Horticultural Education Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the burgeoning world of sustainable living, the importance of horticultural education instructors has never been more paramount.

As our understanding of the environment deepens, the need for skilled educators who can cultivate, inspire, and safeguard our knowledge of horticulture expands.

But let’s dig a little deeper: What’s truly expected from a horticultural education instructor?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring educator trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A school administrator searching for the perfect candidate,
• Or merely fascinated by the intricate world of horticulture,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable horticultural education instructor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or educational websites.

Let’s get straight into it.

Horticultural Education Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Horticultural Education Instructors are responsible for teaching students about the science and art of plant cultivation and garden management.

They may work at schools, colleges, universities or horticultural societies, and their teaching may cover a wide range of horticultural topics, from plant biology to landscape design.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing curriculum and lesson plans for horticulture classes
• Teaching students about various horticultural techniques and principles
• Conducting practical lessons in gardening, plant propagation, pruning, and soil management
• Assessing student progress and providing feedback
• Conducting research in the field of horticulture and sharing findings with students
• Organizing field trips to botanical gardens, nurseries, and horticultural exhibitions
• Maintaining the school or institution’s gardens and greenhouses
• Promoting the importance of horticulture for environmental sustainability
• Providing advice and guidance to students on career opportunities in horticulture
• Keeping up to date with the latest developments and trends in horticulture

 

Horticultural Education Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Horticultural Education Instructor to provide high-quality educational programming in the field of horticulture.

The instructor will be responsible for preparing and delivering educational materials, conducting workshops and demonstrations, and promoting a broad understanding and appreciation of horticulture.

Candidates should be experienced in horticulture, passionate about education, and have a knack for making complex concepts accessible to learners of all levels.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver educational programs and workshops on horticulture
• Create engaging learning materials and resources
• Conduct demonstrations and practical sessions
• Assess learning outcomes and provide feedback to learners
• Collaborate with other professionals and organizations in the field of horticulture
• Stay current with the latest developments in horticulture
• Ensure safe use and maintenance of horticultural facilities and equipment
• Promote the benefits of horticulture to the wider community

 

Qualifications

• A degree in Horticulture, Botany, Agriculture, or a related field
• Experience in an educational role, ideally within horticulture
• Strong knowledge of plant biology, soil science, and horticultural techniques
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to develop and deliver engaging and informative educational content
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Experience with greenhouse management and field cultivation is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Horticultural Education Instructor
• Work Environment: This role is primarily based in an outdoor and greenhouse environment, with some office work for planning and administration.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Horticultural Education.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $43,000 minimum to $68,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Horticultural Education Instructor Do?

A Horticultural Education Instructor primarily works in educational or horticultural institutions such as colleges, universities, botanical gardens, or research facilities.

They are tasked with teaching students about the science and art of cultivating plants.

This could include topics such as plant physiology, soil science, pest management, greenhouse operations, and landscape design, among other subjects.

Their primary goal is to educate students on the fundamentals of plant growth, different types of plants, their anatomy, their lifecycle, and how they contribute to the environment.

In addition to classroom instruction, Horticultural Education Instructors often lead hands-on activities in greenhouses or outdoor gardens to provide students with practical experience.

They are also responsible for creating course materials, grading student work, and keeping up to date with the latest research and developments in the field of horticulture.

Depending on the setting, Horticultural Education Instructors may also be involved in plant research, developing new varieties of plants, or leading public workshops and outreach programs.

 

Horticultural Education Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Horticultural Education Instructor should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Deep knowledge and expertise in the field of horticulture, including plant biology, soil science, pest management, and the use of horticultural machinery and tools.
• Strong communication and instructional skills to effectively teach and disseminate complex horticultural concepts and practices to students of various age groups and learning styles.
• Excellent organizational skills to plan and structure lessons, field trips, and practical sessions, and to manage classroom activities efficiently.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address learning difficulties, provide constructive feedback, and implement effective teaching strategies.
• Patience and empathy to understand the needs and concerns of students, and to create a positive, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.
• Ability to inspire students and foster their passion for horticulture and environmental stewardship.
• Certification or degree in Horticulture, Education, or a related field, and preferably with teaching experience in a horticultural or educational setting.

 

Horticultural Education Instructor Experience Requirements

Horticultural Education Instructors generally require a combination of educational and practical experience.

They usually need a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, or a related field, coupled with a significant amount of hands-on experience in the horticultural industry.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or full-time work in botanical gardens, nurseries, farms, or landscaping companies.

In these roles, they develop their understanding of plant cultivation, landscape design, pest management, and other relevant topics.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may be qualified for entry-level Horticultural Education Instructor roles, where they can start to apply their knowledge to teaching settings.

This may involve leading workshops, giving presentations, or developing educational materials.

Aspiring Horticultural Education Instructors with more than 3 years of experience often have had the opportunity to specialize in a particular aspect of horticulture.

This could range from organic farming practices to exotic plant conservation.

This specialization can enhance their teaching and make them more attractive candidates.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the horticultural field often have substantial teaching or training experience.

They may be ready to take on senior or managerial roles, such as Head Horticultural Instructor or Program Director, where they oversee the development and implementation of horticultural education programs.

 

Horticultural Education Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Horticultural Education Instructors typically need a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, biology, or a related field.

They should possess a strong background in plant science and garden design, along with a solid understanding of soil science, pest management, and the safe use of gardening equipment.

Further, practical experience in gardening and horticulture is crucial for this role, as it enhances their understanding and ability to teach effectively.

Some positions may require Horticultural Education Instructors to have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in horticulture or a related field, especially for higher education roles or research-intensive positions.

Additionally, obtaining professional certification from recognized horticultural societies or organizations could be beneficial.

These certifications demonstrate an instructor’s expertise and commitment to the field of horticulture.

Those interested in this career should also have exceptional teaching skills, as the role involves imparting horticultural knowledge and skills to students.

Therefore, a teaching qualification or experience in a teaching role can be advantageous.

Lastly, a state-issued license might be necessary, depending on the regulations of the location in which they work.

 

Horticultural Education Instructor Salary Expectations

A Horticultural Education Instructor earns an average salary of $55,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary based on factors such as the level of experience, the size and type of the employing institution, and the location.

 

Horticultural Education Instructor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Horticultural Education Instructor need?

Horticultural Education Instructors need to possess strong knowledge about plants, soil, and environment, as well as the techniques of planting, cultivating, and harvesting.

They should have excellent communication and teaching skills to explain complex concepts in a simple way.

Additionally, they should have strong organizational skills to plan and deliver lessons effectively.

 

What qualifications does a Horticultural Education Instructor need?

A Horticultural Education Instructor typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, or a related field.

A teaching license may also be required, depending on the institution.

Many roles also require previous teaching or industry experience.

Advanced roles may require a Master’s degree or PhD.

 

What should you look for in a Horticultural Education Instructor resume?

Look for a strong educational background in horticulture or a related field, coupled with teaching experience.

Certifications and courses in both horticulture and education can be an added advantage.

Industry experience can provide a practical perspective in teaching.

Skills such as curriculum development and classroom management should also be mentioned.

 

What qualities make a good Horticultural Education Instructor?

A good Horticultural Education Instructor is passionate about plants and gardening, and is able to instill this passion in their students.

They have excellent communication skills and the ability to simplify complex concepts.

They are also patient, understanding, and have a genuine interest in helping students learn and grow.

 

What are the daily duties of a Horticultural Education Instructor?

On a typical day, a Horticultural Education Instructor may plan and deliver lectures, prepare and grade assignments, and provide feedback to students.

They may also spend time on administrative tasks such as lesson planning and recording grades.

Depending on the institution, they may also contribute to research and engage in professional development activities.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we delved into the vibrant world of being a horticultural education instructor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about planting seeds.

It’s about cultivating the future of botany, one lesson at a time.

With our comprehensive horticultural education instructor job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly equipped to take the leap.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating meticulously detailed job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson is a seed in the garden of knowledge.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

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