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Horticultural Assistant

Also known as Gardener's Assistant, Garden Labourer and Nursery Assistant.

Horticultural assistants undertake a range of tasks involving the cultivation, growing, harvesting and maintenance of trees, plants and gardens.

Horticultural assistants usually work under the supervision of a horticultural tradesperson.

They work outside and in greenhouses, often in a team.

Some of the work is physically demanding as it involves bending, lifting and the use of machinery such as tractors, rollers and edging machines.

Protective clothing must be used when handling fertilisers and pesticides, and to prevent injury while using machinery.

TASKS

Horticultural assistants may perform the following tasks:

prepare new garden sites, plots and soils using hand tools or machines
load, unload and move gardening supplies and equipment
assist with planting and transplanting seeds, bulbs, flowers, shrubs, trees and lawns
clean gardens and remove rubbish
maintain plants and gardens by watering, weeding, fertilising and mowing lawns
adjust mist irrigation systems, shade and ventilation in a nursery, garden or greenhouse
prepare and package plants for sale or transport
erect barriers, fences or structures in gardens

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to undertake manual and sometimes heavy work
observant and methodical
good communication skills
enjoy outdoor work
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
enjoy working in teams

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a horticultural assistant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in horticulture, production horticulture, production nursery or retail nursery. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a horticultural assistant through a traineeship in Horticulture, Production Horticulture, Production Nursery or Retail Nursery.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Horticultural assistants are mainly employed by retail and wholesale nurseries, plantation timber companies, local governments, parks authorities and private gardening and landscaping companies to assist professionals.

There is strong demand for entry-level positions into this occupation. With experience and further training, it is possible to gain promotion to horticultural tradesperson positions.