Description
Work with horticulturists in the research and production of ornamental, edible, and landscape plants. Set up and maintain greenhouse, nursery, and field equipment; collect plant, soil, water, and media samples. Prepare specimens and culture media and record data to support biology and plant science experiments and trials. Conduct tests to improve growth, quality, postharvest performance, and resistance of horticultural crops to pests, diseases, and environmental stress.
- • Record data for experiments, trials, and plant care.
- • Prepare summaries, reports, charts, and graphs of findings.
- • Scout and document insects, diseases, and abiotic disorders.
- • Perform propagation and nursery duties; manage environmental controls.
- • Operate greenhouse systems and light machinery (tractors, sprayers, mowers).
- • Perform bed prep, planting, staking, pruning, weeding, and harvesting.
- • Develop or refine cultural practices and environmental controls.
- • Maintain and repair greenhouse, irrigation, and nursery equipment.
- • Transplant trees, ornamentals, vegetables, and other horticultural plants.
- • Train or supervise seasonal greenhouse or nursery staff.
- • Prepare or deliver horticultural demonstrations, tours, or field days.
- • Evaluate media, mulches, and irrigation methods for performance and conservation.
- • Conduct nutrient management studies, including fertigation and controlled-release fertilizers.
- • Monitor and record environmental and pest data for IPM.
- • Measure or weigh reagents and substrates for testing.
- • Set up laboratory, greenhouse, or field equipment for trials.
- • Prepare and label samples following proper storage and disposal protocols.
- • Examine plant specimens to diagnose pests, diseases, or nutrient issues.
- • Collect plant, soil, water, tissue, and media samples.
- • Oversee weed, pest, and disease control, including product selection and scheduling.
- • Respond to public or client inquiries on horticulture and trial results.
- • Prepare planting beds, containers, orchards, or vineyards for cultivation.
- • Perform tests using pH/EC meters, spectrometers, light meters, or centrifuges.
- • Test seed quality and viability; conduct germination trials.
- • Prepare culture media and maintain sterile workspaces.
- • Determine germination and emergence rates in plots or trays.
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Related Pathways
Agriculture
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
