Yes, you read that right. There’s still a need for landscapers despite the ongoing pandemic. Many landscapers are now turning to an online landscaping job to remain safe and continue working at present, similar to other architects.
Being a virtual landscaper isn’t a contradictory statement as one may think, as there’s more to their jobs than trimming hedges and making topiaries. Landscape designers and architects are responsible for designing attractive and functional parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces.
Other duties and responsibilities of virtual landscapers include:
- Drawing base plans from hand-written of the property with the aid of photos and blueprints.
- Trace printed base plans from a surveyor, adding garden beds, lawns, and paved areas specified by the design.
- Convert the designer’s sketches, marked-up PDFs, notes, and callouts to a design drawing.
- Prepare graphic representations of plans using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software.
- Rework and modify designs based on the client’s feedback.
The salary range for an entry-level full-time online landscaping job ranges from Php 25,000 to Php 28,000. This can increase to Php 60,000 for an experienced online landscaper.
Of course, transitioning from your traditional work environment to an online one isn’t easy. Doing online drafting while your family is causing a racket is just one of the many things you’ll have to get used to in this new work setup. To help you adjust better, here are some tips to increase your efficiency while working remotely.
Keep Up to Date With the Latest Tools for Your Job
As a virtual landscaper, you may realize that some of the tools you’re more familiar with may not be as efficient in an online setup. Fortunately, there are many virtual design tools available for you that can help in your work. Tools such as Sketch Free, Gardena’s My Garden, and DreamPlan Home Design lets you construct virtual, 3-d sketches of outdoor spaces.
With these tools, online drafting is now easier. Now you can design accurate and complete plans for your clients without needing your pen and tracing paper. But downloading and having these software tools is one thing; knowing how to use them to their full potential is another.
Fortunately, there are plenty of Youtube tutorials available for you to view if you need any help. These tutorials contain the things you need to know about your design tool and how to use it. Watching these save you time on learning them by yourself.
Make Sure Your Workstation Suits Your Needs
One of the most important things you’ll need for your online landscaping job is an efficient workstation. An efficient workstation is one where you can move without worrying about bumping into anything and where all your tools are easily accessible. An ergonomic workstation allows you to work without tiring yourself in just moving around your workspace.
Aside from this, your workstation must also have a calming ambiance in it, as it reduces stress while you work. After all, nobody wants to work in a place where they don’t feel comfortable now, do they? Make sure to also regularly clean your workstation sot that it’s free from litter as well.
Follow All Health Protocols When Going Outside
With the pandemic still raging, the best way to help contain it is to remain at home unless necessary. But because being a landscape designer or architect requires you to be present on the site, going outside becomes inevitable.
If you are going outside, properly wear your facemask, and if required, your face shield as well. Doing so will protect you from catching Covid while traveling or on the site, as well as your loved ones. Yes, it is a hassle but compared to risking your life by going out without protection? It’s more than worth it.
If possible, get vaccinated as soon as possible before going outside of your house. Doing so increases your resistance to the virus. And it also lessens your chance of getting seriously sick if you do catch covid as well.
Ensure That You Have a Stable Internet Connection
Another essential requirement for a successful online landscaping job is a stable and fast internet connection. From communicating with your clients to keeping up with new lockdown announcements, you will depend greatly on your internet connection to remain connected with the world.
So how do you ensure you have a stable internet connection? Well, that’s the hard part, as there’s not much you can do aside from getting a good internet service provider. Still, it’s not all that bad, as recent studies have shown that the average internet speed in the country is increasing, albeit slowly. You can also get a pocket wifi if you feel that you need it as well.
Conclusion
Although it takes some getting used to, an online landscaping job can be the perfect alternative to traditional working, during and even after the pandemic. This work setup saves you both the stress of commuting and gives you more time with your family.
So if you’re considering working on this kind of setup, the tips in this article will help you. Sure, they’re just soft skills, but without them, your knowledge and work skills will do you no good. Balancing both will allow you to work at your best and avoid unnecessary stress.
