Sierra Smith

I started in the green industry two years ago with R.M. Landscape. When I began this was a temporary position, somewhere I could learn. I had many concerns about my role and had misconceptions about the industry. At the time I was attending college for the construction industry, and I had my heart set on being a contractor.

The reason I applied for the position was I saw on their website larger equipment that I could learn to use, which would be helpful in my pursuit of the construction industry. I was excited to see the company was willing to accept people without experience and was willing to train.

When I told other people outside of the industry, they thought I would hate the job. Like myself, they thought it was just cutting lawns and what type of career is that? I feared I would not be accepted because I was a minority and a woman. I feared being a woman without experience in the industry, I would be walked all over. I questioned if I would be able keep up and make the needed lifestyle changes. I had not worked in an industry like this before. I was not experienced, did not know how to run equipment; this required a disciplined lifestyle change of early mornings and long hours.

So what changed?

Within two years I am now a field manager. I manage all of our high-end horticultural detail, pruning, annual displays, assist with landscape enhancements, snow removal and more. I love my job and this industry. None of this would have been possible without my fears turning to fascination.

That fascination grew because of my peers, my management, my company and the networks I joined. I learned of all the different avenues the green industry offers; I learned that green industry is far more than just lawns which fascinated me.

My peers accepted me, they worked with me and supported me as I learned new skills. I feel heard and respected by my fellow team members and it was vital to my success.

My company and management have provided me with the tools and the space to learn. They not only taught me the skills and different avenues within the industry but also allowed me to make mistakes. What else was essential for my success at the company was their values. They ensure that as a woman and a minority, I feel accepted as well as supported. I cannot stress enough how valuable it is to employees that you invest in them. Management needs to be supportive and allow for an open line of communication. This was crucial to the success that I have achieved and blossomed my interest in the industry.

Finally, my company connected me to a much larger network of people. This truly solidified my decision to want to stay in this industry. I was connected to NALP and WILN through my company. What stood out to me was the WILN supported each other, provided mentoring and so many resources to help build one another. This was not something I had experienced in other professions.

I want people, especially women and minorities, to not be discouraged about joining the industry. This industry can provide you not only training that you can use in a variety of industries but has countless opportunities for growth. If you are an employer or a manager, take people without experience; take a chance and invest in them. You will build a team stronger than you ever expected.

Women in Landscaping is a column brought to you in partnership with the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Sierra Smith is an active member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals Women in Landscape Network (powered by Envu) which provides a forum for industry professionals to support each other’s professional growth. The Network is free to all industry professionals.