Horticulture Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an age where environmental sustainability and aesthetic landscaping are highly valued, the role of horticulture instructors is ever more crucial.

As society becomes more aware of the importance of green space and plant life, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can educate, inspire, and guide us in the field of horticulture is on the rise.

So, let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a horticulture instructor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the nuances of this profession,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of horticulture education,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable horticulture instructor job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Horticulture Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Horticulture Instructors are responsible for teaching students various techniques and knowledge about plant cultivation, landscape design, and other aspects of horticulture.

They are typically involved in lesson planning, providing hands-on instruction, and assessing student’s performance.

The duties and responsibilities of a Horticulture Instructor include:

• Developing and delivering lesson plans on various horticulture topics
• Teaching students about the principles of plant science, including plant nutrition, pests and diseases, and soil management
• Providing practical instruction on gardening techniques, landscape design, and greenhouse management
• Assessing students’ understanding and performance, and providing constructive feedback
• Staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in horticulture
• Organising and overseeing horticulture projects, field trips, and other experiential learning opportunities
• Maintaining a safe and organized classroom environment
• Advising and mentoring students on their career paths in horticulture
• Collaborating with other educators to enhance the horticulture curriculum

 

Horticulture Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Horticulture Instructor to educate our students on plant cultivation, landscape design and horticultural science.

The responsibilities of a Horticulture Instructor include delivering lectures, supervising laboratory work, conducting field visits and providing practical knowledge on plant growth, development, and care.

Our ideal candidate should be passionate about horticulture, with a solid understanding of plant biology, soil science, and the latest horticultural techniques.

The ability to inspire and educate students with diverse interests and abilities is a must.

 

Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive lectures on horticultural concepts and practices.
• Supervise laboratory work and provide guidance on various horticultural techniques.
• Organize field visits to nurseries, botanical gardens and other relevant sites.
• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans.
• Evaluate students’ performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of horticulture.
• Participate in school events and activities.
• Ensure all teaching material and methods comply with the education regulations and policies.
• Assist in the school garden and greenhouse management.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Horticulture Instructor or similar role.
• Solid understanding of horticultural techniques, plant biology, and soil science.
• Experience in delivering lectures, supervising lab work, and conducting field visits.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Patience and a passion for teaching.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, or a related field.
• Certification in teaching or education is preferred.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Horticulture Instructor
• Work Environment: School setting with occasional field visits. Some weekend work may be required for special events or field trips.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Horticulture Department or School Principal.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant certifications or licenses to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Horticulture Instructor Do?

A Horticulture Instructor is a professional educator who specializes in teaching about the science and art of growing plants.

This includes fruits, vegetables, flowers, and any form of plant life.

They are often employed by educational institutions like high schools, colleges, or universities, but they may also find work at botanical gardens, arboretums, or even in private tutoring.

They can also work as self-employed individuals providing online courses and webinars.

Their primary duty is to develop and deliver lesson plans that educate students about different aspects of plant cultivation and care.

This includes teaching about plant biology, soil science, pest management, landscape design, and sustainable farming practices.

They often lead practical sessions in greenhouses and outdoor gardens, demonstrating the correct ways to plant, prune, water, and fertilize plants.

They may also teach students how to use various gardening tools and machinery.

Horticulture Instructors also assess the progress of their students by setting assignments and tests, grading their work, and providing feedback.

Additionally, they might conduct research in their field, contribute to scholarly articles or books, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in horticultural science to ensure their knowledge remains current.

Their role is not only to teach but also to inspire a love and respect for nature and the environment in their students.

 

Horticulture Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient horticulture instructor should possess a mix of educational, technical, and soft skills that include:

• Deep knowledge of plant biology, botany, and horticultural science to provide comprehensive instructions to students.
• Strong practical skills to demonstrate various horticultural techniques such as planting, pruning, pest management, and harvesting.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex horticultural concepts clearly and effectively.
• Passion and enthusiasm for horticulture that inspires and motivates students.
• Strong organizational skills to develop and implement instructional programs, plan lessons, and organize field trips and lab sessions.
• Patience and empathy to understand individual student capabilities and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
• Problem-solving skills to help students troubleshoot issues that may arise during practical sessions.
• Capability to stay updated with the latest advancements in horticultural science and incorporate them into the teaching curriculum.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build a positive learning environment and establish rapport with students.

 

Horticulture Instructor Experience Requirements

Horticulture Instructors generally need a strong educational background in horticulture or a related field, often completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

These programs offer an extensive theoretical knowledge of plants, their growth, and their care, as well as practical experience in gardening and landscape management.

Entry-level horticulture instructors should preferably have at least 1 to 3 years of experience in the horticulture industry, which may be gained through internships, part-time work, or graduate assistantships.

These professionals may have worked as gardeners, landscape designers, greenhouse managers, or other horticulture-related roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of industry experience often have a deeper understanding of horticulture theories and techniques and are generally more skilled in hands-on tasks.

They may have also developed expertise in one or more areas of horticulture, such as organic gardening, hydroponics, or botany.

Horticulture instructors with over 5 years of experience are usually well-positioned for higher-level teaching or administrative roles in horticulture education.

They may have gained leadership or management experience in their previous roles, and are capable of developing and managing horticulture programs, supervising other instructors, or overseeing large-scale horticultural projects.

Continuing education in the form of workshops, seminars, or additional coursework can further enhance an instructor’s knowledge and skills, making them more valuable assets to their institutions.

 

Horticulture Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Horticulture Instructors typically have a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, plant science, or a closely related field.

This academic preparation provides the foundational knowledge of plant life, growth and care, and the ability to impart this understanding to others.

Many positions may also require a master’s degree or higher, especially for those teaching at the collegiate level.

These advanced degrees should be in horticulture or a related field, further deepening the instructor’s understanding of the subject matter.

In addition to academic qualifications, practical experience in the field of horticulture is highly beneficial.

This includes work in greenhouses, nurseries, gardens, or farms.

This hands-on experience allows instructors to share real-world insights with their students.

Most states require horticulture instructors in public school systems to hold a teaching license.

This generally requires completion of a teacher preparation program and passing state-administered exams.

Continuing education is important for horticulture instructors, to keep up with the latest developments in plant science and teaching methodologies.

They may pursue additional certifications or attend professional development workshops and seminars.

Horticulture instructors also need to have a strong background in lab and fieldwork safety, given the practical nature of their instruction.

They may need to hold a certification in pesticide application or other specialized areas depending on the curriculum they teach.

 

Horticulture Instructor Salary Expectations

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

The actual earnings may fluctuate depending on the level of experience, educational qualifications, location, and the institution they are employed by.

 

Horticulture Instructor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Horticulture Instructor need?

A Horticulture Instructor needs a variety of skills.

They should have a strong understanding of horticulture concepts, techniques, and practices, as well as a good knowledge of plant biology.

They should be skilled at teaching these concepts to students at different levels.

In addition, they should have good communication and presentation skills, patience, and the ability to inspire and motivate students.

 

Do Horticulture Instructors need a degree?

Most Horticulture Instructors need a degree in horticulture or a related field, such as botany or biology.

In addition, teaching credentials or experience may be required, depending on the institution.

Some institutions may also require or prefer candidates who have a master’s or doctoral degree.

 

What should you look for in a Horticulture Instructor’s resume?

A Horticulture Instructor’s resume should demonstrate a strong background in horticulture, including both academic qualifications and practical experience.

It should also show evidence of successful teaching experience, such as student evaluations or references from former employers.

Other important qualifications may include certifications in specific areas of horticulture and evidence of ongoing professional development in both horticulture and teaching methods.

 

What qualities make a good Horticulture Instructor?

A good Horticulture Instructor is passionate about plants and the environment and is able to convey this enthusiasm to their students.

They should be knowledgeable about the latest research and developments in horticulture and be able to incorporate this into their teaching.

They should also be patient, approachable, and good at explaining complex concepts in a way that is understandable to students at different levels of expertise.

 

How do Horticulture Instructors keep up to date with the latest developments in horticulture?

Horticulture Instructors can keep up to date with the latest developments in horticulture by attending industry conferences, participating in professional development courses, reading academic journals, and being members of professional horticulture organizations.

They may also collaborate with colleagues in the field and participate in horticulture research projects.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dug deep into the fertile ground of what it means to be a horticulture instructor.

Surprising, right?

It’s not just about planting seeds.

It’s about nurturing the garden of knowledge, one lesson at a time.

With our handy horticulture instructor job description template and real-life examples, you’re all primed to make your move.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next tool for crafting precision-tailored job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson you teach is a seed in the garden of knowledge.

Let’s cultivate that garden. Together.

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