Horticulture Technician
Landscape Technology
A program that focuses on the general production and processing of domesticated plants, shrubs, flowers, foliage, trees, groundcovers, and related plant materials; the management of technical and business operations connected with horticultural services; and the basic scientific principles needed to understand plants and their management and care.
What Horticulture Technicians Do
A program that focuses on the general production and processing of domesticated plants, shrubs, flowers, foliage, trees, groundcovers, and related plant materials; the management of technical and business operations connected with horticultural services; and the basic scientific principles needed to understand plants and their management and care.
Common Tasks
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- 2Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- 3Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- 4Supervise laboratory sessions and field work and coordinate laboratory operations.
- 5Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Types of Horticulture Technicians
Work Environment
Locations
- • Greenhouses and nurseries
- • Landscaping and grounds maintenance companies
- • Parks, campuses, and municipal grounds departments
- • Golf courses and sports complexes
- • Farms and specialty crop operations
Schedule
Work is often daytime but can shift with seasons, weather, and peak growing or maintenance periods, with occasional early mornings and overtime during busy months.
Physical Demands
Many roles involve long periods of standing and walking, frequent lifting/carrying, and regular use of hand and power tools. Outdoor work in heat, cold, rain, and pollen is common, with some positions involving more desk time for planning and supervision.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 2,276,400 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand can rise as cities, campuses, and commercial properties invest in landscaping, green infrastructure, and water-smart plantings. Growth in greenhouse and nursery production and interest in sustainable food and ornamental plants can also increase hiring.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Work outdoors and with plants
- • Variety of tasks across seasons and sites
- • Clear paths into crew lead or operations management
- • Skills transfer to nursery, greenhouse, and landscape roles
- • Can be rewarding to see visible results
Cons
- • Physically demanding and weather-dependent work
- • Busy seasons can mean long days and weekend work
- • Exposure to allergens, insects, and chemicals (when used)
- • Pay can be modest in entry-level roles
- • High time pressure on crews and deadlines
Common Questions About the Horticulture Technician Trade
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