What are Some Popular Careers in Horticulture?

<p>According to the American Society for Horticultural Science, popular careers in horticulture include golf course or garden center managers, zoo horticulturists and floral designers (<i> www.ashs.org</i>). Horticulture careers offer employees the opportunity to work in a variety of industries and environments. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutCareersInHorticulture">Important Facts About Careers in Horticulture</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $73,060 (<i>for all farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification</td><td> Available through the American Society for Horticultural Science, Association of Zoological Horticulture, The United States Golf Managers Association, and American Institute of Floral Designers</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> -3% (<i>for all farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> Work Environment</td><td> Outdoors, office setting, nursery, retail environment</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---GolfCourseManager">Golf Course Manager</h3> <p>Golf course managers are responsible for the care, maintenance and operation of golf courses. Manager tasks are comprised of supervision of green watering, course fertilization and fairway weeding. Other responsibilities involve the development and planning of pest control for rodents, fungus and weeds. Requirements to work in this horticulture career may include courses and/or a degree in turf management or agriculture, as well as three years of experience supervising golf course maintenance. </p> <h3 id="section---RetailGardenCenterManager">Retail Garden Center Manager</h3> <p>A retail garden center manager is another popular horticulture career. He or she is responsible for the care of plant life within the garden department of a retail greenhouse or garden center. The manager is in charge of troubleshooting plant disease, inventory maintenance and customer care. Garden centers are predominately outdoors so the manager should be able to work in all weather conditions. </p> <h3 id="section---FloralDesigners">Floral Designers</h3> <p>Floral designers have many duties from creating original floral designs to arranging floral or plant displays for various occasions. Floral designers must be current on new trends and fashions in floral design, while still maintaining knowledge of traditional floral uses for occasions, such as weddings or funerals. The work environment of a floral designer is generally indoors, as most work within a retail environment. Although a high school diploma is a minimum requirement for entering the field, some floral designers pursue an advanced education in horticulture. </p> <h3 id="section---ZooHorticulturist">Zoo Horticulturist</h3> <p>Zoo horticulturists work with zoo designers and exhibit planners to create a natural habitat effect within zoo exhibits. Responsibilities of the zoo horticulturist include the care of outdoor and indoor plants by ensuring that they are properly trimmed and pruned. Other tasks may involve mulching, raking and weeding plant beds. Extensive knowledge of horticulture is crucial because some types of plants may not grow in certain climates or may be toxic to animals.</p>