Operates a variety of commercial grass cutting machinery and other equipment in amenity horticulture environment e.g. sports ground maintenance.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Amenity Horticulturalist- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Horticultural workers involved in amenity horticulture are responsible for all stages in the care and planting out of flower beds, trees, shrubs and lawns.
Areas are prepared for planting by measuring and marking out, cultivating the soil and spreading compost; horticultural workers then plant flowers, shrubs and trees according to a design.
A good knowledge of plants is required, including:
- identification and care
- when and how to prune
- the use of fertilisers
- how bedding plants are laid out.
Horticultural workers also carry out general maintenance of green areas such as laying turf, cutting grass, trimming hedges and keeping areas tidy and free of weeds. They erect fencing, lay pathways and may also carry out concrete and brickwork. Some specialise in nursery work such as raising plant stock or tree care, which is known as arboriculture.
All horticultural workers may be required to drive tractors and use other light machinery such as hedge trimmers, rotavators and mowers as well as using hand tools. They must be able to clean, maintain and carry out minor repairs to these machines. May involve some weekend work, early mornings and usually longer hours in the summer.
Qualities - Amenity Horticulturalist
As a horticultural worker you will carry out a wide range of practical tasks so you need to be adaptable and not afraid of getting your hands dirty. Some of the work can be physically demanding: digging, lifting and carrying are regular tasks for all horticultural workers.
Landscape construction work is generally more physically demanding than other horticultural work and can involve using basic building skills and lifting materials like bricks and wooden planks. You must be able to follow plans and drawings provided by landscape designers or landscape architects. You must also have numeracy skills, in order to measure accurately and calculate quantities of materials required.
A driving licence is useful, but not always a requirement.
Interests - Amenity Horticulturalist
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.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
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.
Entry / Progression - Amenity Horticulturalist
Amenity Management or Horticulture are fields that require education and experience, but they are not the only factors for success. You can also develop skills through learning and experience that will help you advance in this career path. This paragraph provides an informational overview of the requirements and opportunities for these professions.
Teagasc run a variety of courses as do horticultural colleges throughout the country. Relevant degree courses are also available.
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: Green-keeping, 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, nursery, sports turf, permaculture, sustainable, organic.
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: Horticulture, Agricultural Apprenticeships.
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, agricultural science, landscape architecture.
Search for CAO Courses
Pay & Salary - Amenity Horticulturalist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €39k
Salary varies by employer, location, duties, experience.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Talent.com
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Amenity Horticulturalist
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.
Useful Contacts - Amenity Horticulturalist
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National Botanic Gardens
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Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority
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College of Amenity Horticulture
- National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9
- (01) 804 0201
- Click Here
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Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland
- Cabinteely House, The Park, Cabinteely, Dublin 18
- (01) 493 7154
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Kildalton Horticultural College
