With the prominence and importance of environmental issues, the job market has expanded for fruit, vegetable, and environmental horticulturists as research workers, extension specialists, teachers, professors, and scientists. Careers in some of these areas require education beyond the bachelor's degree.
Horticulturists enjoy rewarding careers as production superintendents, marketing managers, inventory controllers, buyers, landscape maintenance specialists, landscape supervisors, interior plantscapers, bedding plant producers, education coordinators, and research and extension technicians and assistants.
Other possible careers include growers, farm managers, field personnel, brokers, shippers, warehouse and storage operators, handlers, processors, consultants, producers, and advertising and promotion specialists.
Where you'll find jobs
These positions are found in such various organizations as garden centers, nurseries, greenhouses, maintenance firms, florists, seed producers, bedding plant companies, bulb producers, wholesale distributors, handling and transportation firms, botanical gardens, schools and colleges, city parks, and arboretums.
Horticulturists are also employed by fruit and vegetable farms, vegetable seed companies, marketing and promotional organizations, produce firms, grading and packing businesses, storage operations, and manufacturers of production and harvest machinery, fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals.
International horticulture offers career opportunities in overseas supervision and technical assistance with commercial companies and international food programs. Volunteer opportunities are available with the Peace Corps and other humanitarian organizations.