Garden Grounds Maintenance Managers plan, develop and maintain open spaces. They ensure that developments are suitable and advise others on the long-term care of the landscape.

They work on a wide range of areas, including:

• Nature conservation areas and wildlife parks
• Historic gardens
• Woodlands (including those used for recreation)
• Motorway verges
• Public parks
• Housing estates.

Parks/Garden/Grounds Maintenance Managers rarely carry out practical work themselves, but they do use their knowledge of plants and the environment to advise others.

Tasks vary from job to job but may include:

• Deciding on appropriate sites for features such as footpaths,
• Devising maintenance plans for essential jobs
• Overseeing the work of employees and contractors
• Monitoring the quality of the environment
• Assessing the impact of any proposed change of land use
• Advising on planning applications and public enquiries
• Meeting landowners to discuss plans for shared borders
• Liaising with community groups and volunteers.

Working Conditions 

Parks/Garden/Grounds Maintenance Managers working in the public sector usually work a standard full-time week, Monday to Friday. There may also be evening meetings and additional hours to meet deadlines.

Those working in private practice may work longer, more irregular hours. Part-time or flexitime work may be available.

Parks/Garden/Grounds Maintenance Managers are usually based in an office and may spend a lot of time attending meetings. Some jobs involve travelling to sites and working outdoors in all weather conditions. A driving licence may be useful.

Next steps

Promotion prospects vary from employer to employer. In local government, there is a structured career path through to supervisory and managerial roles. In other organisations, you may have to move to another employer to get another job.

Some experienced Managers become self-employed and set up their own practices, while others may become partners without leaving their company. There may be opportunities to work overseas.

Useful links

British Association of Landscape Industries

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Greenkeepers Training Committee

Horticulture Jobs

Horticultural Trades Association

Institute of Groundsmanship

Institute of Horticulture

My world of work

Royal Horticultural Society

A Floristry Manager is responsible for the daily running of a floristry shop or department and may have many roles within the business, or they may bring in expertise to help with some of the management demands, such as book keeping and marketing.

Flowers and floral displays are used throughout our lives, in personal circumstances like births, romances, deaths and marriages, and in corporate or other public events. The UK’s fresh-cut-flower and indoor-plant market is worth £2.2bn at retail level and we spend an average of £36 a year on flowers.

A floristry business faces many retail competitors on the high street and the web, so understanding competitors, potential customers and clients is essential for a successful business.

A good level of customer service, communication and sales skills are a must for Florists to maximise levels of customer service, sales opportunities and assist customers with their orders and purchasing requirements. An extensive product knowledge including the seasonal availability of flowers and foliages is required.

Floristry Business Manager/Owner may have many roles within the business, or they may bring in expertise to help with some of the management demands, such as book keeping and marketing.

Working Conditions 

Most businesses have between 3 to 8 full- and part-time staff or are just owned and run by the Florist. Managers are closely involved with all the workings of the business.

A floristry business will normally work a standard full-time week during shop opening hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. There will be times when an early start or late finish is needed, especially during peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Mother’s Day.

Next steps

For Floristry Managers with the experience and enthusiasm to progress, there may be opportunities to become a become freelance worker for a variety of businesses, or work as teachers or professional demonstrators.

Useful links

British Florist Association

The Flowers and Plants Association

My world of work

National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies

Royal Horticultural Society

Florists use creativity and knowledge of plants and flowers to design and assemble floral displays which can be sold through shops and other retail outlets to the general public, businesses or event organisers.

Flowers and floral displays are used throughout our lives, in personal circumstances like births, romances, deaths and marriages, and in corporate or other public events. The UK’s fresh-cut-flower and indoor-plant market is worth £2.2bn at retail level and we spend an average of £36 a year on flowers.

A Florist’s duties usually include:

• Ordering, unpacking and conditioning flowers and plants for different occasions
• Making up bouquets and arrangements based on their own knowledge, ideas, and design books to meet customer requirements
• Helping customers to choose suitable designs, flowers and plants for different occasions
• Setting up displays at conferences or exhibitions
• Maintaining a sufficient supply of fresh flowers, foliages, plants and sundry items using stock taking procedures.

A good level of customer service, communication and sales skills are needed for florists to maximise levels of customer service, sales opportunities and assist customers with their orders and purchasing requirements. An extensive product knowledge including the seasonal availability of flowers and foliages will also be required.

Florists need to use technical skills, creativity and flair to make original designs. Caring for flowers and plants to keep them in the best condition and prolong their life is an important part of the job, so Florists must have knowledge of the structure and needs of different flowers and plants.

Florists condition their fresh flowers and foliages by cutting stems, removing damaged flowers and leaves, placing flowers and plants in water and checking for pests. A wide knowledge of indoor plants, may be required as these may be installed and maintained in offices/workplaces or sold as gifts.

To create displays, Florists will use a range of tools including knives, scissors, secateurs, support wire, and tape. Displays can be arranged in different containers such as pots, vases and baskets, using foam and other materials. Often ribbon and other decorative accessories are used. Florists may also use dried or artificial fabric flowers.

The creation of floral arrangements for occasions such as weddings or funerals requires a high level of skill and detail often involving intricate techniques and artistic ability.

For Florists who own or manage a shop there will be additional duties and business skills required such as staff management, administration and accounting.

Working Conditions 

Florists usually work a standard full-time week during shop opening hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. There may be times when they are required to start work early or work additional hours, especially during peak periods such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Hours often vary for self-employed florists. Part-time opportunities are also available.

Florists mainly work indoors in a work area or a sales area of a shop where flowers are kept in cool conditions. Some may be required to make deliveries, so a driving licence is useful.

The work of a Florist will involve a lot of standing at a work bench or shop counter.

Next steps

For Florists with the experience and enthusiasm to progress, there may be opportunities for promotion to a managerial position.

Florists with the right practical and business skills can become self-employed by opening their own business.

With experience, Florists may become freelance workers for a variety of businesses, teachers or professional demonstrators.

Useful links

British Florist Association

The Flowers and Plants Association

My world of work

National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies

Royal Horticultural Society

A Deputy Head Groundsman or Deputy Head Greenkeeper will report directly to the Head Greenkeeper or Head Groundsman and will be responsible for ensuring the team of ground staff carry out the maintenance, care and presentation of the sports area. 

They will be responsible for ensuring the maintenance of a range of surfaces for sports including: football, cricket, rugby, tennis, bowling, horseracing, golf and athletics.

Employers can range from the public sector, to private clubs, to contractors.

They work with the Head Groundsman or Head Greenkeeper to ensure the playing surface is maintained in a good and safe condition. It may be made of natural turf, synthetic turf or a combination of both.

Deputy Head Greenkeepers tour the course at the start of the day to prepare it for play. This can require very early starts to ensure the best playing surfaces are available. Greenkeepers also need to be constantly aware of golfers on the course, making sure their work does not interfere with play, and must keep health and safety at the forefront of all their activities.

Sometimes Deputy Head Groundsmen may be involved in the construction of a new surface, which can involve reading drawings, preparing the land and making sure there is sufficient water and good standard of drainage to the surface.

They must also ensure that all equipment is checked and correctly set before use. This may include cleaning the equipment and safely storing it after use. Groundspersons will be trained in basic mechanical maintenance to undertake these tasks.

Deputy Head Groundsman or Deputy Head Greenkeeper may also need to answer queries from members of the public and deal with outside contractors. Their duties may require them to place orders and take responsibility for deliveries of products such as top dressings and fertiliser.

Some ground staff work as self-employed contractors and some specialise in particular areas of the work, such as football ground maintenance.

Working Conditions 

Ground staff usually work 37 to 40 hours a week. However, actual working hours depend on the time of year, where they work and any special events taking place on the sports pitch or court.

The hours can be unsociable and involve evenings and weekends, especially when working for professional sports clubs, which may play matches under floodlights.

Ground staff spend much of their time working outside and will be walking, lifting and bending. In some cases, a Deputy Head Groundsman or Deputy Head Greenkeeper may need to travel around a large site, or to divide their time between several locations. A driving licence is usually required for this role.

Next steps

Promotion often depends on the size of the business and can also depend on the achievement of higher-level qualifications.

The IOG offers a range of courses for people who want to continue their professional development or specialise in particular areas of the work.

Some ground staff move into leisure management or estate management. Others set up their own grounds maintenance companies or work for, or as consultants. Those with the right academic qualifications may have the opportunity to carry out research work.

Deputy Head Greenkeeper with suitable qualifications and experience can move into supervisory positions and then become Course Managers. Some may progress to manage several courses by becoming Estate Managers.

An understanding of the techniques and science of different playing surfaces can lead to employment opportunities in other sports. It may also be possible to move into agronomy or golf course design.

There may also be opportunities to become self-employed and to work overseas.

Useful links

British Association of Landscape Industries

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Greenkeepers Training Committee

Horticulture Jobs

Horticultural Trades Association

Institute of Groundsmanship

Institute of Horticulture

My world of work

Royal Horticultural Society

Botanists (sometimes known as plant biologists) study all forms of plant life. They have many different job roles as their work can be used in many areas of plant science. If you are fascinated by plants and you are keen on working in science, this could be an ideal job choice for you.

To do this job you will need to have accuracy, attention to detail and strong communication skills.

Botanists may work in:

• Field research, conducting scientific surveys of natural habitats, identifying, recording and monitoring plant species and searching for new species
• Conservation, protecting, managing and enhancing plant life
• Laboratory research on a range of projects, such as discovering how plants convert simple chemical compounds into more complex chemicals or studying how genetic information (DNA) controls plant development
• Lecturing in a university or college
• Managing plant collections, for example as a curator of a botanic garden or keeper of a herbarium.

As a botanist, you could specialise in:

• The study of specific plant groups
• Plant anatomy and physiology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Genetics
• Ecology
• Marine botany
• Paleobotany (study of fossilised plant remains)
• Taxonomy (the identification and classification of plants).

Botanists may work with other scientists and technicians, employees and volunteers from conservation organisations and representatives from local and national government and industry.

Working Conditions 

Your working hours will vary according to the exact nature of the job.

Botanists working in research and higher education usually work a standard full-time week, Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required at busy times. Those working in conservation may be required to host open days for the public or work with volunteers at weekends and bank holidays. They may also have to go to evening meetings.

Experimental botanists spend most of their time in laboratories conducting research, while environmental botanists often spend a lot of time in the field making and recording observations. Those working in higher education divide their time between lecture theatres, classrooms, laboratories and offices. Conservation botanists work in offices and laboratories, as well as  in the field. Field researchers can spend most of their time outdoors, although this may vary depending on the time of year.

Botanists can work all over the world and may have to cope with difficult climates. Fieldwork can be physically demanding.

A driving licence is often needed for travelling between different places of work.

Next steps

Career progression for conservation and field research workers usually involves taking on more responsibility for projects and advising or managing others.

In universities, botanists may be promoted from researcher to lecturer, then to higher grades, such as senior lecturer, principal lecturer, reader, professor or head of department.

There may be an established career structure in industries, with experienced botanists being promoted to more senior positions.

Some botanists become self-employed and work as freelance consultants.

Botanists working in conservation, fieldwork or for multinational companies may have the opportunity to work overseas.

Useful links

British Association of Landscape Industries

British International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Greenkeepers Training Committee

Horticulture Jobs

Horticultural Trades Association

Institute of Groundsmanship

Institute of Horticulture

My world of work

Royal Horticultural Society

Yard Managers are employed by equestrian business owners to make sure the yard runs efficiently. They are responsible for the daily running of the yard, including managing staff, care of the horses, all aspects of health and safety and dealing with clients and owners.  This role is mostly office based.

As a Yard Manager, you may work on various types of yards, such as competition, breeding, training, riding schools, racing and trekking. Your work would depend partly on the type and size of the yard.  

On smaller equestrian establishments, you may have sole charge of a yard and do more practical work, such as looking after the horses, riding horses and yard maintenance. 

In competition, hunting or racing yards, Yard Managers may also prepare horses for events and accompany them.

In stud and breeding yards, duties may also include: 

• Working with stallions, mares and foals
• Assisting with foaling and handling youngstock 
• Handling of mares and stallions during breeding, training of youngsters
• Running competitions

• Instructing
• Transporting horses’
• Promoting and marketing the establishment
• Liaising with owners/clients
• Driving HGV and non-HGV vehicles such as horseboxes, tractors and trailers.

Working Conditions 

Yard Managers work around 40 hours a week but may work longer on occasions. Early mornings, late nights and weekend working is a common practice for Yard Managers. 

Most of the work is outdoors, in all weather conditions and can involve lifting, carrying, bending, climbing and standing for long periods.

Equestrian businesses are often a long way from town, so a driving licence may be useful. 

Due to location and the nature of the job role, some Yard Manager positions are ‘live-in’ and most involve travelling and staying away from home e.g. during competitions. If you hold a ‘live-in position you will have the overall responsibility of the yard and therefore may be called upon to respond to any emergencies or issues at any time day or night.

Next steps

With experience and relevant qualifications you may be able to develop your skills in a number of directions.  This could provide you with more responsibilities with an existing employer depending on the size of the organisation, but you may have to move to another business.

Experienced Yard Managers may also become:

• Instructor/Coach
• Event Co-ordinator
• Trainer (Racing)
• Owner of a yard.

There may also be opportunities to work and train abroad. 

Useful links

Association of British Riding Schools

British Grooms Association

British Horse Society in Scotland

British Horseracing Authority

My world of work

The British Racing School

The National Stud

Jobs vary depending on the employer but the main tasks are usually:

• Assess riders' ability and confidence and choose horses or ponies to suit them
• Explain safety procedures and riding techniques, such as mounting, dismounting and halting
• Make sure that all riders wear appropriate clothing and follow safety procedures.

Trek Leader Centre Operators may also be responsible for:

• The care of horses or ponies
• Planning routes
• Making sure that tack is kept clean and in good order
• Checking the standard of grooming and the general care of horses and ponies.

Trek Leaders may have to organise yard staff and train Assistant Ride Leaders. They must also be able to take temporary charge of the centre when the owner or manager is away.

Working Conditions 

Working hours tend to be long and can include evening and weekend work, especially during the main holiday period. Many Trek Leaders work part-time or seasonally. Most of the work takes place outdoors in all weather conditions.

Trek Leaders organise and run horse and pony riding activities, particularly treks and hacks across open countryside. They may work with groups or individuals and visitors can be first-time riders, through to experienced riders.

With the right qualifications there may be opportunities to work abroad. 

Next steps

Trek Leaders may progress into specific jobs such as in an equine tourism centre. They may also have the opportunity to progress to Yard Manager or Riding Centre Manager but this will depend on the opportunities available and may mean moving to another establishment.

Useful links

Association of British Riding Schools

British Grooms Association

British Horse Society in Scotland

British Horseracing Authority

My world of work

The British Racing School

The National Stud

A Trek Assistant will assist the Trek Leader in organising and running horse and pony riding activities, particularly treks and hacks across open countryside.

They may work with organised groups, individuals or small family units. Visitors can be first-time riders, novices or experienced riders.

A Trek Assistant may be employed at a riding or trekking centre.   

Working Conditions 

Working hours tend to be long and can include evening and weekend work, especially during holidays. Many Trek Assistants work part-time or seasonally.

Most of the work takes place outdoors in all weather conditions.

With the right qualifications there may be opportunities to work abroad.

Next steps

Trek Assistants can progress to the role of Trek Leader with further experience and training.

Trek Assistants could find work overseas, as the qualifications are recognised internationally.

Useful links

Association of British Riding Schools

British Grooms Association

British Horse Society in Scotland

British Horseracing Authority

My world of work

The British Racing School

The National Stud

Stud Managers are employed by equestrian business owners to make sure the yard runs efficiently. They are responsible for the daily running of the yard, including managing staff, care of the horses, health and safety and dealing with clients.

As a Stud Manager, you could work on various types of yards, such as competition, breeding, training, riding schools, racing and trekking. Your work would depend partly on the type and size of the yard but you may be required to:

• Plan the running of the equestrian yard
• Plan the horses’ exercise routine
• Plan horses’ routine care and keep appropriate records for vaccinations, farrier, teeth and worming
• Purchase and maintenance of feed and equipment
• Keep appropriate records such as financial, insurance, accident reporting
• Conduct risk assessments
• Maintenance of grassland
• Select, purchase and sell horses
• Recruit, train and supervise staff.

On smaller equestrian establishments, you may have sole charge of a yard and do more practical work, such as looking after the horses, riding horses and yard maintenance.

In competition, hunting or racing yards, Yard Managers may also prepare horses for events and may accompany them. In smaller studs and breeding yards, duties may also include working with stallions, mares and foals, assisting with foaling and handling young stock.

Depending on your skills and qualifications, you may also have responsibility for other activities, for example running competitions, instructing, transporting horses, promoting and marketing the establishment and liaising with owners and clients.

Working Conditions 

Stud Managers work around 40 hours a week but this may be longer on occasions. Early mornings, late nights and weekend working is common practice for Stud Managers. Work can involve lifting, carrying, bending, climbing and standing for long periods, and is mainly outdoors, in all weather conditions.

Equestrian businesses are often a long way from towns, so a driving licence may be useful.

Due to location and the nature of the job role, some positions are live-in, so managers may be on call to respond to any emergencies or issues on the yard.

Next steps

With experience and relevant qualifications you could develop your skills in a number of directions. You may then get more responsibility with an existing employer, depending on the size of the organisation, but may need to find work elsewhere to progress.

Experienced Stud Managers may also become:

• Instructor/Coach
• HGV Driver
• Rider
• Event Co-ordinator
• Trainer (Racing)
• Stud Manager
• Business Manager.

Stud Managers wanting to also become riding instructors can take BHS or ABRS teaching qualifications.

There are opportunities to work and train abroad.

Useful links

Association of British Riding Schools

British Grooms Association

British Horse Society in Scotland

British Horseracing Authority

My world of work

The British Racing School

The National Stud

A Stud Hand will be responsible for the care of several mares and foals. Handling duties involves turning them out, fetching them in, holding them for teasing, covering, veterinary inspection, farriery and showing them to owners and clients. Stud staff may be required to work at the bloodstock sales after the breeding season. 

Working Conditions

Stud hands will normally work around 40 hours a week, but longer on occasions. They may also be expected to cover early mornings, late nights and weekends. Part-time, seasonal and casual work is often available. Most work is outdoors, in all weather conditions, and can involve lifting, carrying, bending, climbing and standing for long periods. Stables can be a long way from towns, so a driving licence may be useful.  Some jobs involve travelling and staying away from home.

Next steps

With experience and relevant qualifications you could progress to management or more senior positions. The career structure will vary depending on the size of the organisation, but you may have to move elsewhere to find another job.

Experienced Stud Hands may become Stud Managers. There are also opportunities to work and train abroad.

Useful links

Association of British Riding Schools

British Grooms Association

British Horse Society in Scotland

British Horseracing Authority

My world of work

The British Racing School

The National Stud