Horticulturist
On this page
- What's it like to be a Horticulturist?
- How to become a Horticulturist
- Latest Horticulturist jobs
- Top skills and experience for Horticulturists
What's it like to be a Horticulturist?
Horticulturists preserve the beauty of outdoor grounds by supervising the breeding, curation, and the cultivation of plants. They can work in a variety of settings, including public parks, universities, golf courses, and commercial spaces, such as hotels and resorts. With their knowledge in plant behaviour and propagation, they advise clients on the choice, maintenance and composition of their outdoor greenery.
Tasks and duties
- Maintaining greenery in commercial grounds.
- Helping with landscape design, regeneration, and monitoring.
- Planting and developing plants for food and aesthetic purposes
- Preventing and treating plant pests and diseases.
- Giving recommendations on landscape and crop care according to environmental regulations.
- Working with soil experts, landscape architects, gardeners and other plant professionals.
They may also be involved in boosting agricultural practices, helping farmers yield better harvests of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Horticulturists know which plant varieties work best in specific climates and soil conditions, and can help in pest and disease management. Their expertise in plant production lets them explore different fields such as scientific research, landscaping and ground design, or consultation with agricultural professionals, landscape artists and other clients who wish to rehabilitate damaged grounds.
How to become a Horticulturist
Horticulturists must be detail-oriented and willing to do field work in different weather conditions. They also need skills in planning, collaboration, communication, and project management. Strong knowledge of plants is needed, which is usually gained through formal education.
Finish a bachelor or associate degree. Relevant degrees include environmental science, agriculture, forestry or other related fields. However, you can also be a Horticulturist through a diploma programme.
Get work experience. Internships and taking on entry-level jobs in horticulture can boost your professional competence. Some examples of junior roles in this field are Landscape Team Member, Lawn Care Technician or Gardener.
Gain certification. This may help open more work opportunities for you and give you an edge over other applicants. For instance, the Certified Practising Horticulturist (CPH) Programme given by the government’s Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology ensures your proper training in subtropical horticulture.
Finish a masters degree. Though this is not required, post-graduate studies can help you in growing your career. From a Horticulturist, you can advance to managerial positions or you may pursue a career in education and research.
