HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A common path is to finish secondary school, especially courses in biology, science, and math, and then look for entry-level work or seasonal jobs in nurseries, garden centres, or greenhouses. Some people gain experience through farm or landscaping work, volunteer gardening, or family businesses. Others choose a college certificate, diploma, or university program in horticulture or crop production, but this varies by employer and role. On-the-job training is common for tasks like planting, watering, moving plants, using tools, and following safety procedures.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Prepare soil, plant bulbs, seeds and cuttings, graft and bud plants, and transplant seedlings and rooted cuttings
- Spray trees, shrubs, flowers and plants to prevent disease and pests
- Position and regulate greenhouse and outdoor irrigation systems to water plants and fields
- Dig, cut and transplant trees, shrubs, flowers and plants and prepare them for sale
- Provide information to customers on gardening and the care of trees, shrubs, flowers, plants and lawns
- May operate tractors and other machinery and equipment to fertilize, cultivate, harvest and spray fields and plants
- Maintain inventory and order materials as required
- Clean working area.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Communication SkillsEnvironment/Safety ProceduresPhysical/outdoor work