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Landscape & Natural Resources
This program is designed to help students develop a wide range of skills needed for jobs in the horticulture, landscaping, environmental, and forestry industries.
This newly formed program has blended the previous Environmental Occupations and Landscape Management programs to better serve our students and the employers in our communities.
Instructors
John Kreitzer
Level I & II Instructor
kreitzerj@uppervalleycc.org
937.778.1980 x217
Jim Metz
Instructor Level II
metzj@uppervalleycc.org
937.778.1980 x748
Michaella Quinter
Instructor Level I
quinterm@uppervalleycc.org
937.778.8763 x732
What We Do in Landscape & Natural Resources
Skills for the Future
Landscape Drafting & Design
Landscape Installation
Business Ownership
Greenhouse and Hydroponic Growing
Plant Identification
Equipment Safety and Operation
Operating a tractor
Reading and interpretation of maps
Guiding nature and museum tours
Using tree-climbing equipment
Using wildlife management skills
Using a chainsaw safely
Conducting prescribed burns
Caring for trees
Climbing and rigging for tree removal
Hunting, boater, ATV, and trapping certifications
Cutting and splitting firewood
Being environmentally aware
Identifying waterfowl
Operating a skid loader
Making maple syrup
Constructing museum exhibits
Landscape & Natural Resources is...
Construction
Plumbing - irrigation and water features
Electrical - landscape lighting
Carpentry - pergolas, decks, and other landscape structures
Engineering
Implement the skills and knowledge learned to provide solutions for landscaping and hardscaping projects
Art & Design
Design, create, and bring out the natural beauty of outdoor spaces
Create functional and eye-appealing solutions to client spaces
A Viable, Full-time Career
Jobs are abundant in this field. Companies are currently turning down thousands of dollars in work each year work due to a lack of technicians.
Many landscaping companies are offering college scholarship opportunities for their employees.
Careers in landscape management are year-round opportunities and not simply warm-weather jobs
Career Development
Career Opportunities
Nursery | Greenhouse Technician
Landscape Construction or Designer
Park Maintenance | Park Manager
Tree Service | Urban Forestry
Irrigation or Water Quality Technician
Park Ranger | Wildlife Officer
Wildlife or Fisheries Technician
Business Owner | Entrepreneur
Industry Outlook
There are over 60,000 landscape professional jobs available each year with salaries ranging from $35,000 to well over $115,000.
Source: National Association of Landscape Professionals
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students who qualify have the opportunity to participate in one of three options for career development during their senior year. All three programs allow students to work within their career field while attending school on a modified schedule, so you they gain skills, experience and competitive wages.
College Credit Agreements
Clark State Community College - up to 4 semester hours
Edison State Community College - up to 4 semester hours
CTAG - up to 6 semester hours
Many landscape companies are offering college scholarships to employees who sign with them
Professional Certifications & Training
Chainsaw, Skid Steer, and Tractor Operator
Ohio Certified Nursery Technician
Pesticide Applicator’s License
Hunter Safety & Trapper Education
Ohio Safe Boater License
Certified Paver Installer
ATV Rider Course