Horticulture Production Supervisors work in food production or in ornamental plant production, including ornamental plant nurseries, fruit and vegetable production farms, cut flower grower farms, or other sites that produce plants.

Ornamental plants can be produced to end up in your local park or the shelves of garden centres. The trees, shrubs and flowers we all enjoy looking at are grown at ornamental plant nurseries but can’t be eaten.

Fruit and vegetable production for apples, pears, plums, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, salads, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, mushrooms, watercress takes place in fruit and vegetable nurseries and farms.

Both areas of production may include either field production or protected production in glasshouses or plastic tunnels.

The technology involved in growing ornamental and edible plants, plus the job opportunities from management to marketing make working on an ornamental or fruit or veg nursery a rewarding career. 

Horticultural Production Supervisors can be involved in:

• Ensuring plants are grown correctly, including seed sowing and cultivation
• Ensuring plants are nurtured by watering, weeding, pruning, and nutrients
• Identifying and dealing with pests and diseases
• Identifying produce to be picked and packaged
• Ensuring temperature, light and humidity in glasshouses are right
• Supervising workers to produce, pick and pack the final product.

They can specialise within a specific technical area such as irrigation, soil or propagation and become a technician in that area. 

Many of these specialist areas can be taught on the job at farm or production nurseries, or as part of a wide range of horticultural courses, including degrees, diplomas and distance learning.

Working Conditions 

The hours vary depending on the type of farm or production nursery and on the season. In large farms or production nurseries staff may work a standard full-time week. In many businesses early starts are common in the summer months.

In both types of production, weekend work, late evenings and overtime are common. Part-time and casual jobs are available.

The work is rewarding and can be physically demanding.

Next steps

There are a variety of opportunities within the industry and an increasing demand for experienced workers.

If you supervise a team of Horticultural Production Workers you could progress to a management position such as Quality Assurance Manager or Nursery Manager.

If you specialise in a particular area such as soil, nutrient, propagation you could progress into Propagation Scientist, Seed Scientist, Plant Pathologist or Agronomist.

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

Horticultural Production Managers raise crops, plan strategies for maximum yield and sustainability, organise farm or nursery administration, work machinery, organise associated businesses and manage staff.

They need to have technical and practical competence coupled with the ability to make sound business decisions.

Ornamental plants can be produced to end up in your local park or the shelves of garden centres. The trees, shrubs and flowers we all enjoy looking at are grown at ornamental plant nurseries but can’t be eaten.

Fruit and vegetable production for apples, pears, plums, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, salads, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, mushrooms, watercress takes place in fruit and vegetable nurseries and farms.

Both areas of production may include either field production or protected production in glasshouses or plastic tunnels.

The technology involved in growing ornamental and edible plants, plus the job opportunities from management to marketing make working on an ornamental or fruit or veg nursery a rewarding career. 

Working Conditions 

Horticultural Production Managers often work longer than the conventional working week. The nature of the job means that they may be on call day and night.

There are often no set hours and certain times of the year are particularly busy. Early morning starts are typical. The hours worked are determined by the season, so at harvest time, days can be longer.

Practical work on the farm or nursery is usually outdoors, in all weather conditions. Horticultural Production Managers also spend time in an office dealing with paperwork. On a smaller site the manager will get involved in more of the production tasks.

Next steps

From large glasshouses to very large sites specialising in field-grown vegetables, fruit growing or shrub growing, there are many opportunities to progress within this industry.

This could be working on multiple sites, in regional management, or even as consultants or civil servants making policy with Government bodies.

There are opportunities outside growing too, as supermarkets need require field officers to manage the need for a daily supply of fresh produce.

Suppliers, who provide everything from packaging to chemicals, need specialist advisers and research workers to develop new products.

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

Grave diggers are general ground maintenance workers who tend graves and memorial sites at cemeteries and crematoria.

As well as general ground maintenance grave diggers will also:
•    Measure and mark out grave spaces
•    Use a mechanical excavator and hand tools to dig graves
•    Work with other funeral and cemetery staff, including crematorium technicians, cemetery inspectors and superintendents, council officials and general gardening staff.

Working Conditions

Grave Diggers usually work 9-5, Monday to Friday, but may also be needed at weekends.

They work mainly outdoors, often in all kinds of weather. It can be physically demanding, and involve lots of climbing and bending.

Next steps

The number of people employed in cemeteries is greater than at crematoria. Although there is little scope for promotion within practical cemetery work itself, cemetery workers or gravediggers who do some clerical work and undertake training, can progress into cemetery administration positions. 

Cemetery workers who get involved in cemetery maintenance could also move into gardening and ground maintenance positions.

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

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

Our parks and green spaces provide many health, life quality and community integration benefits to society. Gardeners grow and maintain plants in a variety of different settings, including public and heritage parks, private and botanical gardens, plant nurseries, sports facilities, roadside verges and open green spaces.

As no two parks or gardens are the same, the work is varied, interesting and provides a wide variety of tasks and opportunities.  It covers all stages in the care and planting of flower beds, trees, shrubs, lawns and managing and maintaining gardens or green spaces. There is also the general maintenance of green areas plus erecting fences and hard landscape tasks, for example, laying paths.

Many Gardeners work in areas open to the public and can be involved in visitor management, events, leading garden walks and contributing to the interpretation and marketing of the site. Gardeners must work to maximise visitor enjoyment by maintaining excellent standards of presentation within the environment.

A Gardener's work involves a variety of jobs including:

• Cutting grass and hedges
• Seasonal maintenance of shrubs and trees
• Digging, planting and weeding flower beds and borders
• Laying mulch (compost, bark or other materials) around plants
• Propagation, plant production and maintenance under glass
• Clearing and planting flower beds
• Pest and disease control and the timely and safe use of pesticides as directed
• Clearing leaves and litter
• Cleaning and maintaining machinery and equipment.

Gardeners will be expected to use a range of tools and mechanical equipment, ranging from hand forks to large vehicle-mounted equipment requiring specialised training.

The work may involve basic building, such as erecting sheds or conservatories or building patios, walls, decking and fencing.

Gardeners involved in ground maintenance may work in small teams to make sure parks and public spaces are regularly maintained. Some Gardeners may also be involved in park safety, carrying out regular checks on children's playgrounds.

Gardeners may specialise in:

• Trees and shrubs (arboriculture)
• Maintaining specialist play surfaces such as cricket and football pitches (Groundsman) and golf courses (Greenkeeper)
• Interior landscaping and looking after plants in office blocks, shopping arcades and other indoor areas
• Restoring old gardens
• Tree-planting schemes
• The regeneration of derelict land.

Many Gardeners are self-employed, working for private individuals and offering services from basic lawn mowing and hedge trimming to full garden design.

Working Conditions

Gardeners usually work around 37 hours a week, varying over the year. In the growing season, they often start very early in the morning and need to be flexible and willing to work extra hours at peak times to keep gardens and parks looking at their best. Overtime, part-time and casual or seasonal work is available.

Gardeners work outdoors in all weathers. Some jobs, such as working in the gardens of a historic house, involve regular contact with the public.

Gardeners may also have to climb ladders, use noisy machinery or apply chemicals and fertilisers to improve soils or kill pests and diseases.

Next steps

In organisations employing teams of Gardeners, such as local authorities or heritage organisations, it may be possible to become a supervisor managing a team of gardeners, overseeing regular maintenance work and planning new planting schemes. Some Gardeners move into different areas of gardening work.

There are many opportunities for Gardeners with relevant experience to diversify into different careers, including outdoor recreation officer, countryside officer, horticultural education officer, forestry worker and landscape designer.  There are also opportunities to specialise in areas of Botanical and Heritage Gardens.  

There may also be opportunities to work abroad.

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