Careers in Horticulture
A career in horticulture is one that offers a diverse range of opportunities, from design and planning to business and scientific research. Many positions combine working outdoors with the application of technical, design, planning, scientific and management skills. The industry attracts a diverse range of people, from school leavers to those seeking a change in career. And there are many different points at which to enter the industry.
Arboriculture
Arboriculture is the care and management of urban trees. Enjoying the high life comes with responsibilities and arborists must be experts in aerial rescue and chainsaw safety as well as the science of tree care. Back on the ground, arborists need to have excellent management skills for consulting to government, commercial and private clients.
Commerce and sales
Working in and running a horticulture business requires a range of skills, including technical, budgeting, human resources and marketing. There are many opportunities in horticultural commerce such as the sales of horticultural products and materials to the development of promotion and marketing programs
Design
A popular area of horticulture is in garden and residential landscape design. Designers work to create gardens that are pleasing to the eye as well as functional. The sites can include private gardens, public parks and reserves, indoor facilities and newly developed housing estates and industrial complexes. Designers are frequently self-employed or will work in private firms or government organisations.
Education and training
Helping students to develop their careers can be incredibly rewarding. Lecturers and teachers in horticulture often balance practical instruction with classroom studies to develop knowledge and skills for employment. Opportunities can range from TAFE teaching to the supervision of postgraduate students.
Gardens and landscape
As a television celebrity recently noted - “Gardening is the new rock and roll”. Opportunities for employment in this sector of horticulture have never been better as people want better use of their outdoor spaces. Good gardens need good gardeners to help develop and maintain them. Landscape contractors are also in demand to help build gardens, from surfaces and walls to turf and irrigation systems.
Horticultural media
Employment in the media requires good horticultural knowledge and the ability to think quickly and stick to tight deadlines. Working in radio, television, magazines and other publications, even the world wide web are the sorts of positions in the media. A flair for dealing with people and a creative edge could lead to a scoop that is big news. There is even a Horticultural media association.
Landscape and open space management
Our urban parks and open spaces are precious resources and are becoming increasingly important as environmental awareness. Understanding how to develop and care for them requires skilful management. The types of jobs can be diverse and can include roles in extension and advisory, policy and planning and management. Positions can be found in public parks and gardens, government agencies and services and consultancy.
Nurseries
Growing plants is the cornerstone of horticulture. Nurseries range from production, where the propagation of new plants is the focus, to retail, where sales to the public are made. Many nurseries are small businesses where a comprehensive understanding of plants and horticultural principles are often needed to undertake the diversity of tasks needed.
Research and development
Researchers are at the cutting edge, exploring new ideas and seeking solutions to scientific, technical, social or other problems. Horticultural research generally involves looking at plant-related issues particularly in the areas of analysis, production and management. Areas of urban horticultural research are becoming more important as environmental issues become higher on the agenda. Opportunities for employment can be found in government and private agencies, Botanical gardens and Universities.
Sports turf management
The production and maintenance of specialised grasses and other ground covers is required for sporting and recreation facilities such as golf courses, cricket pitches and football ovals. The industry involves turf grass research, science and technology as well as the production, marketing and sales of turf grass products and services.