Horticulturist Career Description
Horticulturists are professionally qualified persons involved in the growing, selling and maintenance of plants for indoor and outdoor usage.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
As a horticulturist you will be involved in tasks such as:
» Plant preparation for wholesale and retail nurseries.
» Specialised plant production for example, cut flowers.
» Development and management of outdoor spaces for example, recreation resorts, hotels and sport complexes.
» Work for parks departments of local authorities.
» Act as buyers for large departmental stores or businesses associated with the green industry.
Horticulturists often work with engineers, landscape architects, environmental conservationists and town planners. Through changing, beautifying and conserving the environment, the horticulturist contributes to a higher quality of life.
Horticultural scientists (persons with a university degree in Horticulture) work for various agricultural research institutes, where they conduct research on vegetables, fruit, flowers and grape and wine preparation in different rainfall regions. They are also involved in the marketing of horticultural products and agricultural extension.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Horticulturists must have a love for nature. They must be creative and have technical ability. Patience and perseverance are also important qualities.
Where can I work?
Horticulturists are employed by the Department of Public Works, the provincial governments, municipalities, commercial nurseries and manufacturers of agricultural chemicals. Persons with a university degree can also work as researchers at the various research institutes.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Horticulturists can act as advisers for fruit, vegetable and flower farms as well as fertilizer manufacturers. They can also run their own nurseries or become specialist plant growers for example, cut flowers.
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