Amenity Horticulture Jobs in Australia: A Guide

Amenity horticulture is a sector that encompasses a range of jobs related to the maintenance and upkeep of gardens, parks, and other outdoor green spaces. It is a highly diverse field that offers opportunities for those with a passion for plants, landscapes, and the environment.

If you’re considering a career in amenity horticulture, it’s important to understand the benefits and challenges that come with the job. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what amenity horticulturists do, the pros and cons of working in this field, and we’ll provide a resource for you to browse local horticulture jobs.

Horticulture is creative, but it’s also an applied science, so it uses both sides of your brain. Image source

What Do Amenity Horticulturists Do?

Amenity horticulturists are responsible for maintaining and improving the health, appearance, and safety of gardens, parks, and other green spaces. This can include tasks such as:

• Planning and planting new gardens and landscapes
• Maintaining existing vegetation and lawns
• Pruning and shaping trees and shrubs
• Applying fertilisers, pesticides, and other treatments to keep plants healthy
• Replacing dead or diseased plants
• Clearing debris and litter from outdoor spaces
• Installing irrigation systems
• Creating and maintaining hardscaping features, such as paths, walls, and water features
• Collaborating with other professionals, such as landscape architects, engineers, and horticulturists, to design and implement projects.

Pros of Working in Amenity Horticulture

• Opportunities for creativity and problem-solving: Amenity horticulturists have the chance to use their creativity and imagination to design and maintain beautiful outdoor spaces that meet the needs and wants of their clients.
• Opportunities for physical activity: Working in amenity horticulture often involves physical activity, such as digging, planting, and pruning. For those who enjoy being active and working with their hands, this can be a great way to stay fit and healthy.
• Opportunities for professional growth: Amenity horticulturists can continue to develop their skills and knowledge throughout their careers. This can include pursuing additional qualifications, attending workshops and training sessions, and taking on new challenges and projects.
• Opportunities for job stability: Amenity horticulturists can expect to enjoy steady employment, with opportunities for career advancement, in a growing and in-demand sector.

Cons of Working in Amenity Horticulture

• Physical demands: The physical demands of working in amenity horticulture can be challenging, especially in hot, humid, or wet weather conditions.
• Seasonal fluctuations in workload: Amenity horticulturists may experience fluctuations in their workload throughout the year, with busy periods during the growing season and quieter periods during the winter.
• Hazardous working conditions: Working in outdoor spaces can pose hazards, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, dangerous equipment, and unpredictable weather conditions.
• Long working hours: Amenity horticulturists may be required to work early in the morning or late into the evening, especially during the busy growing season.

Pay Rates

“Horticulture” is a wide field, and can be associated with fruit and veg production. It’s hard to find figures on amenity horticulture salaries, so below we will explore renumeration statistics for “horticulturists” and “landscapers”.

The average salary for horticulture workers in Australia can be between $60,000 and $70,000, according to [1]. Another source reports an average hourly pay of AU$25.25 per hour for horticulturists [2]. Meanwhile, Indeed.com states that the average salary for a horticulturist is $30.08 per hour in Australia [3]. It’s important to note that these figures may vary depending on the specific job role, experience, and location.

It is always best to ask the employer about the specific salary and benefits for the job role you are interested in. You may also consider negotiating your salary if you believe that you’re worth more based on your skills and experience [4].

For a landscaper, the average hourly pay is AU$25.50 per hour, with a median base hourly rate of A$25.50 and a 90% rate of A$34.02. [1]. The average salary is between $55,000 and $65,000 per year. [3]. Or, according to another source it’s $78,298 per year. [5].

For a senior landscaper, the average base salary is $100,880 per year. [2].

Landscape designers can earn up to $90,000 and landscape architects up to $110,000 per year. [3]. According to another source, a landscape designer’s average salary is AU$57,780 per year, with a median salary of A$58,000 and a 90% rate of A$70,000. [6].

The average salary for a landscape labourer is $29.76 per hour. [7].

Qualifications and Skills Needed for a Career in Amenity Horticulture

To get started in amenity horticulture, you’ll need a combination of education, experience, and personal qualities, including:

• A cert 3 or higher in a horticulture-related field, such as landscape design, turf management or parks and gardens.
• A passion for plants and the environment
• A commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
• Physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Attention to detail
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Conclusion

Amenity horticulture is a dynamic and diverse field that offers a wide range of job opportunities in Australia. From park and garden maintenance to landscape design, there’s something for everyone in this industry. It requires a mix of technical knowledge, artistic flair, and physical endurance, making it an exciting and challenging career choice. Whether you’re just starting out in your horticulture journey or looking to take the next step, there’s no shortage of opportunities for growth and development in amenity horticulture.