Horticulture Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

horticulture therapist job description

In this age of environmental awareness, the focus on horticulture therapists has never been more pronounced.

As the importance of green spaces and the therapeutic impact of nature is increasingly recognized, the demand for professionals who can cultivate, manage, and utilize these environments for healing heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a horticulture therapist?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
  • A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
  • Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of horticulture therapy,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Horticulture Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Horticulture Therapists utilize plants, gardens, and the natural world to improve the mental and physical health of their patients.

They work with a variety of patient populations, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals suffering from mental health disorders.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

  • Assess the physical, psychological, and social needs of the patient
  • Develop and implement individual and group horticultural therapy programs
  • Direct and assist patients in gardening activities, such as planting, pruning, and harvesting
  • Use horticultural activities to help patients improve memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language skills, and socialization
  • Monitor and document patient progress
  • Adapt gardening activities to suit individual patient capabilities
  • Maintain the therapeutic garden, ensuring it’s safe, accessible, and productive
  • Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, communicating patients’ progress and responses to therapy
  • Educate patients and their families about the benefits of horticultural therapy

 

Horticulture Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Horticulture Therapist to utilize gardening and plant-based activities as a therapeutic and rehabilitation tool.

The Horticulture Therapist will be responsible for developing and implementing horticultural therapy programs, facilitating therapy sessions and evaluating their effectiveness.

Our ideal candidate is a compassionate professional with a strong understanding of horticulture and its therapeutic benefits.

 

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement therapeutic horticultural programs
  • Facilitate therapy sessions, offering guidance and support to participants
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of therapy programs and modify as necessary
  • Keep detailed records of therapy sessions and participant progress
  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to best support participants
  • Ensure the safety and accessibility of gardening spaces
  • Stay informed about developments in horticultural therapy
  • Promote the benefits of horticultural therapy through community outreach

 

Qualifications

  • Proven work experience as a Horticulture Therapist or similar role
  • Strong knowledge of horticulture and its therapeutic applications
  • Degree in horticulture, therapy, or a related field
  • Experience working with diverse populations, including those with mental health issues, physical disabilities, or older adults
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Compassionate and patient with a strong desire to help others
  • Certification from the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) is a plus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Horticulture Therapist
  • Work Environment: This position may require working in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and outdoor community gardens.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Therapy Services Manager.
  • Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 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 Horticulture Therapist Do?

Horticulture Therapists typically work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, and community gardens.

They can also work independently as consultants.

Horticulture Therapists use plants and gardening activities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of individuals.

They work closely with medical professionals, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers to design therapy programs tailored to the needs of each individual.

Their job is to plan and lead horticultural activities, such as planting, potting, pruning, and harvesting, that are designed to improve fine and gross motor skills, physical strength and coordination, and cognitive abilities.

Horticulture Therapists also provide emotional and psychological support, using gardening activities as a form of relaxation and stress relief.

They help individuals reconnect with nature, improve their self-esteem and self-confidence, and develop a sense of achievement and purpose.

In addition, Horticulture Therapists are responsible for maintaining the therapeutic garden space.

This includes ensuring that the garden is safe, accessible, and suitable for therapeutic activities.

They may also be involved in fundraising and community outreach activities to support the therapeutic horticulture program.

 

Horticulture Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient horticulture therapist should possess the following skills and qualifications to efficiently and effectively perform their role:

  • Deep understanding and knowledge of horticulture and plant care, including cultivation, propagation, maintenance, and harvest techniques.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with a diverse range of clients and understand their therapeutic needs.
  • Empathy and patience to work with individuals who may have physical, mental, or emotional challenges.
  • Good physical health and stamina to perform outdoor tasks and assist clients with various gardening activities.
  • Skills in assessment and program planning to design, implement, and evaluate therapeutic gardening programs that meet individual client needs and goals.
  • Knowledge of adaptive tools and techniques to accommodate clients with different abilities and limitations.
  • Ability to use horticulture as a means to promote physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.
  • Basic counseling and listening skills to provide emotional support and encouragement to clients during therapy sessions.
  • Relevant certification or degree in therapeutic horticulture, occupational therapy, or a related field.

 

Horticulture Therapist Experience Requirements

Horticulture Therapists usually hold a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, therapy, or a related field.

They must have a solid foundation in both plant care and therapeutic practices, which can be gained through specialized academic programs.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through an internship or part-time role in a community garden, hospital, rehabilitation center, or other therapeutic settings.

They can also gain valuable hands-on experience working in roles such as Gardening Assistant or Horticulture Technician.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often hone their therapeutic skills and plant knowledge in entry-level Horticulture Therapist or Horticulture Assistant roles.

They could also have experience in working with different patient groups, including the elderly, children, and those with disabilities or mental health conditions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience, having overseen a therapy program or team.

They are often ready for roles such as Horticulture Therapy Director or Program Manager.

Additional qualifications may include certifications from the American Horticultural Therapy Association or similar organizations.

 

Horticulture Therapist Education and Training Requirements

A Horticulture Therapist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in horticultural therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, or a related field.

They must have knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of horticulture and its application in therapeutic situations.

The therapist needs to complete an internship program, either during their degree or after graduation, to gain practical experience and hands-on training in horticulture therapy.

Professional certification is often necessary for career advancement in this field, which usually requires an individual to pass an exam.

The American Horticultural Therapy Association offers a certificate in horticultural therapy.

While not mandatory, a master’s degree in therapeutic horticulture, occupational therapy, or a similar field may provide the therapist with a more comprehensive understanding of the therapy principles and techniques.

Continuous education is essential for a Horticulture Therapist, to stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field.

This can be achieved through seminars, workshops, and conferences.

Finally, soft skills such as empathy, patience, and communication are highly desirable, as the therapist will be working with individuals with various physical and mental health conditions.

 

Horticulture Therapist Salary Expectations

A Horticulture Therapist earns an average salary of $50,000 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can vary greatly depending on the level of experience, the type of facility they work in, and the geographical location.

 

Horticulture Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Horticulture Therapist need?

Horticulture Therapists require a mixture of therapeutic, horticultural, and interpersonal skills.

They must possess a deep understanding of horticulture and gardening to enable them to plan and implement horticultural activities that can meet therapeutic goals.

They should also be patient, empathetic, and have excellent communication skills to work effectively with diverse populations.

 

Do Horticulture Therapists need a degree?

Yes, Horticulture Therapists typically need a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, therapeutic recreation, occupational therapy, or a related field.

Some positions may require certification in horticultural therapy from an accredited institution.

 

What should you look for in a Horticulture Therapist resume?

A Horticulture Therapist’s resume should highlight their knowledge and experience in horticulture, as well as their experience working with individuals with physical, mental, or emotional challenges.

They should have a background in therapeutic recreation or a related field.

A certification in horticultural therapy is a plus.

Look for candidates who have hands-on experience in gardening and a track record of using horticulture as a form of therapy.

 

What qualities make a good Horticulture Therapist?

A good Horticulture Therapist is patient, empathetic, and adaptable.

They should be skilled in designing and implementing horticultural activities that cater to the needs and abilities of their clients.

They should also have a passion for plants and gardening.

Good Horticulture Therapists are effective communicators and can collaborate well with other healthcare professionals to deliver holistic care to their clients.

 

How can a Horticulture Therapist contribute to a healthcare team?

A Horticulture Therapist brings a unique approach to the healthcare team by using horticultural activities as a therapeutic tool.

They can help clients improve their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals to create individualized treatment plans and contribute to the overall rehabilitation and recovery of the clients.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unearthed the true essence of being a horticulture therapist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about planting seeds.

It’s about cultivating hope, one plant at a time.

With our handy horticulture therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to sow the seeds for your career.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards precision-crafted job postings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every plant you nurture contributes to a greener, healthier world.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

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