Horticulturist Resume examples & templates
Copyable Horticulturist Resume examples
Horticulturists transform our world—quite literally—by shaping the plants that feed us, beautify our spaces, and sustain our environment. They're the scientists behind the scenes who understand why your tomatoes flourish (or fail), develop drought-resistant landscaping that saves 37% more water than conventional gardens, and preserve plant biodiversity when climate patterns shift. In an era where sustainability isn't just preferred but necessary, horticulturists bridge the gap between ancient growing wisdom and cutting-edge plant science.
The field has evolved dramatically in the last decade, with regenerative agriculture techniques and vertical farming technologies creating entirely new career paths that didn't exist before. Urban horticulture specialists are particularly in demand as cities grapple with heat island effects and food deserts. Whether restoring native habitats, developing disease-resistant crop varieties, or designing therapeutic gardens for healthcare facilities (a sector that's grown 28% since 2019), horticulturists are uniquely positioned to address some of our most pressing environmental and food security challenges. As climate adaptation becomes increasingly critical, these plant experts will be at the forefront of creating resilient, sustainable systems for generations to come.
Junior Horticulturist Resume Example
Megan Foster
Portland, OR | (503) 555-8721 | mfoster.plants@email.com | linkedin.com/in/meganfoster
Recent horticulture graduate with hands-on experience in sustainable plant cultivation and landscape management. Proficient in plant identification, pest management, and greenhouse operations. Seeking to leverage my practical background in plant science and my passion for native species conservation to contribute to ecological restoration projects.
Experience
Assistant Horticulturist | Cascade Botanical Gardens | Portland, OR | May 2023 – Present
- Maintain 3.5-acre native plant collection, including daily watering, fertilizing, and pest monitoring for 175+ plant species
- Assist with propagation of 42 varieties of native wildflowers and shrubs from seeds and cuttings
- Collaborate with senior staff to develop seasonal planting schedules and rotation plans
- Help conduct 2-3 public education workshops monthly, focusing on sustainable gardening practices
- Document plant growth, bloom times, and pest issues in database system
Horticulture Intern | Green Thumb Nursery | Eugene, OR | Jun 2022 – Aug 2022
- Assisted customers with plant selection and care recommendations for home gardens
- Monitored irrigation systems and adjusted watering schedules based on weather conditions
- Helped propagate ornamental perennials and managed inventory of 200+ plant varieties
- Participated in twice-weekly plant health assessments and treatment applications
Garden Center Associate | Home & Garden Supply | Portland, OR | Mar 2021 – May 2022 (Part-time)
- Maintained retail displays of seasonal plants and gardening supplies
- Advised customers on plant selection, growing requirements, and basic garden design
- Processed deliveries and managed inventory of live plants, ensuring proper care
- Helped increase plant department sales by 17% through improved merchandising and care protocols
Education
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | 2022
- Concentration: Ecological Landscape Design
- Relevant Coursework: Plant Propagation, Soil Science, Integrated Pest Management, Native Plant Ecology
- Senior Project: “Drought-Tolerant Native Plant Alternatives for Urban Landscapes”
Certifications
- Oregon Pesticide Applicator License (2023)
- First Aid/CPR Certified (2023)
- Master Gardener Certification – In Progress (completion expected Nov 2023)
Skills
- Plant identification & taxonomy
- Propagation techniques
- Integrated pest management
- Soil testing & amendment
- Irrigation systems
- Greenhouse operations
- Pruning & plant maintenance
- Native plant knowledge
- Basic landscape design
- Plant database software
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Gardener | Forest Park Conservancy | Portland, OR | 2022 – Present
- Participate in monthly invasive species removal and native plant restoration
- Assist with seed collection and processing for habitat restoration projects
Mid-level Horticulturist Resume Example
Melissa Henderson
Portland, OR | (503) 555-8742 | melissa.henderson@email.com | linkedin.com/in/melissahenderson
Dedicated horticulturist with 5+ years of experience in plant cultivation, landscape design, and sustainable growing practices. Known for creating drought-resistant landscape solutions that reduce water usage while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Skilled in both ornamental and edible plant production with a focus on native species integration and habitat restoration.
EXPERIENCE
Senior Horticulturist | Green Thumb Botanical Gardens | Portland, OR | March 2021 – Present
- Manage 3-acre botanical collection featuring 247 native Pacific Northwest plant species, creating seasonal rotation plans that extend bloom periods by 37%
- Lead a team of 4 junior horticulturists and 12 seasonal volunteers, implementing weekly training on proper pruning techniques and plant health assessment
- Developed water-efficient irrigation system that reduced consumption by 42% while improving overall plant health (saved $8,940 annually)
- Coordinate with educational department to create interpretive signage and hands-on workshops that increased visitor engagement by 28%
- Launched annual native plant sale generating $27,500 in additional revenue while promoting ecological gardening practices
Landscape Horticulturist | Evergreen Design & Nursery | Eugene, OR | June 2019 – March 2021
- Designed and installed 35+ residential landscapes focusing on drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plantings
- Consulted with clients to develop custom garden plans based on soil conditions, light exposure, and maintenance preferences
- Maintained inventory of 175+ plant varieties, tracking seasonal availability and sourcing specialty specimens as needed
- Created digital landscape renderings using DynaSCAPE software to help clients visualize proposed garden designs
Greenhouse Assistant | Willamette Valley Growers | Salem, OR | May 2018 – June 2019
- Propagated ornamental plants through various methods including cuttings, division, and seed starting
- Monitored irrigation systems and adjusted nutrient solutions based on plant growth stages and weather conditions
- Identified and treated common plant diseases and pest infestations using integrated pest management techniques
- Maintained detailed production records and plant growth documentation for 67 varieties
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | 2018
Concentration: Landscape Design and Management
Research Project: Comparative Water Efficiency in Native vs. Non-Native Landscape Plantings
CERTIFICATIONS
- Oregon Certified Nursery Professional (OCNP) – 2020
- Certified Ecological Landscape Professional – 2022
- Rain Garden Installation Specialist – 2021
- Permaculture Design Certificate – 2019
SKILLS
- Plant Identification & Taxonomy
- Sustainable Landscape Design
- Integrated Pest Management
- Irrigation System Design
- Soil Science & Amendment
- Native Plant Propagation
- Pruning & Plant Maintenance
- DynaSCAPE & CAD Software
- Habitat Restoration
- Plant Health Diagnosis
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Oregon Association of Nurseries
- Pacific Northwest Horticultural Society
- American Society for Horticultural Science
Senior / Experienced Horticulturist Resume Example
ELEANOR “ELLIE” MORGAN
Portland, OR • (503) 555-8217 • ellie.morgan@email.com • linkedin.com/in/elliemorganplants
Passionate horticulturist with 11+ years cultivating and managing diverse plant collections across commercial, research, and public garden settings. Specialized knowledge in native Pacific Northwest species, sustainable growing practices, and pest management. Known for developing innovative planting designs that balance aesthetics with ecological function. Experienced team leader who thrives in collaborative environments while maintaining meticulous attention to botanical detail.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Horticulturist | Portland Botanical Gardens | Portland, OR | March 2018 – Present
- Oversee management and curation of 12-acre native plant collection with 1,400+ plant species, including rare and endangered specimens
- Lead team of 6 staff and 23 volunteers in daily operations, seasonal plantings, and special exhibitions
- Developed water conservation initiative that reduced irrigation needs by 31% while maintaining plant health
- Collaborate with research scientists on 3 multi-year climate adaptation studies for vulnerable PNW species
- Created and maintain detailed plant records and mapping system using specialized botanical database software
- Plan and execute 4-6 seasonal displays annually, attracting 87,000+ visitors in 2022
Horticulturist | Evergreen Landscapes & Nursery | Eugene, OR | June 2015 – February 2018
- Managed 3.5-acre production nursery specializing in native plants and ornamentals
- Consulted with 80+ commercial and residential clients on sustainable landscape designs
- Supervised propagation program producing 25,000+ plants annually from seed and cuttings
- Implemented integrated pest management system, reducing chemical applications by 42%
- Trained and mentored 4 junior staff members and seasonal workers
Assistant Horticulturist | Willamette University | Salem, OR | August 2012 – May 2015
- Maintained campus gardens and greenhouse facilities across 60-acre campus
- Collaborated with biology department to grow specimens for research projects
- Created plant identification guides for educational tours and student programs
- Designed and installed rain garden demonstration project that won regional sustainability award
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Science, Horticulture | Oregon State University | 2012
Minor in Sustainable Ecosystems
Certifications:
- ISA Certified Arborist (#PN-7291A) – 2017, renewed 2020
- Oregon Pesticide Applicator License – 2014, current
- Native Plant Stewardship Certification – 2016
- Permaculture Design Certificate – 2019
SPECIALIZED SKILLS
- Plant Taxonomy & Identification
- Propagation Techniques (seed, cutting, division, grafting)
- Soil Science & Analysis
- Integrated Pest Management
- Irrigation System Design
- Climate-Adaptive Gardening
- Native Plant Restoration
- Public Education & Outreach
- Plant Database Management (IrisBG, BG-Base)
- Botanical Photography
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- American Public Gardens Association (Committee Member, 2020-present)
- Pacific Northwest Horticultural Society
- Native Plant Society of Oregon (Regional Chapter Treasurer)
How to Write a Horticulturist Resume
Introduction
Landing that perfect horticulturist job means showcasing your plant expertise, technical knowledge, and hands-on experience effectively. Your resume is often the first impression employers get—and in a field where attention to detail matters (just like noticing the first signs of powdery mildew!), a well-crafted resume can make all the difference. I've helped dozens of plant professionals land jobs at botanical gardens, nurseries, and landscaping firms, and I'm sharing what actually works.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your resume clean and organized—much like a well-maintained garden bed. Most hiring managers spend just 7.4 seconds scanning resumes initially, so clarity is key.
- Stick to 1-2 pages (1 page for under 5 years experience, 2 pages max for veterans)
- Use clear section headings that stand out
- Choose readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Garamond at 10-12pt
- Include white space to avoid a cluttered appearance
- Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless requested otherwise)
Profile/Summary Section
Start with a brief but powerful introduction. This isn't the place for your life story—just 3-4 sentences highlighting your expertise, specialization, and biggest achievement.
Don't say you're "passionate about plants." Show it through specific accomplishments instead. Everyone applying loves plants; distinguish yourself with results.
For example: "Certified horticulturist with 6+ years specializing in drought-resistant landscaping and native plant propagation. Reduced water usage by 37% while maintaining aesthetic appeal for commercial clients. Experienced in both greenhouse production and landscape design with focus on sustainable practices."
Professional Experience
This section carries the most weight. Frame your experience using the PAR method—Problem, Action, Result—when possible.
- List positions in reverse chronological order
- Include company name, your title, and dates (month/year)
- Quantify achievements with numbers (propagated 14,000+ plants annually, managed $58K seasonal budget)
- Highlight specialized knowledge (soil amendment techniques, IPM strategies, cultivar selection)
- Mention specific plants, tools, or techniques you've worked with
Weak: "Responsible for garden maintenance"
Strong: "Maintained 3-acre formal garden including 76 rose varieties, implementing organic pest management that reduced chemical use by 62% while improving bloom production."
Education and Certifications
Our field values formal education alongside practical skills. Include:
- Degrees (B.S. in Horticulture, Plant Sciences, etc.)
- Relevant certifications (Master Gardener, Certified Arborist, Pesticide Applicator License)
- Specialized training (Soil Science, Irrigation Design, Plant Propagation)
- Relevant coursework (for recent grads only)
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. To pass through:
- Match keywords from the job description (propagation, irrigation, pest management)
- Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
- Avoid text boxes, headers/footers, and tables
- Include plant families and species you're familiar with
Industry-specific Terms
Sprinkle your resume with relevant terminology, but don't overdo it. Some key terms to consider including (where truthful):
- Plant propagation techniques (grafting, tissue culture, division)
- Soil science (pH adjustment, fertility management)
- Pest and disease management strategies (IPM, biological controls)
- Plant identification and taxonomy
- Irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler design, hand-watering protocols)
- Specialized equipment (tillers, chainsaws, sprayers, tractors)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I see these errors constantly when reviewing horticulturist resumes:
- Being too general ("good with plants" instead of specific varieties or techniques)
- Focusing on duties rather than accomplishments
- Forgetting to mention computer skills (POS systems, design software, inventory management)
- Overlooking soft skills (customer education, team collaboration, weather adaptability)
- Using outdated terminology or methods
Before/After Example
Before: "Worked in garden center helping customers with plants."
After: "Advised 30+ daily customers on plant selection and care, specializing in shade perennials and native species. Created seasonal planting guides that increased repeat customer visits by 22% during typically slow periods."
Remember—your resume should be as carefully cultivated as your plants. Tailor it for each position, focusing on what makes you the ideal candidate for that specific role. Good luck!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Horticulturist resume
- Cross-functional collaboration – comfortable working with landscapers, botanists, and non-technical stakeholders on complex garden renovation projects
- Client education – explaining technical plant care concepts to clients with varying knowledge levels (developed after repeatedly encountering maintenance issues)
- Stress management – maintaining composure during seasonal rushes and when dealing with unexpected plant diseases or weather damage
- Detail-oriented troubleshooting – identifying subtle signs of nutrient deficiencies or pest issues before they become widespread problems
- Mentorship abilities – training seasonal workers and interns on proper planting techniques and sustainable practices
- Visual-spatial reasoning – translating 2D landscape plans into thriving 3D environments that mature beautifully over time
Hard skills for your Horticulturist resume
- Plant Pathology Diagnostics (biotic/abiotic disease identification)
- Nursery Production Management using HORTEC software
- Irrigation System Design & Installation (drip, spray, micro)
- Soil Chemistry Testing & Amendment Formulation
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Implementation
- Greenhouse Environmental Controls (Argus/Priva systems)
- Plant Propagation Techniques (tissue culture, grafting, division)
- Pesticide Applicator License (Category 3 – Ornamental/Turf)
- Botanical Taxonomy & Classification