Nursery/Greenhouse Worker

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Work Tasks

• Plant, grow, and transplant trees, shrubs, and plants which are used in landscaping
• Get greenhouse beds and land ready for planting
• Water, weed, and spray the plants
• Wrap and pack flowers, plants, and trees to fill orders
• Work outdoors or in greenhouses for nurseries, farmers, florists, or for themselves
• Work with trees, plants, shrubs, seeds, bulbs, wheelbarrows, burlap, twine, paper, rakes, shovels, hoes, and other gardening tools

Salary, Size & Growth

• $22,000 average per year ($10.50 per hour)
• A large occupation (228,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.8% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma and experience growing plants
• Skills/Courses: Courses in botany, biology, and chemistry are helpful. Must be able to follow directions and learn proper planting procedures.
• Certification/Licensing: A license may be needed to work with pesticides.