Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Horticultural Scientist- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Working Life
Horticultural scientists apply science and technology to horticulture. This includes the safe production of a variety of crops, such as vegetables, fruit and plants. Areas of work include laboratory and field based research and development, advice and consultancy work.
Laboratory based scientists may be involved in detailed analytical research work, for example in plant breeding and propagation. Field based research scientists work on projects that aim to find specific solutions to individual problems, for example to discover a fungus for pest control on a particular crop.
Research projects may involve horticultural scientists in both laboratory work and carrying out field based trials, such as laboratory tests on and the development of plants in experimental plots or greenhouses. Developmental work may involve working closely with other specialists such as horticultural engineers.
Horticultural scientists provide information and consultancy to a range of people working in horticulture. They may work for organisations such as garden centres, arable farmers or make their services generally available to the public. Horticultural scientists may spend a lot of their time outside the office visiting growers and working in close liaison with research and development scientists, for example in field trials.
Some horticultural scientists work in other areas, for example marketing, information science and teaching.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
- Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
- Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.
- Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
- Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
- Conduct experiments to investigate the underlying mechanisms of plant growth and response to the environment.
- Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
- Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
- Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.
Further Information
- Horticultural Therapist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Horticultural Scientist
As a horticultural scientist you will need a high level of scientific ability and understanding, especially in biology and chemistry. You need to be able to prepare, analyse, monitor, evaluate and present complicated technical data accurately, often involving the use of computers and complex scientific equipment. Keeping records and preparing reports is also highly important.
You must be able to work as part of a team, have good communication skills and the ability to present complex scientific information (in written or spoken form) that is easy for non-scientists to understand.
Be prepared to travel as part of your work, therefore a driving licence would be an advantage.
Interests - Horticultural Scientist
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.
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.
Entry / Progression - Horticultural Scientist
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
A horticultural scientist is someone who studies the cultivation, management, and improvement of plants for human use. They may work in various fields such as crop production, plant breeding, landscape design, urban gardening, or environmental conservation. Horticultural scientists use scientific methods and tools to understand the biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect plant growth and development. They also apply their knowledge to solve practical problems and enhance the quality and value of plants for food, medicine, ornamental, or recreational purposes.
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
Pay & Salary - Horticultural Scientist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €68k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Eirieri/ salaryexplorer/ Salary expert/ Indeed/ Talent.com
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Horticultural Scientist
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 - Horticultural Scientist
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Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority
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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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National Botanic Gardens
