Horticultural worker
Grow plants, sell plants in a garden centre or look after plants in gardens and parks.
Also known as: nursery garden assistant
About the job
Salary
Source: LMI for All
Weekly
£470
Average
Monthly
£2,036
Average
Yearly
£24,440
Average
400
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would grow plants for decoration or to produce food, sell plants in a garden centre or look after plants in parks and gardens.
You could grow plants for:
Production horticulture, where you’d produce and sell plants either for food or decoration
Garden centres where you’d sell plants to the public
Parks and gardens where you’d look after plants in private gardens, public parks and green spaces, historic gardens or botanic gardens
The day-to-day tasks would vary depending on the season. You would:
Sow seeds and plant bulbs and ornamental plants
Grow plants from cuttings and by grafting
Take care of plants by watering, weeding, pruning, feeding and spraying
Mow grass, cut dead growth and branches and do general tidying
Lay paths and look after ornamental features
Depending on the job you could also pick, sort and package produce to be sent to retailers. If you work in a garden centre you could sell plants and other products and advise the customers.
You’d need to be enthusiastic about plants and follow health and safety regulations.
Hours
Environment
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Other careers that you might like
Gardener Landscaper Greenkeeper Fishing vessel skipper Gamekeeper
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- taking initiative
- time management
- taking responsibility
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Environmental Science
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Rural Skills
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this job but a good general education (SCQF level 4/5) may be required by some employers.
If you choose to study this subject before entering the job or study part-time once in a job, to enter a National Certificate (NC) or National Qualifications (NQ) course in greenkeeping, landscaping or horticulture would require no formal qualifications or two to four subjects at SCQF level 4/5.
To enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in Horticulture, Arboriculture or Garden Design usually require one to two Highers and National 5s.
Qualifications and skills that demonstrate physical fitness and experience working outdoors such as Skills for Work Rural Skills (SCQF 4).
Once in work you may have the opportunity to gain work-based qualifications such as Scottish Vocational Qualification in Horticulture, or Parks, Gardens and Green Space (SCQF level 2/3).
Customer service experience would also be helpful if you want to work in a garden centre.
Explore over 22,000 courses in Scotland
Find the perfect course to boost your career.
