How to Write a Horticulturist Resume (With a Template)

Updated 31 May 2023

A horticulturist cultivates and manages plants, focusing on improving their growth, quality and yield. They often work in nurseries, botanical gardens or research facilities to develop new plant varieties and sustainable growing techniques. Exploring how to write a resume for this role can help you prove to hiring managers that you have the skills and passion necessary for becoming an effective horticulturist. In this article, we define the role of a horticulturist, provide a detailed guide on how to write a horticulturist resume and share a resume template and example.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

What is a horticulturist?

A horticulturist specialises in the science and art of cultivating, breeding and improving the growth, health and yield of plants. With a deep understanding of plant biology, ecology and environmental factors, horticulturists work in a variety of settings, such as nurseries, greenhouses, botanical gardens, agricultural production and research institutions. They're typically responsible for developing new plant varieties, optimising growing conditions and implementing sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact. Horticulturists may also collaborate with landscape architects, urban planners and environmental scientists to promote green spaces and support biodiversity in urban areas.

Find horticulturist jobs

How to write a horticulturist resume

Here, you can explore several steps for writing a horticulturist resume:

1. Identify the employment requirements

Before you write your resume, consider identifying the employment requirements for the vacant horticulturist role for which you're applying. If you understand the requirements, you can ensure your application effectively showcases your relevant skills, experience and qualifications, helping you tailor your resume to the hiring organisation's expectations. By tailoring your resume to the specific needs of the job, you show you understand the role and have the necessary expertise to make positive contributions to the hiring organisation.

2. Summarise your credentials

At the start of your resume, write a professional summary. This summary can help you summarise your primary credentials that showcase your suitability as a horticulturist. Below, you can find three example professional summaries for horticulturists with varying levels of experience, skills and qualifications:

An energetic and passionate individual with a strong academic background in plant sciences and hands-on experience in greenhouse management, applying for the role of horticulturist with Green Solutions. Eager to apply knowledge of plant cultivation, pest control and sustainable practices to contribute to a thriving nursery.
A skilled and knowledgeable individual with experience in botanical garden management, plant breeding and landscape design, applying for the role of horticulturist with Green Solutions. Has proficiency in implementing innovative cultivation techniques to optimise plant growth, health and yield.
A passionate and highly experienced individual with extensive experience in research and development, specialising in creating new plant varieties and environmentally sustainable growing methods, applying for the role of horticulturist with Green Solutions. Has strong management and collaboration skills to improve the overall efficiency of the nursery.

3. Outline prior work experiences

Including relevant experience on your resume can help you demonstrate your expertise in various aspects of plant cultivation, landscape design or research. Potential employers can better gauge your suitability for a horticulturist role based on your practical experience. You might have unique experiences compared to other candidates, but some related duties can include managing greenhouses or nurseries, developing new plant varieties, implementing sustainable practices, collaborating on landscaping projects and conducting research in plant breeding or pest management. By showcasing your horticultural experience, you can present yourself as a versatile and skilled candidate.

4. Mention your skills

Your skills as a horticulturist typically refer to a combination of technical skills and soft skills. Technical skills likely relate to your competencies in performing specific horticultural duties, such as optimising plant growth and designing landscapes. Your soft skills are those that support you daily, whether you're conducting technical duties or communicating with clients and colleagues. Below, you can review several horticulturist skills you might list on your resume:

Plant cultivation knowledge: Understanding the principles of plant growth, development and physiology is often one of your primary responsibilities as a horticulturist. This knowledge enables you to make informed decisions about planting, fertilising, pruning and managing pests and diseases.
Landscape design: This technical proficiency is your ability to design and plan outdoor spaces to create aesthetically pleasing and functional gardens. Your landscape design expertise helps you achieve the client's vision while incorporating sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Communication: Being able to effectively convey ideas, concerns and recommendations to colleagues, clients and suppliers is usually a daily activity. Strong communication skills allow you to collaborate successfully and share essential information about plant care or project progress.
Problem-solving: As a horticulturist, you may experience challenges and problems requiring you to identify issues and devise creative solutions. Your problem-solving skills can help you overcome challenges, like pest infestations, plant diseases or environmental constraints.
Attention to detail: Observing and recording plant health, growth patterns and environmental conditions are frequent responsibilities. Your keen attention to detail helps you identify potential issues early and may ensure the success of your horticultural projects.

Resume template for a horticulturist

Here, you can discover a helpful resume template for a candidate with several years of industry experience:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification, if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Territory]

Professional Summary

[Two to three sentences highlighting years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

(For the most recent role, list 5 experience items. For previous roles, list 3.)

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]

Skills

Education

[Degree and major], [Name of school or university]

Certificates

[Certification name], [Host organisation] – [Year completed or expiration date]

Resume example for a horticulturist

The following resume example is for an experienced candidate applying for the role of a horticulturist:

Samantha Rodriguez, Certificate III in Horticulture
(08) 5550 5969 | s.rodriguez@email.com.au | Perth, WA

Professional Summary

An experienced and qualified individual with a Certificate III in Horticulture and a passion for creating beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces, applying for the role of horticulturist with Green Solutions. Skilled in plant identification, selection and care, along with landscape design, installation and maintenance. Excited to contribute passion, motivation, versatility and expertise to the horticulture team at Green Solutions.

Experience

Horticulturist | Jan 2021–Feb 2023
Green Plus | Perth, WA

designed landscape plans, including plant selection and placement, to create aesthetically pleasing and functional outdoor spaces for clients
conducted soil analysis and made recommendations for soil improvement to ensure healthy plant growth and vitality
propagated and cultivated plants using various methods, such as grafting, cutting and seed planting, to maintain plant diversity
developed and implemented integrated pest management programs to control pests and diseases in an environmentally responsible manner
installed and maintained irrigation systems to provide appropriate water distribution to plants and conserve water resources

Landscaper | Jan 2018–Dec 2020
The Landscape Experts | Perth, WA

graded and levelled terrain, installed retaining walls and applied mulch to create visually appealing and functional landscapes
trimmed, pruned and shaped plants using manual and power tools, to maintain their health and appearance
used various hand and power tools, such as mowers, edgers and blowers, to maintain various outdoor spaces

Skills

Certificates

Certificate III in Horticulture, Winston Technical Institute – 2020

How to Write a Horticulturist Resume (With a Template)

What is a horticulturist?

How to write a horticulturist resume

1. Identify the employment requirements

2. Summarise your credentials

3. Outline prior work experiences

4. Mention your skills

Resume template for a horticulturist

Resume example for a horticulturist

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