Associate of Science in Landscape and Parks Maintenance Specialist Merritt College

The Landscape and Parks Maintenance Specialist Associate in Science degree program provides additional training for students interested in working in the field of landscape and parks maintenance. The curriculum provides advanced studies in horticulture, plant ID, and maintenance practices, and provides foundational training for working for parks and recreation departments, golf courses, public works, landscape maintenance companies, or starting one’s own landscape maintenance business.

To qualify for the Associate in Science in Landscape and Parks Maintenance Specialist degree, students must satisfactorily complete the Degree Major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS General Education requirements.

Note: Students must satisfactorily complete the Level B Intermediate Landscape and Parks Maintenance certificate requirements to qualify for the Level C Landscape and Parks Maintenance Specialist Associate in Science degree.

Peralta Colleges/Faiza Ali

Students who complete the degree or certificate will be able to:

• Maintain landscapes to maximize their basic human comfort and livability.
• Maintain landscapes to support regional ecology, low water use, and sustainable potential in Bay Area environments.
• Employ maintenance practices that minimize the use of power tools, dumping of green waste, and vehicle use.

Note: Students should see a counselor at least once each semester to plan for their educational goal(s).

Program Requirements

Major Core Courses

Level B Intermediate Landscape Parks and Maintenance Required Units: 30

• Horticultural Equipment Operation, Maintenance, and Repair 2

Major Elective Courses

Group A: Select one plant ID courses for 3 units from the following (select course(s) not previously taken):

LANHT 2; 2E; 3; 3E; 4; 4E; 5A; 5B; 5EA; 5EB; 6A; 6B; 6EA; 6EB; 7; 7E; 40; 40E 3

Group B: Select one course for 3 units from the following (select course(s) not previously taken):

• Insects: Identification and Management 3
• Plant Diseases and Their Control 3
• Weeds in the Urban Landscape 3

Group C: Select one course for 3 units from the following (select course(s) not previously taken):

• Soil Management 3
• Plant Nutrition 3

Recommended Courses

• Integrated Pest Management (1)
• Landscape Business Practices (3)

Major Requirements 41

Total Units 60

Students have also successfully started their own specialty nurseries. Students who successfully complete the advanced certificate in the Landscape and Parks Maintenance track can find employment with city parks or other municipal departments or with commercial landscape firms. Many students work either independently or with landscape maintenance companies.