Careers in horticulture

Education Links Algonquin College University of Guelph Alfred Campus Cambrian College Durham College Fanshawe College Fleming College Georgian College Humber College University of Guelph Kemptville Campus Lakehead University Lambton College Mohawk College Niagara College Niagara Parks School of Horticulture Redeemer University College University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus Ryerson University Sault College Seneca College Sheridan College St Clair College University of Guelph Job links Landscape Ontario Employment Opportunities Electronic Labour Exchange Types of careers Landscape design Landscape construction Landscape maintenance Lawn care Nursery grower Garden centre Greenhouse Golf course Irrigation Teaching Research Sales and service Consulting Parks systems Arboriculture Conservation authorities

Thinking of a career in horticulture? Get the facts on what the industry has to offer! Personal Qualifications: To work in the horticulture industry, you should be an organized, responsible and creative person who enjoys the challenges of creating something from nothing. You should like physical activity in an outdoor setting and have a keen interest in working with plants to improve the environment. Different qualities are required for different tasks. Fieldwork careers require training and experience in the "hands-on" aspects of the job. You should also be able to train workers for their respective jobs. If the sales area is your field of interest, you should possess the ability to communicate well, have an amiable personality, good business background and be familiar with landscape plants and their uses. If you have the ability to develop leadership qualities, are self motivated, display initiative, enjoy working with people and have a business background, then you are an excellent candidate for an administration career in horticulture. Nature of Work: The nature of work depends on your area of interest. The common thread is working with plants, people and the environment, in order to transform ordinary spaces into creative, useful and visually pleasing outdoor areas. Horticulture is a science. Knowledge of botany, chemistry, soils, entomology, plant pathology and genetics is essential. Horticulture is also an art. A visit to a well-designed botanical garden or residential garden is proof of that. A horticulturist works with raw materials of stone, timber, soils, water and plants to create features, which will provide years of enjoyment for many. Employment Prospects: Landscape/Horticulture is a dynamic and rapidly growing field. Employment opportunities are excellent in all areas. Currently there are far more positions available in this industry than there are people to fill them. Also, in a market with unprecedented demand for horticultural services, the prospects for starting your own business are excellent. Advancement Opportunities: Most people join this industry in an entry-level capacity but within a short time, depending on their personal attributes and attitude, it is common to attain management, supervisory and other positions of responsibility, within a few years. Pressures and Demands: Working in horticulture involves working in a variety of weather conditions. The ability to respond to changing priorities and working to detailed specifications is essential. The job can sometimes require a frenetic pace in the spring and fall. Rewards and Benefits: People in the landscape/horticulture field are involved in making a lasting contribution to the quality of urban life. The ability to transform outdoor spaces into much admired landscapes is an inherently rewarding skill. The opportunity to work in a healthy environment is an added bonus. There is great satisfaction in leaving a legacy of beauty for future generations. Training in horticulture can provide students with the kind of background knowledge, skill, creativity and inspiration, that when followed by experience, will raise them to positions that are important and rewarding occupations. Importance to Society: The value of horticulture can be seen in everyday life. Flowers, plants, trees and shrubs, combine to enrich people's lives with beauty. Training: There are courses available at all levels and through many institutions. Educational opportunities are available through high schools, college, university, correspondence, short courses, apprenticeship, college night school, trade associations, botanical gardens and private schools. Generally, colleges offer one, two, and three-year courses and universities offer four-year programs.