The Work

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.

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.

Education & experience is desirable in Amenity Management or Horticulture. But skills can be developed via learnng 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 

Training & Development 

FET Centres Adult learning Horticulture NFQ levels 3-5  Search our FET coursefinder

FET Centre Traineeships Greenkeeping & Horticulture NFQ level 5 Search our FET coursefinder

FET Centre Post leaving cert Horticulture, Horticulture (Landscaping), Horticulture (Nursery), Horticulture (Sports Turf), Horticulture - Advanced, Permaculture - Sustainable Horticulture, Sustainable Organic Horticulture at NFQ levels 5 & 6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship Horticulture & Agricultural Apprenticeships offered at NFQ levels 6-7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry Horticulture - Agricultural Science, Horticulture  Landscape Architecture courses at NFQ level 7-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Last Updated: March, 2023

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

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

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.

• National Botanic Gardens

  • Glasnevin, Dublin 9
  • (01) 804 0201
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority

  • Head Office, Oak Park, Carlow
  • (059) 917 0200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• College of Amenity Horticulture

  • National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9
  • (01) 804 0201
  • Click Here

• Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland

  • Cabinteely House, The Park, Cabinteely, Dublin 18
  • (01) 493 7154
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Kildalton Horticultural College

  • Piltown, Co. Kilkenny
  • (051) 644400
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here