Horticulture Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of sustainable living and green spaces, the role of horticulture workers is becoming increasingly prominent.

As our understanding and appreciation of the natural world grows, so does the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can cultivate, maintain, and protect our green environments.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a horticulture worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager creating a profile for the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of horticulture,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Horticulture Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Horticulture Workers perform a range of tasks related to the cultivation and maintenance of plants.

They may also be involved in landscaping, plant propagation, and nursery operation.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Plant, prune, and care for plants, shrubs, and trees
• Maintain the health and appearance of plants and the landscape
• Identify plant diseases and pests, and apply appropriate treatments
• Assist with the design and creation of floral arrangements and landscapes
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment used in horticulture, such as trimmers, mowers, and irrigation systems
• Apply fertilizers and other chemicals, according to safety procedures and regulations
• Harvest plants, and transplant or pot them for sale
• Track the growth and health of plants, and make notes for future planting strategies
• Communicate with customers, answering their questions and advising on plant care

 

Horticulture Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Horticulture Worker to assist with the maintenance and development of our gardens and landscapes.

The Horticulture Worker responsibilities will include planting, pruning, applying fertilizers, maintaining the overall health of plants, and ensuring the beauty of the gardens and landscapes.

Our ideal candidate is familiar with the different types of plants, has a good understanding of plant diseases and pests, and knows the best practices for plant care.

Ultimately, the role of the Horticulture Worker is to maintain the health and beauty of plants in our gardens and landscapes.

 

Responsibilities

• Plant, transplant, prune, and water plants, shrubs, and trees
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides to plants as needed
• Maintain the cleanliness of gardens and landscapes
• Operate and maintain garden tools and machinery
• Assist with landscape design plans
• Monitor and report any plant diseases or pests
• Perform seasonal garden tasks such as mulching, weeding, and leaf removal
• Ensure the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes
• Adhere to safety guidelines and procedures

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Horticulture Worker or similar role
• Knowledge of various types of plants and their care requirements
• Ability to operate and maintain gardening tools and machinery
• Understanding of plant diseases and pests
• Physical fitness and ability to perform laborious tasks
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Additional qualifications in Horticulture or a related field will be a plus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Horticulture Worker
• Work Environment: Outdoor settings, involving physical labour and exposure to all weather conditions. Some indoor work may be required during off-season or for plant propagation.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Horticulture Manager or Lead Horticulturist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $22,500 minimum to $36,500 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 Worker Do?

Horticulture Workers typically work for nurseries, botanical gardens, and landscape design companies.

They can also be self-employed or work for public parks or arboretums.

Their primary responsibility is to plant, cultivate, and maintain plants in various settings such as gardens, greenhouses, or nurseries.

This involves tasks like seed sowing, transplanting seedlings, applying fertilizers and pesticides, and ensuring proper watering.

They work closely with Horticulturists and Landscape Architects to implement the design plan and ensure plant health and proper growth.

Horticulture Workers often have extensive knowledge of plant species, and can identify and treat plant diseases.

They also have a good understanding of soil management and irrigation systems.

They may also be involved in the propagation and breeding of new plants, pruning, and maintaining tools and machinery.

In addition to these duties, horticulture workers may also assist customers in selecting the right plants for their needs, providing advice on plant care, and performing landscaping duties.

 

Horticulture Worker Qualifications and Skills

A proficient horticulture worker should possess the following skills and qualifications that resonate with the job description:

• Strong knowledge of plant types, soil, and fertilizers to maintain and optimize plant growth and health.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to perform tasks such as planting, pruning, and watering for prolonged periods.
• Proficiency in using horticultural tools and equipment such as spades, pruners, and lawn mowers.
• Understanding of pest and weed control measures to protect plants and produce from damage.
• Good observational skills to detect plant diseases and deficiencies and implement appropriate solutions.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, given the outdoor nature of the work.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with a team and communicate with clients or visitors.
• Patience and attention to detail for tasks such as seeding, grafting, and pruning which require precision and care.

 

Horticulture Worker Experience Requirements

Horticulture Workers often gain initial experience through practical learning in a related field or attending a course at a technical or agricultural school.

This is where they acquire a solid foundation of plant science knowledge and hands-on experience in plant care, greenhouse operation, and landscape management.

For entry-level horticulture positions, employers generally require at least 1 to 2 years of experience.

This can be obtained through internships, part-time jobs or volunteering in greenhouses, nurseries, or garden centers.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often come with a more substantial understanding of horticultural practices, including plant propagation, pest management, and landscape design.

They may have worked in roles such as Nursery Worker, Greenhouse Assistant, or Landscaping Technician.

Those with over 5 years of experience typically possess in-depth horticultural knowledge and may have leadership experience, making them suitable for supervisory or managerial roles.

They may have a record of managing a team or running a horticulture-based business and are often equipped to handle a broad range of horticultural tasks and projects.

 

Horticulture Worker Education and Training Requirements

Horticulture workers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, some positions might require an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, or a related field.

Horticulture degree programs provide comprehensive knowledge about plant identification, greenhouse and garden center operations, landscape design, floral design, and plant science.

Additionally, practical skills such as understanding soil composition, pest management, plant breeding, and crop production are essential for this role.

On-the-job training is common in this field, allowing workers to gain hands-on experience in planting, growing, and harvesting plants.

Some horticulture workers may choose to earn certifications to demonstrate their expertise in certain areas, such as organic gardening, nursery management, or arboriculture.

Certifications are usually offered by horticultural societies, professional organizations, or educational institutions and require passing an examination.

Continuing education is also important in this field, as it allows horticulture workers to keep up with advancements in plant science and best practices in sustainable gardening and farming.

 

Horticulture Worker Salary Expectations

A Horticulture Worker earns an average salary of $30,623 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on factors such as experience, specialization in the field, location, and the organization for which they work.

 

Horticulture Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Horticulture Worker need?

Horticulture Workers should have a strong knowledge of plant species and their care requirements.

They need to possess physical stamina for outdoor work in various weather conditions and manual dexterity for handling plants and tools.

They should also have good problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat plant diseases and pests, and good communication skills for interacting with clients and team members.

 

Do Horticulture Workers need a degree?

No, a degree is not necessarily required for Horticulture Workers.

However, having a degree or certification in horticulture, botany, or a related field can be beneficial.

Many Horticulture Workers learn on the job, but formal education can provide a deeper understanding of plant biology, landscape design, and horticulture technology.

 

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

Look for experience in gardening, landscaping, or related fields.

Certifications in horticulture or related areas can be a plus.

They should also demonstrate knowledge of various plant species, care techniques, and equipment operation.

Physical fitness can be an asset for this role due to the physical nature of the work.

 

What qualities make a good Horticulture Worker?

A good Horticulture Worker has a passion for plants and enjoys working outdoors.

They are detail-oriented, able to recognize subtle changes in plant health, and have the patience to nurture plants over time.

They also have the physical stamina to work in various weather conditions and handle heavy equipment.

Excellent problem-solving skills are important to diagnose and treat plant diseases and pests.

 

Is it difficult to hire Horticulture Workers?

The difficulty of hiring Horticulture Workers can depend on the location and the specific requirements of the role.

In areas with a strong agricultural or gardening community, it may be easier to find qualified candidates.

It can be more challenging to find Horticulture Workers with specific skills, such as experience with certain plant species or advanced landscape design skills.

Offering competitive wages and ongoing training opportunities can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unearthed the reality of what it truly means to be a horticulture worker.

And guess what?

It’s not just about planting seeds.

It’s about shaping the green future, one plant at a time.

With our handy horticulture worker job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to cultivate your career.

But why stop there?

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

Remember:

Every seed planted is a part of a larger garden.

Let’s grow that future. Together.

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