Gardening helper NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for gardening helper.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for gardening helper is 85121 (Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers), a TEER 5 occupation — not skilled work for FSW or CEC.
NOC code
85121
TEER 5 · not skilled for FSW/CEC
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 85121 covers
Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers perform work to assist in the construction of landscapes and related structures, and to maintain lawns, gardens, athletic fields, golf courses, cemeteries, parks, landscaped interiors and other landscaped areas. They are employed by landscaping and lawn care companies, golf courses, cemeteries, and landscaping operations of public works departments and private establishments.
| Unit group | 85121 — Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 5 — usually short-term work demonstration and no formal education |
| Broad category | Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Spread top soil, lay sod, plant flowers, grass, shrubs and trees and perform other duties to assist with the construction of a landscape and related structures
- Cut grass, rake, aerate, dethatch, fertilize and water lawns, weed gardens, prune shrubs and trees and perform other maintenance duties as directed by supervisor
- Maintain lawns and grass along roadsides
- Operate and maintain power mowers, tractors, chain saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, pruning saws, snowblowers and other landscape maintenance equipment
- Spray and dust trees, shrubs, lawns and gardens, as directed, to control insects and disease
- Perform other manual duties to clean and maintain landscaped environments.
To use NOC 85121 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 85121 →
Other job titles under NOC 85121
- Cemetery labourer
- Golf course worker
- Grass cutter
- Grounds maintenance worker
- Landscape labourer
- Park maintenance labourer
- Bulb planter - landscaping
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 85121, one of these may fit better:
- Aircraft mechanic helper — NOC 75119 (Other trades helpers and labourers, TEER 5)
- Bartender helper — NOC 65201 (Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations, TEER 5)
- Belt builder helper — NOC 95104 (Labourers in rubber and plastic products manufacturing, TEER 5)
- Bindery helper — NOC 95109 (Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities, TEER 5)
- Blacksmith helper — NOC 95101 (Labourers in metal fabrication, TEER 5)
- Bricklayer helper — NOC 75110 (Construction trades helpers and labourers, TEER 5)
- Cable installer helper — NOC 75119 (Other trades helpers and labourers, TEER 5)
- Carpenter helper — NOC 75110 (Construction trades helpers and labourers, TEER 5)
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for gardening helper?+
In NOC 2021, "gardening helper" is an example title in unit group 85121 — Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers. It is a TEER 5 occupation in the "Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations" broad category.
Is gardening helper eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 85121 is TEER 5. IRCC only counts TEER 0–3 work as skilled experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class, so this work generally won't qualify for those programs on its own. Some provincial programs accept TEER 4–5 work.
Does gardening helper get extra CRS points?+
NOC 85121 isn't on IRCC's high-wage list, so there are no extra high-wage or job offer points. Canadian work-length points still apply for TEER 0–3 work.
Can a gardening helper get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 85121 isn't on any of IRCC's current category-based selection lists. You can still be invited in general, Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program rounds.
What if my job title says gardening helper but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 85121. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.