Horticultural Educator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainable living, the focus on horticultural educators is becoming increasingly significant.

As society progresses towards a greener future, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can cultivate, promote and protect our plant life is growing.

So, what’s really expected from a horticultural educator?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or just fascinated by the intricate world of horticulture,

You’re in the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable horticultural educator job description template, devised for effortless posting on job boards or career portals.

Let’s dive right into it.

Horticultural Educator Duties and Responsibilities

Horticultural Educators provide instruction in the science and art of cultivating plants, including flowers, vegetables, fruits, shrubs, and trees.

They work closely with students, gardeners, farmers, and community organizations to promote knowledge about horticulture.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop and deliver educational programs and workshops on horticulture and related topics.
• Provide practical and theoretical instruction in horticultural principles and techniques.
• Create learning materials such as handouts, visual aids, and demonstrations to facilitate instruction.
• Offer advice and guidance on plant selection, landscape design, pest management, and other horticultural concerns.
• Conduct field trips and hands-on activities to give learners practical experience in horticulture.
• Stay updated with the latest research and developments in the field of horticulture.
• Maintain a safe and clean learning environment, adhering to relevant safety and environmental standards.
• Encourage and support learners to engage in community gardening initiatives and projects.
• Assess and evaluate student performance and provide feedback to improve their horticultural skills and knowledge.
• Promote the importance of horticulture to environmental conservation and community well-being.

 

Horticultural Educator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Horticultural Educator to join our team.

The Horticultural Educator will be responsible for teaching classes and workshops on a wide variety of horticultural topics, creating educational materials, and providing expert advice and guidance to students and community members.

Candidates should have a strong background in horticulture, excellent communication skills, and a passion for sharing their knowledge with others.

The ideal candidate is someone who can engage students of all ages and levels of experience in the wonders of the plant world.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging and informative horticultural classes and workshops
• Create educational materials and resources on horticultural topics
• Provide expert advice and guidance to students and community members
• Assist with the planning and implementation of horticultural events and programs
• Collaborate with other team members on curriculum development and other educational initiatives
• Stay up-to-date on the latest research and trends in horticulture
• Promote the importance and benefits of horticulture through various outreach activities

 

Qualifications

• Degree in Horticulture, Botany, Biology, or a related field
• Experience in teaching or educational programming
• Strong knowledge of plant care, gardening techniques, and horticultural principles
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to engage and inspire students of all ages and experience levels
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Horticultural Educator
• Work Environment: Mostly outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions. Some indoor work for planning and administrative tasks.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Education
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $60,000 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Horticultural Educator Do?

Horticultural Educators typically work for educational institutions, botanical gardens, government agencies or private organizations.

They can also work as independent consultants.

Their primary role is to educate others about the science and art of plant cultivation.

They develop educational programs and curriculums focusing on various aspects of horticulture such as plant taxonomy, garden design, pest management, and plant nutrition.

Horticultural Educators may conduct workshops, seminars, and field trips to provide hands-on experience in gardening and plant cultivation.

They also write and publish scholarly articles, books, and pamphlets on horticulture.

They may be responsible for managing a garden or greenhouse, providing them practical experience and examples to teach students.

Their job also involves research in various areas of horticulture, like breeding new varieties of plants, improving agricultural productivity, or exploring sustainable gardening practices.

They often collaborate with other professionals such as botanists, landscapers, and environmental scientists, sharing their knowledge and learning from their expertise.

Horticultural Educators play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of plants in our life and promoting environmentally sustainable practices.

 

Horticultural Educator Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Horticultural Educator should possess a unique blend of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and teaching ability, such as:

• Strong knowledge of horticulture, including plant biology, soil science, pest management, and the growth and care of plants, trees, and flowers.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively impart knowledge to a diverse audience, including students, farmers, garden enthusiasts, and the general public.
• Ability to develop and deliver engaging, educational programs and workshops on various horticultural topics.
• Interpersonal skills to connect with learners, understanding their educational needs and adapting content and teaching styles accordingly.
• Aptitude for creating and maintaining a conducive learning environment, fostering curiosity and enthusiasm about horticulture.
• Research skills to keep up-to-date with the latest advancements and trends in horticulture and integrate this information into teaching materials.
• Problem-solving skills to address challenges that may arise in the learning environment or field.
• Physical abilities that allow them to demonstrate practical horticultural techniques and work outdoors for extended periods.

 

Horticultural Educator Experience Requirements

Horticultural Educators should ideally hold a degree in horticulture, botany, biology, or a related field, which provides them with a solid theoretical foundation.

During their academic studies, they gain substantial practical experience in the field, usually through internships, research projects, or part-time roles in horticultural settings.

Those just starting out in the field may have a year or two of experience, often as a Horticultural Technician or Research Assistant, where they can gain hands-on knowledge of plant care, gardening techniques, pest management, and more.

More seasoned horticultural educators, with around 3 to 5 years of experience, may have worked in roles such as Horticultural Consultant or Horticultural Therapist, or may have operated their own gardening business.

They should have in-depth knowledge of plant species, gardening techniques, and environmental issues.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience are typically considered for senior educator or management roles.

These candidates often have extensive experience in horticultural education, such as developing and implementing horticultural curriculum, managing gardening projects, and training other educators.

They might also have experience in community outreach and public speaking, as they often conduct workshops and presentations to promote horticultural education to the broader community.

 

Horticultural Educator Education and Training Requirements

Horticultural Educators typically have a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, plant science, education, or a related field.

They need a solid foundation in plant biology, horticultural techniques, soil science, and pest management.

Familiarity with a wide range of plant species and their care is also essential.

Some positions may require Horticultural Educators to have a master’s degree in a specialized area of horticulture or education.

This higher qualification can enhance job prospects and demonstrate commitment to the field.

In addition, Horticultural Educators should have effective communication and teaching skills, as they are often required to present complex horticultural concepts in an understandable and engaging manner to a diverse audience.

Some Horticultural Educators opt for certification from organizations like the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) or the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

These certifications can offer credibility and demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field.

Finally, practical experience in gardening, landscaping, or a similar field is highly beneficial for Horticultural Educators.

This can be gained through internships, volunteering, or relevant work experience.

 

Horticultural Educator Salary Expectations

A Horticultural Educator can expect to earn an average salary of $55,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate depending on factors such as level of experience, educational background, and the region in which they are employed.

 

Horticultural Educator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Horticultural Educator need?

A Horticultural Educator should have a strong understanding of plant biology, soil science, and environmental factors that influence plant growth.

This role also requires excellent teaching and communication skills, as they need to effectively convey complex horticultural concepts to students or the public.

In addition, they should possess strong organizational skills for planning and executing lessons or workshops.

 

Do Horticultural Educators need a degree?

Yes, a Horticultural Educator typically requires a degree in Horticulture, Botany, Environmental Science or a related field.

This ensures they have a thorough understanding of the subject matter they will be teaching.

Some institutions may also require a teaching credential or a master’s degree in education.

 

What should you look for in a Horticultural Educator resume?

Look for a background in both horticulture and education.

This may include degrees in relevant fields, past teaching experience, or work in horticultural settings such as nurseries, farms, or botanical gardens.

Additional qualifications, like certifications from horticulture societies or experience with public speaking, can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Horticultural Educator?

A good Horticultural Educator is passionate about plants and is constantly seeking to broaden their knowledge in this field.

They are also excellent communicators, able to simplify complex topics and inspire interest in their students.

Patience is another key quality, as teaching often involves explaining concepts multiple times in different ways until students understand.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Horticultural Educator?

The difficulty in hiring a Horticultural Educator depends on the specific requirements of the role and the pool of candidates available.

In general, finding a candidate who has the right blend of horticultural knowledge and teaching skills can be challenging.

It’s therefore crucial to ensure the job posting clearly states the qualifications and experience required for the role.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unearthed the true essence of being a horticultural educator.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching plant cultivation.

It’s about nurturing life, one plant at a time, and inspiring others to do the same.

With our comprehensive horticultural educator job description template and tangible examples, you’re equipped to branch out.

But why put down roots there?

Grow further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously-designed listings or honing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every seed planted is a part of a larger ecosystem.

Let’s cultivate that world. Together.

How to Become a Horticultural Educator (Complete Guide)

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