fancy working in the green and pleasant world of horticulture? Here’s what you can expect!
Fresh air, sunshine, green space and nature – what’s not to love about working in horticulture? Of course, there’s much more to it than just spending time outside, but being surrounded by plants and trees – and helping them to thrive – must surely be one of the most satisfying careers for your soul.
Horticulture provides employment for more than 50,000 people in the UK, with the value of the UK industry estimated to be Ј5billion per year. Around 85% of the sector is made upof small- and medium-sized enterprises. So, what’s in it for you?
Garden Designer
As a garden designer, you could be responsible for landscaping, designing and replanting new areas within a park or the grounds of a stately home; or you
may be commissioned to design new gardens for individual clients. Most designers are self-employed or work with a business partner, although some work for bigger garden design companies.
What skills do I need?
You’ll need a qualification in garden design. A horticulture qualification, such as an RHS diploma, would be valuable too. Good design skills and a creative ability, plus excellent communication skills, are also important.
How can I progress?
After getting some experience with a garden design company, you could decide to set up your own business.
How much can I earn?
Salaries start at around £15,000, rising to £30,000 with experience, depending on how many garden design commissions you get.
Arboriculturist
Arboriculture involves planting, growing, maintaining, managing and removing trees and shrubs. An arboricultural consultant will have recognised qualifications in the care and management of trees in parks, gardens and other populated settings, and will be able to give professional advice on the health and safety of a tree, often in the form of written technical reports. An arboricultural contractor – or tree surgeon – carries out pruning, planting and felling jobs, and should be able to identify pests and diseases.
What skills do I need?
You’ll need a qualification in land-based studies, rising to a diploma in arboriculture, depending on the level you want to achieve. You also need a good head for heights and a degree of physical fitness if you’re undertaking tree surgery.
How can I progress?
You could end up running your own business and, if you want to become more specialised, you could progress to managementor consultancy work.
How much can I earn?
Salaries start at £15,000 to £21,000 for an arboricultural contractor, rising to £25,000 to £30,000 as an arboricultural consultant.
Groundsman
If you love being outside, a career as a groundsman could really hit the mark. You may be looking after sportsgrounds such as football, cricket or rugby pitches, and maintaining them to a high standard. The job also covers estate and grounds management for private gardens, schools or trust-run properties, as well as amenity open spaces such as parks and green spaces in towns and villages.
What skills do I need? A qualification in horticulture or sports and amenity turf maintenance is beneficial. You can also enter the profession as an apprentice and get on-the-job training. The ability to operate heavy equipment and interpret plans and drawings is important.
How can I progress?
You could become a grounds manager for a top sporting venue, or manage a large team for a local authority or estate.
How much can I earn?
Starting salaries are around £17,500, rising to £48,000 with experience.
Commercial Grower
This involves the growing, distribution and selling of food crops or plants and flowers. You might decide to specialise in a particular area, such as soft fruits or vegetables, while employment could be within food and produce companies, farms, plant nurseries or garden centres.
What skills do I need?
You’ll need a good knowledge of horticulture, such as a certificate or diploma in horticulture, agriculture or soil/earth sciences, along with commercial awareness and good organisational and teamwork skills. Experience of crop growing is helpful.
How can I progress?
With experience, you could become a manager overseeing all aspects of the production process, from plant cultivation and maintenance to negotiating contracts with buyers.
How much can I earn?
Starting salaries will be £16,000 or so, rising to £30,000 at a senior level.
Horticultural Scientist
Also known as a soil and plant scientist, a horticultural scientist might conduct research into plant genetics, soil, growth patterns or plant production. Jobs might involve developing techniques for better crop production, dealing with pests and diseases, and controlling weeds. You may also consult with crop developers about growing techniques.
What skills do I need?
A science degree is usually required in a subject such as horticulture, botany or ecology, possibly progressing to an MSc or PhD.
How can I progress?
You could work for a government research institute, undertake research at a university, or work within a food processing and marketing company.
How much can I earn?
Salaries usually start at around £16,000, rising to around £52,000 with experience.
