How to Get a Job in Horticulture

Horticulture jobs often start as labor jobs, maybe with a tree care company, in nursery production, turfgrass management, landscape design, a landscaping company or even a lawn mowing company that cleans up and changes out flower beds seasonally. It is usually possible to take horticulture classes at a local community college, but all the coursework in the world only helps some when it comes to learning plant material, how to plant and tend it. The horticulturist must know all of these things and be able to work with a crew of other people and interact with a client. Here are some pointers on how to get a job in horticulture.

Instructions

1. Start looking for a horticulture job in the classified ads of your local newspaper. Contact retail nurseries, wholesale growers, public parks, landscapers or any other green industry in your area. When applying for a job, dress neatly and be clean. You do not need to wear a suit or dress, but do look decent. You must have a telephone and transportation so you can get to the job in the morning. Having a clean driving record is a must because you may drive a crew truck. Answer all questions honestly. If you have been arrested, tell them. Green industry people are usually willing to give someone a chance. If you cannot find openings anywhere, volunteer at a public garden. Often the paid staff is chosen from the volunteer staff. Usually volunteers spend much time being taught by paid staff, so you will be learning horticulture as you work.

2. Be willing to work hard. Whether you are weeding, planting 4-inch bedding plants, mulching or digging holes for trees, you will be doing hard work.

3. Listen and learn. You will be taught how to put a bedding plant in the ground, how to dig a hole for a tree, what grows in the shade and what grows in the sun. You will learn where and when to prune a shrub. You must know all these things before you can pass a horticulture exam, which is usually given by the state you live in.

4. Ask questions. Most crew chiefs or bosses are thrilled to find a person who shows an interest in their work. Labor is difficult to find in the green industry, so when someone comes to work who enjoys the work and wants to learn more, the boss is overjoyed.

5. Know that wages are low in the green industry. Most laborers start out at minimum wage. Progress can come quickly if you have a desire to learn and to work hard. Employee turnover is phenomenally high in landscaping so opportunities for advancement are likely to come fast. Be ready when the job opens and let the boss know you are interested.

6. Take a written exam in horticulture. If you pass it, you become a certified horticulturist. Sometimes the test is free, but some states charge a fee (see Resources below). Most horticulture exams are not terribly difficult. They involve knowing your state's native plants, and being able to identify and care for them. The test will want you to know what grows where and probably how to figure how much soil is needed for a bed of particular dimensions. You will find all this in the study guide that you can get when you apply for the exam. You will also probably find other people on the job who have taken the test and can help you.

Resources

• Information about Florida's horticulture certification exam.