careers  
  

There are many budding careers in Public Horticulture. The Public Horticulture concentration is intended for students interested in professional careers which promote horticulture and emphasize people and their education and enjoyment of plants.

Within this site you will find the following information:

Where can I get a job with this background?
Professional opportunities
Job Skills
Professional organizations

 
Where can I get a job with this background?
In a broad sense, there are two categories of public horticulture responsiblities:
1. Organizations responsible for the study, display, maintenance and preservation of living plant collections for the public benefit.
Botanical gardens, arboretums and conservatories
Cities and parks
Zoos and aquariums
Cemetaries
Historical homes and grounds
University and college campuses
Theme parks
2. Organizations responsible for the use of plants to enhance human wellbeing through education, use and therapy.
Schools, colleges and universities
Extension Services
Botanical gardens, arboretums and conservatories
Hospitals, therapy centers, and senior centers`
Gardening publications
Horticulture societies
Community garden organizations
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Professional Opportunities in Public Horticulture
Professional opportunities can be found in any of the types of organizations listed above. Specific postions include:
Teacher, instructor, professor, educator
Extension agent or specialist
Certified horticulture therapist
Urban horticulturist
Garden writer, editor, publication manager
Director of botanical garden, arboretum, or conservatory
Director of horticulture
Education director
Campus horticulturist
City horticulturist
Curator
Horticulturist, gardener
Collections horticulturist
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Job Skills needed in Public Horticulture:
Listed below are several job skills found in various public horticutlure job announcements. It is often a good idea to look at job listings when deciding a career path and courses to take during your college career.
Planning, budgeting, and personel supervision for non-profits
Grant writing
Direction, planning, and teaching educational and outreach programs
Professional outreach
Knowledge of principles and practices of botanical gardens
Expand plant collections
Expand program development
Write educational information for public distribution
Work effectively with board of directors and volunteers
Leadership in public relations
Develop and teach youth/children
Understand community organization
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Professional Organizations:
There are many associations which support public horticulture careers. It is a good idea for students to join professional organizations. Not only do you join at a student discount rate, but belonging to one of these organzations looks excellent on a resume. All have annual conferences, international symposiums, newsletters and journals. They often offer student scholarships and travel grants as well! Click on each for additional information.
The National Association of College Teachers of Agriculture
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