Horticultural Supervisor or Specialist
SOC 45-1011.00 · ESCO 6111 · OSCA 343134
Role snapshot
Overview
Oversees growing operations in orchards, vineyards, or nurseries by managing staff, scheduling planting and harvesting, and advising on pest control and crop nutrition. Ensures produce meets quality and yield targets through effective planning, resource allocation, and problem-solving.
Contributes directly to the production of high-quality crops, ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and economic viability for agricultural enterprises.
On the job
- Plan and oversee daily growing activities, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, and pest management.
- Manage and train horticultural staff, assign tasks, and monitor performance.
- Implement and monitor crop health programs, identifying and treating diseases or deficiencies.
- Maintain equipment and facilities, ensuring optimal operating conditions.
- Analyse soil and plant samples, interpret results, and adjust cultivation practices accordingly.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
A certificate, diploma, or bachelor's degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, or a related field is often required. Practical experience is highly valued.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Horticultural Supervisor or Specialist
Agriculture & Food
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
enterprising · ERC
People who enjoy leading teams, working outdoors with plants and equipment, and applying systematic methods to achieve production targets tend to thrive in this role.
Personality characteristics
Organised
Excels at planning schedules, managing resources, and maintaining systematic records for optimal operations.
Practical
Prefers hands-on work in the field and finding effective, tangible solutions to agricultural challenges.
Leadership-oriented
Enjoys guiding and motivating a team to achieve production goals and manage daily tasks.
Collaborative
Works effectively with staff, managers, and other specialists to ensure smooth operations.
Resilient
Handles unexpected weather, crop issues, or equipment failures calmly and effectively.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy leading a team in an outdoor, agricultural setting.
- Those who are passionate about plant science and ensuring high-quality crop production.
- People who thrive on planning, problem-solving, and seeing the tangible results of their work.
Watch out for
- Requires resilience to unpredictable environmental factors like weather and pests, which can impact plans.
- Demands significant time outdoors in varying weather conditions and may involve physical labor.
- Managing staff and resolving conflicts requires strong interpersonal skills.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Horticultural Supervisor or Specialist — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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