Horticulturist

Think

The man who has planted a garden feels that he has done something for the good of the world. 

Charles Dudley Warner 
Horticulturist

In A Nutshell

I use my expert knowledge of plants, crops, trees, and turfgrass to coach others on the best ways to grow various things.

I organize research projects to try to determine whether there are better ways to grow plants. 

I find ways to increase the yield and taste of crops, the success of flowers, or the health of turfgrass.

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Potential Salary Range

$32,000 - 38,000 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
Saskwatchewan

I have a lot of variety in my work environment. Sometimes I’m working in a greenhouse tending to plants, some days I’m outside working hands-on in gardens, and some days I’m at a desk writing reports and emailing professionals and customers.

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Prepare soil and plant seeds, or use other techniques to propagate plants
  • Tend to plants by watering and fertilizing them
  • Organize a team to help with the harvest of plants
  • Research new varieties of crops and flowers and decide how best to make them grow
  • Sell plants and provide services to customers
  • Give advice to businesses and individuals on how best to grow and maintain plants

Education & Training

  • Most jobs require a university degree or college diploma in horticulture, agronomy, or plant science. Some jobs also require a designation as a professional agronomist. 
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Job Outlook

    Experts predict that there will be some tough competition for horticulturist positions, as there will likely be fewer job openings than there are people to fill them.

Related School Subjects

Science
Ed. Prof. et Tech.
Career Education

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Plants Greenhouse Gardening Growing

Important Skills

Detail-Oriented icon

Detail-Oriented

Our understanding of how to best grow plants changes constantly, and as a horticulturist it’s important to be curious and open minded about learning new things. 

interpersonal-man-people-communication-Relation

Interpersonal

Whether I’m talking with other researchers, growers, or the public, it’s important that I’m friendly and approachable.

Mechanical

Horticulture often uses different types of equipment like irrigation systems or other specialized machines, so it’s helpful to be mechanically inclined and enjoy working with your hands. 

Planning

Working with plants takes a ton of planning and organization, so people that are naturally good at time management would be great in this role.  

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Helps Others
Rewarding
Improves and Protects the Environment
Making a Difference in the World
Seasonality
Work Changes Daily