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What does a Yard Laborer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A yard laborer is responsible for performing a variety of manual tasks to maintain the grounds of a property. This may include mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and picking up debris. The yard laborer may also be responsible for shoveling snow in the winter and performing other general maintenance tasks as needed.

Yard Laborer job duties include:

  • Sweep, rake, and clear debris from sidewalks, parking lots, and other areas
  • Mow lawns and trim hedges
  • Plant flowers, trees, and shrubs
  • Water plants and grass
  • Remove snow from sidewalks and other areas
  • Paint fences, buildings, and other structures
  • Repair or replace damaged signs
  • Set up and take down tents and other structures for events
  • Load and unload trucks

Yard Laborer Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for a yard laborer, but on-the-job training is typically provided. Certification is not required, but Yard Laborers must have experience working with tools and machinery.

Yard Laborer Skills

  • Mowing
  • Weeding
  • Pruning
  • Raking
  • Digging
  • Hauling
  • Operating power equipment
  • Loading and unloading trucks
  • Spreading mulch or other materials
  • Installing edging or other landscaping features
  • Cleaning up debris

Related: Top Yard Laborer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Yard Laborer

A yard laborer is responsible for maintaining the grounds of a property. This may include mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and removing debris. Yard laborers typically work for landscaping companies, but may also be self-employed.

To become a yard laborer, one does not need any formal education or training. However, some basic knowledge of landscaping and horticulture may be helpful. Many yard laborers learn on the job, through on-the-job training from more experienced workers.

There are no specific physical requirements for the job, but yard laborers must be able to lift and carry heavy objects, such as bags of mulch or sacks of leaves. They must also be able to work in all weather conditions.

Yard laborers typically earn an hourly wage. Pay rates will vary depending on experience and location, but entry-level wages are typically around minimum wage.

Related: Yard Laborer Resume Example

Related: Yard Laborer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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