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Commercial horticulturist : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
  3. Entry requirements
  4. Training
  5. Career development
  6. Employers and vacancy …
  7. Related jobs

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Case studies

  • Starting salaries for new graduates in the garden centre/nurseries sector: £14,000 - £17,000; in the produce sector: £15,000 - £19,000.
  • Starting salaries for more experienced entrants depend on ability and experience and can vary widely according to initial level of responsibility and degree of customer contact. In the produce sector, salaries after training can rise to over £30,000.
  • Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (e.g. after 10-15 years in the role): £30,000 - £60,000.
  • A general ‘hands-on’ post is usually the first job for a new graduate. Specialising in a particular area may come later.
  • Working hours and workloads vary with crop, season and the position of the employer in the supply chain, but a very early start is often normal. Flexibility is essential at peak times, such as before bank holidays, with long hours at harvest times. High standards of quality and quantity control are demanded and tight deadlines have to be met.
  • Depending on the role, work can be outdoors in all seasons, either dirty and wet or hot and sweaty. Work in a chilled factory environment may involve exposure to the cold for long periods of time.
  • Progression up the career ladder usually involves more time in office-based activities such as management meetings, strategic planning and report writing.
  • Self-employment, part-time work and career breaks are all commonly possible for growers.
  • While there is equal opportunity for both male and female graduates, women are currently under-represented in the industry at professional levels.
  • Jobs are available in most areas in the UK, with many posts in rural areas.
  • Travel within a working day is frequent and may be between sites or visiting suppliers and buyers. Absence from home overnight is uncommon.
  • Overseas work or travel may occasionally be required as some producing companies have links with, or own, growing operations overseas.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
February 2011
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