscaping tasks


• Support installation of patios, retaining walls, edging, river rock, planting projects, among others


• Help with seeding, grading, and lawn establishment


• Learn and assist with operating equipment such as but not limited to:
  
  
  
  • Mini excavators
  
  
  • Skid loaders
  
  
  • Compaction equipment
  
  
  • Small engines
  
  
  • Saws, weed eaters, concrete saws
  
  
  
  


• Load, unload, and move materials on job sites


• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas


• Follow instructions and ask questions to build skill and confidence


• Assist with equipment cleaning and maintenance, especially during off‑season periods


• Represent the company professionally with customers and the community


• Other duties as assigned

Training & Development

This is a hands‑on apprenticeship. You are not expected to know everything on day one. You will:

• Learn the landscaping trade directly from the owner


• Build skills in hardscaping, equipment operation, and job‑site workflow


• Receive coaching and feedback to support growth into more advanced roles


• Gain experience across a wide variety of projects and customer needs

Work Schedule & Season

• 40 hours minimum per week


• Standard schedule: 4 days × 10 hours (with a potential 5th day if business demands)


• Primary season: April – November, weather dependent


• Off‑season work includes equipment cleaning, maintenance, and shop organization

Required Qualifications

• Reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license


• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions


• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn


• Ability to lift up to 60 and perform physical labor for extended periods


• Must pass a background check and sex offender registry check


• Must be a non‑smoker during work hours and on job sites


• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in landscaping, farm work, construction, or outdoor labor


• Familiarity with hand tools or small equipment


• Interest in long‑term growth in landscaping or hardscaping

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Outdoor work in heat, cold, rain, and uneven terrain


• Frequent bending, lifting, carrying, digging, and equipment operation


• Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay based on experience


• Overtime opportunities during peak season

Potential for year‑round employment depending on workload

EEO & MILITARY EMPLOYER!