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Horticultural Technician

Nurturing species of fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers to optimise their yield so they grow at their best

How this role makes a difference

Fruit, vegetables, plants, and flowers are all grown in the horticultural industry. Each species in each of these categories benefits from particular conditions – soil, watering, feed, and temperatures – to grow at its best. 

Research takes place to understand what makes the difference to a plant’s health. Seedlings are nurtured in different conditions to compare the results and new techniques are employed to increase the yield of fruit or quality of flowers. You could be the technician who helps to create delicious fruits that feed people, and plants and flowers that make them happy.

The kind of work you’ll do

  • Understanding different species and their stages of growth
  • Preparing seed beds/growing areas
  • Following procedures to maximise growth potential
  • Controlling pests, weeds, and diseases
  • Feeding and tending to plants
  • Managing accurate records
  • Operating and taking care of machinery
  • Experimenting with new growing approaches
Useful skills
Problem solving
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Precise
Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the role

An interest in learning about plants and how they grow.

A willingness to work outdoors in different weather conditions.

A responsible approach to following instructions and working independently.

Great attention to detail when you capture information and produce reports.

The ability to define a problem and evaluate different solutions.

The confidence to try new tools and machinery.

You could also be right for this role if you have any of the following interests:

- nature and animals

- science

- sustainability

£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per year *
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

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*according to ONS

Future career opportunities

Once you’ve gained experience in seed production, you could move on to leading a team and taking responsibility for crop management.

You could also become an independent grower, a researcher, or offer your skills as a consultant to other growers.

How to get into this role

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:  

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

The horticulture industry is innovative and technologically advanced, combining scientific research with high-tech machinery and lots of outdoor work. As well as optimising fruit yields and enhancing the vibrancy of plants and flowers, you will also need to consider the surrounding environment to make sure growing practices maintain or improve the land.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Arable Technician
Horticulture Operative

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Lewis Hollingsworth

Horticultural Technician

Lewis Hollingsworth
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