Horticultural Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of horticulture, the role of horticultural workers stands crucial.

As the greenery expands and flora flourishes, the demand for skilled hands that can nurture, cultivate, and protect our horticultural landscape grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s genuinely expected from a horticultural worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager creating the profile of an ideal candidate,
• Or merely fascinated by the realm of horticulture,

You’re at the right juncture.

Today, we present a customizable horticultural worker job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Horticultural Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Horticultural Workers perform a variety of tasks related to plant cultivation, maintenance, and landscaping.

They may work in nurseries, greenhouses, parks, or botanical gardens.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Planting, transplanting, watering, and pruning plants, shrubs, and trees
• Maintaining plants by applying appropriate fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides as needed
• Inspecting plants for diseases and pests, and taking necessary action to protect plant health
• Operating and maintaining gardening tools and equipment such as mowers, trimmers, and sprayers
• Participating in the construction of outdoor features like walkways, patios, and ponds
• Assisting with landscaping design, taking into account the clients’ preferences and the suitability of certain plants for the project
• Harvesting, packaging, and labeling plants for sale or distribution
• Monitoring and managing irrigation systems to ensure that plants receive adequate water
• Keeping records of plants, including growth rates, pest problems, and treatment actions

 

Horticultural Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Horticultural Worker to assist in the care and maintenance of our gardens and green spaces.

The Horticultural Worker’s responsibilities include planting, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and watering plants, shrubs, and trees, as well as maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of parks and gardens.

Our ideal candidate has a green thumb and is knowledgeable about different types of plants and their care requirements.

Ultimately, the role of the Horticultural Worker is to ensure that our gardens and green spaces are attractive, orderly, and healthy.

 

Responsibilities

• Plant, prune, and care for plants, shrubs, and trees.
• Perform regular watering of plants according to their specific needs.
• Maintain and improve soil fertility with organic or chemical fertilizers.
• Regularly inspect plants for diseases and pests and apply appropriate treatment.
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of parks and gardens.
• Operate and maintain gardening equipment and machinery such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and pruning saws.
• Assist in designing and implementing landscape plans.
• Ensure all green spaces are safe for public use and enjoyment.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and procedures.

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in horticulture, gardening, or a related field.
• Knowledge of different types of plants and their care requirements.
• Able to operate and maintain gardening equipment and machinery.
• Physical stamina and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Basic knowledge of landscape design principles is a plus.
• High school diploma or equivalent. A degree in horticulture or a related field is a plus.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Horticultural Worker
• Work Environment: Outdoor settings such as parks, gardens, and other green spaces. The job may involve exposure to various weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Horticulture Supervisor or Landscape Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $40,000 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 Worker Do?

Horticultural Workers are skilled professionals who are involved in the cultivation, maintenance, and development of plants, often working in nurseries, greenhouses, orchards, or public landscapes.

Their responsibilities include planting, pruning, fertilizing, and watering plants.

They also monitor the health of plants and treat pests and diseases to ensure their growth and development.

Horticultural Workers also prepare soil for planting, which involves tasks like tilling, raking, and weeding.

They may also be involved in harvesting fruits, vegetables, flowers, or plants, depending on their place of work.

In addition to these tasks, they often use and maintain various gardening tools and machinery, such as mowers, trimmers, and sprayers.

Horticultural Workers also often engage with customers, providing advice on plant care, helping them select plants for their gardens, and sometimes even assisting in landscape design.

In certain roles, Horticultural Workers may also perform administrative tasks, like keeping records of plants, monitoring inventory, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of their work environment.

These professionals need a deep understanding of plant biology, soil science, and pest management.

They often work outdoors and in various weather conditions, and the job can be physically demanding at times.

 

Horticultural Worker Qualifications and Skills

Horticultural Workers should exhibit a range of practical skills, knowledge about various plants, and physical stamina, including:

• Knowledge of different plant species, their care, and growth requirements, which is essential for effective planting, cultivation, and maintenance.
• Physical stamina and strength to perform tasks such as planting, pruning, and carrying heavy loads over extended periods.
• Fine motor skills for delicate tasks such as grafting, budding, or pruning small plant structures.
• Problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat plant diseases, pests, and other issues that may affect plant health or growth.
• Communication skills to effectively interact with team members, superiors, or customers, and to understand and follow instructions accurately.
• Basic mechanical skills for operating, maintaining, and repairing various horticultural tools and equipment.
• Time management skills to ensure that all assigned tasks are completed within the stipulated timelines.
• Knowledge about safety protocols to operate tools and machinery, handle chemicals, and work in different weather conditions safely.

 

Horticultural Worker Experience Requirements

Horticultural Workers generally require a fundamental understanding of plant life, often gained through a combination of formal education, such as a diploma or degree in horticulture, and practical experience.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through part-time work or internships in plant nurseries, botanical gardens, or farms.

These individuals may also gain experience by working in roles such as Gardening Assistant, Nursery Worker, or Greenhouse Attendant.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their skills and knowledge in a specific area of horticulture, such as landscape design, plant propagation, or pest management.

They may have worked in roles such as Landscape Technician, Arborist, or Horticultural Therapist.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience, such as supervising a team of gardeners, managing a greenhouse, or overseeing a landscaping project.

They may be ready for more advanced roles such as Horticultural Supervisor, Nursery Manager, or Horticultural Consultant.

In this field, continuous learning is essential to keep up with the latest horticultural practices, plant varieties, and technologies.

Therefore, ongoing experience combined with participation in professional development opportunities is highly valuable.

 

Horticultural Worker Education and Training Requirements

Horticultural Workers typically have a diploma or an associate’s degree in horticulture, botany, agriculture, or a related field.

They need a strong understanding of plant biology, soil science, and the practical aspects of garden cultivation and maintenance.

Some positions, especially those with specialized tasks like nursery management or landscape design, may require horticultural workers with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a similar discipline.

Training in the use of gardening equipment and machinery, as well as knowledge of fertilizers, pesticides, and other plant care products is also beneficial.

Horticultural Workers can also pursue certification in specialized areas such as arboriculture, turf management, or greenhouse operation.

Obtaining a higher degree and/or certification demonstrates a candidate’s commitment to professional development and their proficiency in specific areas of horticulture.

 

Horticultural Worker Salary Expectations

A Horticultural Worker earns an average wage of $13.20 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings may vary based on factors like work experience, location, level of education, and the size of the employing company.

 

Horticultural Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Horticultural Worker need?

Horticultural Workers should possess knowledge about various types of plants, trees, and flowers, and their growth requirements.

They should have good physical stamina for performing tasks like planting, watering, pruning, and general maintenance.

Being detail-oriented and having an aesthetic sense is also important for tasks such as landscape design and arrangement.

 

Do Horticultural Workers need a degree?

While it’s not always necessary, a degree or certification in horticulture, botany, or a related field can be beneficial.

However, many Horticultural Workers gain their skills through hands-on experience and on-the-job training.

Some advanced or specialized positions may require formal education and professional certification.

 

What should you look for in a Horticultural Worker resume?

Look for evidence of practical experience with plant care, landscape maintenance, or other related tasks.

Certifications or degrees in relevant fields are also a plus.

It’s also beneficial if the candidate has knowledge of safe use of horticultural tools and equipment, and basic knowledge of plant diseases and pest management.

 

What qualities make a good Horticultural Worker?

A good Horticultural Worker has a genuine interest and passion for plants and outdoor work.

They should be hardworking, reliable, and able to work independently or as part of a team.

Good problem-solving skills are also important, as they may need to diagnose and treat plant diseases or adjust care based on environmental conditions.

 

Is it difficult to hire Horticultural Workers?

Hiring Horticultural Workers can be challenging, as it requires finding candidates who are not only knowledgeable about plant care but also physically capable of doing the work.

Additionally, the job often requires working in various weather conditions, which can limit the pool of interested applicants.

However, offering competitive wages, providing proper training, and emphasizing the rewarding aspects of the job can help attract suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

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

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about planting seeds.

It’s about nurturing the environment, one sprout at a time.

Utilize our comprehensive horticultural worker job description template and real-world examples, to plant the seeds of your own career.

But why just settle there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or pruning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every plant you nurture contributes to the bigger landscape.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

How to Become a Horticultural Worker (Complete Guide)

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