Horticulturists
Horticulture is the scientific methodology to cultivate, process and produce crops that yield the desired quality; like flowers, plants and vegetables that are used for food and non-food purposes such as ornamental and decorative purposes. Horticulturists conduct research in gardening and landscaping, plant propagation, crop production, plant breeding, genetic engineering, plant biochemistry, and plant physiology. Their work mainly involves fruits, vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, turf, and soil management.
As a Horticulturist, you will apply your skills and technologies to cultivate and grow with the intention of quality, nutritional value, and resistance to insects, diseases, and reduce environmental damage by taking on approaches such as water waste reduction and chemical-free methods of pest management.
Some Horticulturists also have a more commercial approach like designing commercial landscapes or managing sports turf and golf courses.
Key roles and responsibilities
As a Horticulturist, you may work in multiple workspaces such as greenhouses, nurseries and plant production organizations. You can choose to work in any department such as research, management, consultation, teaching and farming and can be qualified to do a variety of jobs. Following are some of your key roles and responsibilities:
Engaging in plant research within a particular discipline such as floriculture, viticulture or pomology. Some horticulturists study plant evolution and development under natural conditions while some may conduct research in very controlled settings.
Planting seeds, bulbs, flowers, shrubs and trees, and doing maintenance work such as weeding, fertilising, pruning and cutting.
Planning and designing of complex arboreal systems and gardens.
Preparing land for plant cultivation and having knowledge about treating plants to avoid and control insect infestation and disease.
Working in landscape horticulture and advising clients on proper plant products and irrigation to maintain the look and integrity of the greenery.
Providing consultation to various farmers, landscapers and other customers and advising them on planting, growing, and harvesting techniques.
Researching and writing for publications or giving public speeches regarding environmental sustainability and protection.
Investigative: You should have interests for Investigative Occupations. Investigative occupations involve working with ideas and quite a lot of thinking, often abstract or conceptual thinking. These involve learning about facts and figures; involve use of data analysis, assessment of situations, decision making and problem solving.
Realistic: You should have interests for Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment.
Abilities
Abstract Reasoning: The ability to understand ideas which are not expressed in words or numbers; the ability to understand concepts which are not clearly expressed verbally or otherwise.
Deductive Reasoning: The ability to apply general rules and common logic to specific problems to produce answers that are logical and make sense. For example, understanding the reasons behind an event or a situation using general rules and common logic.
Inductive Reasoning: The ability to combine pieces of information from various sources, concepts, and theories to form general rules or conclusions. For example, analysing various events or situations to come out with a set of rules or conclusions.
Naturalistic Intelligence: The ability to recognise different flora and fauna of the world; sensitivity towards nature and natural surrounding; sensitivity towards the needs of different flora and fauna.
Verbal Reasoning: The ability to think and reason with words; the ability to reason out ideas expressed in words.
Written Comprehension: The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Knowledge
Biological Sciences: Knowledge of plants and animals, their anatomical structure, cell structure, tissues, physiological functions, evolution, and all other related aspects.
Skills
Active Learning: Focused and continuous learning from various sources of information, observation and otherwise for application in getting work done.
Critical Thinking: Skills in analysis of complex situations, using of logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.
Judgment and Decision Making: Skills in considering pros and cons of various decision alternatives; considering costs and benefits; taking appropriate and suitable decisions.
Problem Solving: Skills in analysis and understanding of problems, evaluating various options to solve the problems and using the best option to solve the problems.
Reading Comprehension: Skills in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Scientific: Skills in using various scientific rules and methods to get things done or solve problems.
Personality
