Horticultural managers advise on the development and growth of plants. This could range from production of plants for food crops or wholesale to nurseries, raising plants for use in parks, gardens and public green spaces, or giving garden design advice, including appropriate plantings. Horticultural managers find employment wherever plants are being cultivated; from golf courses and parks to home gardens and market gardens. Horticultural managers would usually be qualified horticulturists.

The nature and scope of horticultural management has changed dramatically in recent decades and will no doubt continue to change rapidly; but there will always remain a need for horticultural managers while we continue to eat fruit and vegetables, play sport and use tree planting to improve the environment in which we live.

Horticultural managers need to have a strong foundation in both horticulture and management. They need to know how to identify lots of different plants, the science that underpins understanding how to grow those plants and the practical techniques which are applied within the industry.

 

ANZSCO ID: 7211

 

Specialisations:

As a horticultural manager you would oversee the development and growth of plants for one of the following:

• production / commercial horticulture - producing food crops and ornamental plants for sale to wholesalers, retailers, nurseries, garden centres and directly to the public

• garden centres - producing plants for sale to the public

• turf farms – growing turf (grass) for commercial and residential applications

• parks and gardens - designing, constructing, managing and maintaining areas such as parks, botanic gardens or public green spaces.

   

Knowledge, skills and attributes        

To become a horticultural manager, you would need:

• a thorough knowledge of horticulture

• organisational and planning skills

• business skills and commercial awareness

• communication and management skills.   

 

(Source: Kangan Institute)

 

Duties and Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks might include:

• managing, and possibly helping with, all aspects of cultivation

• developing new products and markets and negotiating with suppliers

• designing layouts and developing planting programs

• scheduling the planting and harvesting of crops

• making sure that health and safety regulations and procedures are followed

• maintaining a skilled and trained workforce.

 

Working conditions

In a full time role, your working hours may vary according to the season, and could include weekends and public holidays. Depending on your job, you could be office-based or work outdoors. You may need to travel to visit sites, suppliers and customers.

Horticulturists are often self-employed, and may give advice to residential and commercial clients about garden design, plant selection and plant maintenance.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a horticulturist, you usually have to complete a VET qualification or a traineeship in horticulture, or a related area such as commercial nursery production or arboriculture. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require junior secondary school certificate or equivalent. You can also qualify with a degree.

The Australian Institute of Horticulture is the main industry association for registered horticulturists.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of horticulturists is projected to show strong growth.

The horticultural sector is an important primary industry in Australia. There are a wide range of opportunities in this sector, from parks & gardens management, to landscape gardening and turf management, and more broadly to areas such as food crop development, marketing and management.

 

 

 

 

Horticultural or Plant Pathologists study the health of plants. They work to identify diseases, pests and other health problems a plant may experience. Plant pathologists or phytopathologists study plants and their biological processes to understand how diseases affect plant health. This scientific field often spans research in agriculture, food science and sustainability to develop methods of preventing and treating plant diseases.

A plant pathologist studies and researches plants, their cellular functions and environmental effects on plant health, such as nutrition and disease. Pathologists research and study the different diseases and infections that affect plant health, ultimately applying scientific approaches to improving plant and environmental health. Some plant pathologists work in agricultural studies, where they apply their knowledge and skills to ensure crop plants are safe for consumption. They may also work in environmental research studying the effects that urban activities have on environmental health.

 

Myrtle rust, or Austropuccinia psidii, has caused extensive dieback of trees including lilly pillies, paperbarks, box brush and tea trees.
(Source: ABC News)

ANZSCO ID: 2113-13

Alternative names: Plant Pathologist, Phytopathologist, Plant Doctor,

Specialisations: There are many different types of organisms that can cause plant diseases, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, oomycetes and nematodes. Plant Pathologists tend to specialise into one or two areas because of the wide diversity of these organisms.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Scientific knowledge: Plant pathology depends on scientific approaches to solving problems with disease and plant health. Therefore, developing your scientific skills and logical reasoning early in your education and training can help you when you enter your career. Science skills also include the unique vocabulary and terminology you use when communicating research data on phytopathological processes. No matter your job focus, your scientific knowledge is necessary for achieving positive outcomes in the laboratory and in the field.

• Research and analysis skills: Plant pathologists spend much of their time researching and evaluating methods of treatment to keep plant life healthy. This means research and analysis skills are crucial for performing many of the responsibilities of the profession. Your education and training are effective foundations for your skill development in research methods and documentation. Continuing education, science workshops and voluntary phytopathology courses can also help you advance your research and analysis approaches.

• Technical aptitude: See Tools & Technologies below

• Communication skills: Strong communication skills support active listening, group collaboration and your ability to convey complex information in different forms. For instance, written and visual communication can support verbal input and feedback during meetings. Effective communication is also necessary for presenting information and supporting research findings during discussions with scientific committees and groups. Consider engaging with colleagues and research partners to develop your listening and speaking skills as you advance in your role. This way, you can build on strong communication as you enter more authoritative positions in your field.

• Interpersonal skills: Research teams collaborate and often coordinates with other professionals in the scientific community. Plant pathologists also rely on their interpersonal skills for engaging with others, building rapport and creating networks that can support their contributions to plant and environmental health. Because of these common interactions in the profession, it's important to develop your interpersonal and teamwork skills. As you advance in your career, it's also beneficial to develop your leadership skills and ability to motivate and inspire your teammates, as this shows your capacity to lead research and laboratory teams.
  

Plant pathologist | Careers in horticulture | RHS - UK
https://youtu.be/ufIv_1PGK6Q?si=RvoPZl8bVyixlEob

 

Duties and Tasks

• Observing plant life cycles to identify and compare healthy functions and abnormalities in seed germination, growth and reproduction

• Identify diseases and nematodes for all horticultural crops - studying diseases and infections in plants, including bacterial, viral and fungal infections

• Aiding commercial growers in the selection, propagation and successful growth of food crops

• Provide details about the cause of diseases

• Suggest possible management where available

• Tissue sampling and other routine tasks associated with experiments - collecting and evaluating plant samples with microscopy, digital photography and other technical and laboratory equipment

• Mechanical inoculation of virus, bacteria, fungi, oomycete, nematode and other pathogens in field, greenhouse and growth chambers

• Bio-assays with insects/vectors

• Perform routine data collection from a various sized research projects and entry into enterprise systems

• Maintaining laboratory samples and overseeing organizational processes for laboratory procedures

• Developing methods of disease prevention and treatment for plant species in local environments

• Consulting with environmental scientists, engineers and business professionals to support sustainable practices

• Collaborating with environmental researchers and specialists to develop strategies for reducing harmful effects of economic activities on plant ecology

• Organizing research projects and presenting studies to appropriate communities for review

• Prepare clear, accurate, and concise reports of results, and communicate to customer or colleague stakeholders

• Perform or direct simple to complex molecular lab work

• Perform complex data analysis using parametric and non-parametric statistical models

• Lead a cross-functional team in innovating, developing and enabling new phenotyping, diagnostic, and other assays for existing and new problems

• Network internally to innovate and enable new tests

• Network externally to assess state of the art and evaluate new research opportunities

• Propose and lead external collaborations directed toward goals

• Ability to innovate to design and implement new screening methods & platforms for existing or emerging diseases

• Review literature and stay up to date on latest technologies

• Recording research findings and communicating analysis data with colleagues and scientific communities

Working conditions

In their work, plant pathologists cooperate with plant breeders and crop management, insect, and weed specialists in developing integrated, environmentally sound approaches to managing crops and their pests.
  
Research laboratories are equipped with plant growth chambers where light and temperature can be controlled accurately, with scanning electron microscopes that provide three-dimensional images of pathogens on plant surfaces, with high-performance liquid chromatographs that provide rapid analysis of chemicals in diseased and healthy plants, and, of course, with computers for analysing data.

 

(Source: The Conversation)

 

Tools and technologies

Pathologists use microscopes, imaging software and diagnostic tools to identify and evaluate signs of disease in plants. The use of these applications requires proficiency in technology and its support in phytopathological research and development. Your technical skills are also essential for maintaining computer databases for storing and reviewing research data. As new technologies and tools emerge in the field, consider building on your technical skills by learning these new methods and applications.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To pursue a career as a plant pathologist: the following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, biology, chemistry, mathematics and environmental science.

Typically Horticultural Pathologists or Plant Pathologists obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree in botany, horticulture, plant pathology, microbiology, environmental research and ecology or biology, having a doctorate degree is recommended.

Employment Opportunities

Horticultural or Plant Pathologists can work in a wide variety of settings from the laboratory to the field. They are employed by seed research and biotech companies, the government, universities, or even work independently for different clients.

The expanding interest in the quality of our global environment and increasing global demand for high-quality food, fibre, tree and ornamental plants provides many opportunities for plant pathologists. These professionals often are sought by government and non-profit organizations and corporations to participate in teams of specialists addressing international agricultural development. Such employment may be on a continuing or a consulting basis.

Plant pathologists are employed by:

Colleges and universities (research, teaching, and extension)
Agricultural consulting companies
Agrichemical companies
Seed and plant production companies
Tissue culture laboratories
Diagnostic laboratories
International agricultural research centres
Botanical gardens and arboreta
Biotechnology firms
Biological control companies
Private practice
Nurseries and garden centres
Public policy organizations
Lawn and landscape maintenance firms
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
State departments of agriculture​
Environmental, agricultural, and patent law firms

Did You Know? Dr Cherie Gambley - CAMEO Principal Plant Pathologist and Team Leader Microbiology and Entomology Dept. Agriculture & Fisheries, Qld Adjunct Associate Professor & Principal Research Fellow School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, University of Queensland Dr Cherie Gambley is a Principal Plant Pathologist with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland. For over 20 years, Cherie has worked across a variety of crops, including sugar cane, banana, pineapple, capsicum and chilli. I first started working for DAF in early 1996 as a young scientist, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of QLD majoring in microbiology and plant pathology. Later I did my PhD in plant virus epidemiology. In that time, she has progressed from research assistant to Principal Plant Pathologist, as well as becoming group leader within the Horticulture and Forestry Science group of the Department. I’ve been in my current role as a Principal Plant Pathologist for about five years and a team leader for the last 18 months. The team I lead is a combination of research plant virologists, bacteriologists and entomologists. It is a great mix of disciplines with a strong underlying base in molecular diagnostics, detection and identification. Something interesting/cool about you My favourite non-work activity is spending time outside. I love hiking, mountain biking, swimming, camping or just being in the garden, as long as I’m outside I’m happy. I’ve been lucky enough to travel and do many of these activities overseas in places such as Italy, Spain, New Zealand and South America, although I do also love the myriad of options available in Australia. Describe a typical day in your job My work focuses on research and development for crop protection in horticulture, particularly for virus and bacterial diseases. As such I don’t really have a typical day. Instead, my time is a mix of research planning, reporting, field, lab and glasshouse work, supervising students, responding to industry and biosecurity requests and delivering extension activities. It’s a very dynamic role which I enjoy immensely—there is never a dull moment! What are the most challenging aspects of your job? Over the years I’ve found the most challenging aspect of my job is the short research funding cycles, typically only three years. It is often difficult to build substantial solutions to research questions within three years. It can also be very difficult to build teams with such short-term contracts. These short cycles result in slower resolution of complex science questions and occasionally a complete stop to that avenue of enquiry if funding agencies change priorities. It also makes succession planning within research teams challenging. What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job? The most enjoyable aspect of my job is the opportunity to interact with people from many different demographic groups and where this takes me, physically. From discussions of disease management with growers or agronomists in regional production fields, sitting around tables discussing policy and procedures with federal and state biosecurity agencies, and presenting research results at international conferences, to disease surveys in Papua New Guinea and Cape York. The topics are as varied as the locations! The broad range of topics I work across is a continual stimulation and I am always learning something new, from all the different demographic groups. I find this very rewarding. How does your PhD help in your daily role? A PhD teaches many things, high level detail about the topic under study, a structure on how to investigate a problem, technical problem solving, scientific writing, and above all else resilience! It has allowed me to continually adapt in my career to new directions and to adopt new research tools. Most recently, I’ve become excited about the potential for innovative DNA and RNA based strategies for crop protection. In the field of plant pathology there is increased interest in plant–microbe interactions and how these can be manipulated for crop protection. Information in this area is ever expanding and it’s a great time to become involved. There are many different types of organisms that can cause plant diseases, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, oomycetes and nematodes. According to Cherie, plant pathologists tend to specialise into one or two areas because of the wide diversity of these organisms. Plant pathologists play a vital role in the vegetable industry and the wider horticulture sector, protecting these billion-dollar industries from pests and diseases and assisting growers in managing what has already reached our Australian shores. “My focus is on diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, and my role is to lead research in plant pathology of horticulture crops for the Department. Primarily, the research is centred on crops of economic importance to Queensland with a second broader national focus, particularly in relation to quarantine and biosecurity,” she says. “My research revolves around developing an understanding on how specific diseases establish and spread. The ultimate aim is always to find solutions to the economic impacts these diseases can cause through cost-effective management strategies for growers. “I also have a strong interest in better preparing the industry for diseases we don’t currently have in Australia. This is through continued monitoring of situations overseas, as well as evaluating the likelihood that these diseases will come into Australia and developing strategies to respond to them if they do.” Cherie interacts with vegetable growers in her role, as well as private businesses within the industry, such as consultants, private research providers, seed companies and chemical companies. (Source: Science; University Queensland; AusVeg; ) (Source: ABC News - an article about Dr Cherie Gambley)

 

Tissue culture technicians use various techniques to asexually reproduce live tissue, under laboratory conditions, producing specimens that are genetically identical to, or different from, the parent tissue. The process of producing genetically identical specimens is commonly known as cloning.

Tissue culture is used for a wide variety of commercially important agricultural and horticultural plants, in the propagation of rare and endangered plant species, and in the growth of tissues or cells used in health and medical research and treatments.

ANZSCO ID: 311213
   
Alternative names: Tissue Culture Production Operator, Plant Tissue Culture Technician,
   
Knowledge, skills and attributes

• A relevant degree or equivalent relevant work experience in Biology or Science.

• Knowledge of plant science, cell biology and aseptic techniques.

• Good communication skills coupled with the ability to maintain accurate records.

• The ability to work collaboratively within a team to achieve results.

• A history of managing multiple priorities whilst meeting tight time frames and organisational goals.

• The ability and willingness to learn new laboratory skills and techniques.

• Good eyesight (may be corrected)

• Good hand-eye coordination

• Able to concentrate on detail

• Able to keep records accurately

• Be open to training and regular feedback, with willingness to learn and improve

• Have great communication skills to ask questions and discuss results

• Be reliable, work unsupervised & self-motivated

• Enjoy teamwork and contributing to a successful business.

 

(Source: Solan)

Duties and Tasks

Tissue culture technicians may perform the following tasks:

• clean, sterilise and maintain equipment and facilities

• set up and operate equipment including microscopes, environmental chambers (incubators) and centrifuges

• select live material with the desired characteristics

• dissect and test tissues or cells for viruses and other diseases

• prepare selected tissues or cells for reproduction

• prepare reproductive and growth chemical solutions (medias) suitable for the species to be cloned

• chemically treat selected tissues or cells to induce genetic mutations

• place tissues or cells in sterile chemical solutions or medias and place on shakers to initiate reproduction or growth

• place reproduced plant material in sealed sterile containers containing a nutrient gel, then grow under controlled temperature and light conditions, repeating this process until the specimens are of sufficient size

• grow samples of cloned cells or organisms to maturity and monitor them for desirable or undesirable genetic mutations (genotypes) or characteristics (phenotypes)

• propagate micro cuttings in a sterile environment, closely following instructions and processes

• have attention to detail, and be precise with repetitive work

• have good hand-eye co-ordination to learn how to improve speed and efficiencies

• work within a close team who are all striving to produce a high quality product

• record results by using computers or other methods
  

Working conditions

Tissue culture technicians mostly work in laboratories, with a small amount of field and shadehouse work.

Tools and technologies

Tissue culture technicians have a range of microscopes, environmental chambers (incubators) and centrifuges along with growth chemical solutions, and sealed sterile containers containing a nutrient gel. Most will record results by using computers.

(Source: Technology Networks)

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a tissue culture technician without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in laboratory skills, laboratory techniques or laboratory technology. You can also become a tissue culture technician through a traineeship in Laboratory Skills, Laboratory Techniques or LaboratoryTechnology.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities exist in universities and in federal, state and territory government organisations, as well as with private agricultural/horticultural firms and medical research laboratories and institutions.

Job prospects depend on the level of government funding, the extent of private sector research, and competition from people with degrees trying to enter the field by starting as a technician.

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

 

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Beekeeper Beebroker	Biosecurity Officer	Botanist	Entomologist
Floriculturist	Florist	Gardener	Greenkeeper
Horticultural Assistant	Landscape Architect	Olericulturist	Pomologist
Viticulturalist

 

Materials sourced from
In Web Archive Only - CareerHQ [Horticultural Manager; ]
In Web Archive Only - CareersOnline [Tissue Culture Technician; ]
ACS [Horticultural Manager; ]
wiseGeek,
Environmental Science
Good Universities Guide [Tissue Culture Technician;]
CSIRO [Tissue Culture Technician; ]
Tissue Culture Australia [Tissue Culture Production Operator; ]
Best Accredited Colleges [Horticulturalist; ]
South Australian Research & Development Institute [Horticulture & Pathology; ]
Indeed [Plant Pathologist; ]
Ag Careers [Plant Pathologist; ]