Business is blooming: 5 in-demand jobs in the Horticulture industry

Have you ever considered turning your passion for plants into a rewarding career? Good news! The horticulture industry in Australia is flourishing and more than 20% of the country's plants are produced right here in Victoria. Whether you want to work outdoors or you like the idea of getting paid to make a positive impact on the planet, there’s never been a better time to explore the pathways available in this growing sector.

What roles are in demand?

The horticulture industry covers a diverse range of rewarding roles, ranging from landscape design to plant conservation. Here are just a few of the exciting career opportunities waiting for you:

1. Groundskeeper

Groundskeepers play a vital role in maintaining sports fields, golf courses, botanical gardens and other outdoor recreational facilities. From planting trees to turf management, this hands-on role offers plenty of opportunities to work outdoors and keep our green spaces in top condition.

2. Nursery plant propagator

If you have a knack for customer service and a passion for plants, a career in a nursery might be the perfect fit for you. You'll assist customers in selecting the right plants for their needs, provide expert advice on plant care and contribute to the success of a thriving nursery business. If you fancy spending your day amongst flowers you could even try your hand at floristry.

3. Conservationist

Join the efforts to preserve our planet as a plant conservationist. In this rewarding role, you'll work to protect endangered plant species, conduct research on plant conservation methods and collaborate with governments to safeguard our natural heritage.

4. Garden Designer

Dive into the world of landscape design and construction. From creating stunning outdoor spaces to implementing sustainable gardening practices, this hands-on role allows you to unleash your creativity while shaping the environment around you. You will also have the skills to be your own boss and run your own horticultural and garden maintenance business.

5. Greenhouse Manager

Greenhouse managers oversee the operations of greenhouse facilities, including crop production, environmental control and pest management. They are responsible for maintaining the best growing conditions and maximising crop yields while following sustainable farming practices.

Get started with Melbourne Polytechnic

At Melbourne Polytechnic, we're committed to equipping aspiring horticulture workers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. Our comprehensive horticulture courses provide hands-on training in a variety of areas, including:

Certificate III in Horticulture (AHC30722):

Dive into the fundamentals of horticulture with our Certificate III in Horticulture AHC30722, where you'll learn essential skills in plant recognition, pest control and soil management.

Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30921 - Apprenticeship):

Gain practical experience in garden design and construction with the Certificate III in Landscape Construction AHC30921. Learn from industry experts and develop the skills needed to excel in landscaping projects.

Certificate IV in Horticulture (AHC40416):

Take your horticulture career to the next level with our Certificate IV in Horticulture AHC40416, which covers advanced topics such as plant nutrition, revegetation and specialist machinery operation. 

Start your journey today

Whether you're dreaming of designing breathtaking landscapes or preserving rare plant species, a career in horticulture offers endless possibilities for fulfilment.

Enrol in one of our industry-focused courses to start your journey today.