Plant production is an essential aspect of horticulture and involves their propagation, growth, and maintenance. Nurseries are where plants are grown and nurtured until they’re ready to be sold and planted in various landscaping and garden settings. This industry plays a crucial role in the Australian landscape, as without production there is no garden industry.
In this article, we’ll explore job tasks and pros and cons of production horticulture work, and we’ll also provide a resource for you to browse production horticulture jobs near you in Australia.
Responsibilities and Duties
The duties and responsibilities of a nursery production worker will vary depending on their level of expertise and job title, as well as the individual workplace. Some common tasks include:
- Preparing and maintaining the growing media, such as soil and compost
- Planting, pruning, and nurturing young plants
- Watering and fertilising plants
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Maintaining optimal plant health and cultural conditions.
- Record-keeping and data analysis
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Qualifications and Training
While there is no specific educational requirement for entry-level positions in nursery production, many employers prefer to hire those with a background in horticulture or related fields. For higher-level positions, such as a nursery manager, a degree, diploma, or cert 3 in horticulture or a related field may be required.
In addition to formal education, hands-on experience is also valuable in this field. Many nursery workers gain experience through part-time or casual work while studying, or through volunteering opportunities at local nurseries.
Pros of a Career in Nursery Production
- Hands-on work with plants and nature
- Opportunities for career advancement and specialisation
- Variety of tasks and responsibilities
- Growing demand for plants and landscaping
- Opportunities for outdoor work
- Some workplaces use minimal chemicals
Cons of a Career in Nursery Production
- Physical labour can be demanding, especially in hot or inclement weather
- Some positions may require early starts and/or late finishes
- Exposure to pesticides and other chemicals
- Limited opportunities for career advancement in smaller operations
- Can be seasonal work in some regions
Salary Expectations
A production nursery manager, horticulturist, or nursery professional’s salary can range from $45,000 to $100,000 a year according to [1]. Meanwhile, the average hourly pay for a Nursery Worker in Australia is estimated to be around AU$23.01 according to [2].
Another source estimates the plant nursery industry has an average hourly rate of AU$24.63 [3]. The production horticulture skill is estimated to have an average salary of AU$53,920 [4].
Finding Production Nursery Jobs in Australia
Discover opportunities in the field of production horticulture by exploring job listings on the Australian horticulture industry job portal, Hort People. Your dream job could be waiting for you.
You can also upload your resume to Hort People for free to make employers chase you.
Conclusion
Overall, a career in nursery production can be both rewarding and challenging. With a growing demand for plants and landscaping, there are plenty of opportunities for those who are passionate about horticulture and working with plants. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, a career in nursery production may be right for you.