Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

Horticulture is a branch of agriculture which mainly deals with the reproduction of plant life. A horticulturist will work in the management of gardens and natural environments. They are generally educated professionals who are expert in the growth of food and plant life.  They may work in a variety of settings, including maintaining or installing gardens, assisting commercial horticulture operations, consulting on urban greening projects or participating in academic research.

Common tasks include investigating pest and disease infestations and advise on solutions, such as new plant types with greater disease or pest resistant, or new soil mixes.

They may work in landscaping, creating gardens and parks, often with the goal that the resulting landscape will be more in keeping with the natural environment and resources available. This may mean working in collaboration with a landscape designer, but there are differences between the two roles, with the horticulturist’s role being more concerned with the plant life itself.

Horticulturalists can become highly specialised within their career, becoming expert in topics such as chemical free pest management, botanical fauna, sustainable landscaping practices or sustainable growing. You may even be able to develop expertise in areas such as sports turf management or horticultural science research, developing solutions to pressing problems by breeding new plant varieties.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Harvest plants, and transplant or pot and label them.
• Operate tractors, tractor-drawn machinery, and self-propelled machinery to plow, harrow and fertilise soil, or to plant, cultivate, spray and harvest crops.
• Set up and operate irrigation equipment.
• Repair and maintain farm vehicles, implements, and mechanical equipment.
• Harvest fruits and vegetables by hand.
• Clean work areas, and maintain grounds and landscaping.
• Sell and deliver plants and flowers to customers.
• Sow grass seed, or plant plugs of grass.
• Inform farmers or farm managers of crop progress.
• Direct and monitor the work of casual and seasonal help during planting and harvesting.

Further Information

• Horticulturalist- from: GradIreland
• Horticulturalist- from: Job Talks - Horticultural Technician

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Education & experience is desirable in amenity management or horticulture, but skills can be developed via learning and experience to progress into this career.  Teagasc run a variety of courses as do horticultural colleges throughout the country.  Relevant degree courses are also available.

Adult learning horticulture via Local ETB (Education Training Board) & the National Learning Network and single subject options in horticulture available in FET Centres NFQ levels 3-4 Search FET Course

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: greenkeeping, horticulture.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: horticulture, landscaping.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Sports Turf Maintenance, Applied Horticulture.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: horticulture, landscaping.

Search for CAO Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €68k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Eirieri/ Indeed/ Talent.com

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Horticultural trades; Gardeners and landscape gardeners; Groundsmen; greenkeepers; Skilled workers in horse racing and related industries; Agricultural; and fishing trades n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although the employment growth over the five-year period was negative for this occupation, employment levels have remained static since 2020. At 37%, the share aged 55 years or older was almost double the national average of 19%.

A relatively high share of persons employed in this occupation were employed part-time. The administrative and support services sector accounted for the largest share of employment for this occupation at almost two-fifths.

• Irish Specialist Nurseries Association

  • Click Here