Horticultural Scientist

Also known as:

Scientist, Horticultural

Introduction

Horticultural scientists study the science and technology of plant cultivation. They research and advise on techniques of crop growing such as improving plants and developing/testing fungicides and herbicides.

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Work Activities

Horticultural scientists apply science and technology to horticulture. This includes the safe production of a variety of crops, such as vegetables, fruit and plants. Areas of work include laboratory and field based research and development, advice and consultancy work.

Laboratory based scientists may be involved in detailed analytical research work, for example in plant breeding and propagation. Field based research scientists work on projects that aim to find specific solutions to individual problems, for example to discover a fungus for pest control on a particular crop.

Research projects may involve horticultural scientists in both laboratory work and carrying out field based trials, such as laboratory tests on and the development of plants in experimental plots or greenhouses.

Developmental work may involve working closely with other specialists such as horticultural engineers.

Horticultural scientists provide information and consultancy to a range of people working in horticulture. They may work for organisations such as garden centres, or make their services generally available.

Horticultural scientists may spend a lot of their time outside the office visiting growers and working in close liaison with research and development scientists, for example in field trials.

Some horticultural scientists work in other areas, for example marketing, information science and teaching.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a horticultural scientist you will need a high level of scientific ability and understanding, especially in biology and chemistry. You need to be able to prepare, analyse, monitor, evaluate and present complicated technical data accurately, often involving the use of computers and complex scientific equipment.

You must be able to work as part of a team, have good communication skills and the ability to present complex scientific information (in written or spoken form) that is easy for non-scientists to understand.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay for horticultural scientists varies with employer and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Salaries are in the range of £21,000 - £26,500 a year, rising to £33,500 - £44,000. Higher earners can make around £50,000 a year.

Horticultural scientists work a basic 39-hour week, but may be required to work some weekends.

Horticultural scientists work in the land-based sector, for various organisations and commercial and industrial companies. These include suppliers and manufacturers involved in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, environmental management and conservation.

There are also opportunities with environmental consultancies such as the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS), and in the education and research sector.

Jobs may also be available in government departments and agencies and specialist research centres, such as the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency (SASA), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

You may be able to enter higher education through an Access course, eg, Access to Science, leading on to a relevant degree course.

Funding for further study is available from the Studley College Trust. Candidates should see the Trust website to check on eligibility.

Financial support for higher education study of horticulture is available from the Merlin Trust. Candidates should see the Trust website to check on eligibility.

• 9% of people in occupations such as horticultural scientist work part-time.
• 16% have flexible hours.
• 13% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as conservation or countryside management.