Nursery and Greenhouse Workers
(NOC 8432)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningNursery and greenhouse workers plant, cultivate, and harvest trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants, and serve nursery and greenhouse customers. They work for indoor and outdoor nurseries and greenhouses.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$13.60
Minimum$14.50
Median$18.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$1,730
Minimum$11,360
Median$21,541
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$18.00
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Nursery and greenhouse workers plant, cultivate, and harvest trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants, and serve nursery and greenhouse customers. They work for indoor and outdoor nurseries and greenhouses.
Job duties
Nursery and greenhouse workers:
- Prepare soil, plant bulbs, seeds and cuttings, graft and bud plants, and transplant seedlings and rooted cuttings.
- Spray trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants to prevent disease and pests.
- Position and regulate greenhouse and outdoor irrigation systems to water plants and fields.
- Dig, cut, and transplant trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants and prepare them for sale.
- Provide information to customers on gardening and the care of trees, shrubs, flowers, plants, and lawns.
- May operate tractors and other machinery and equipment to fertilize, cultivate, harvest and spray fields and plants.
- Maintain inventory and order materials as required.
- Clean working areas.
Sample job titles
- Christmas tree shearer
- greenhouse worker
- horticulture worker
- hothouse worker
- hydroponics worker
- nursery worker
- tree grafter - nursery
Skills
- You should enjoy working outdoors. You should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor. Good communication and interpersonal skills may be necessary for working with the public.
Job requirements
- High school may be required.
- College courses in horticulture or a related field may be required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.
Other considerations
- Movement to supervisory positions like greenhouse supervisor is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Annapolis Valley
$11,670 median annual incomeSouthern
$8,550 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$12,611 median annual incomeHalifax
N/ACape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Retail trade
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
15-24
45-54
35-44
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
15-24
55-64
35-44
25-34
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$5,501 median annual incomeHigh school
$12,086 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$12,091 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ATrade Certification
N/ACompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$23,463 median annual incomeHigh school
$19,301 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$29,551 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$31,535 median annual incomeBachelor
$17,956 median annual incomeEducation & training
Agriculture - General
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on agricultural research and production. They include courses in basic animal, plant, and soil science, animal husbandry and plant cultivation, soil conservation, and agricultural operations like farming, ranching, and agricultural business.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Landscaping and Groundskeeping
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to manage and maintain indoor and/or outdoor ornamental and recreational plants and groundcovers and related designs created by landscape architects, interior designers, enterprise owners or managers, and individual clients. They include courses in applicable principles of horticulture, gardening, plant and soil irrigation and nutrition, turf maintenance, plant maintenance, equipment operation and maintenance, personnel supervision, and purchasing.
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations - Other
College, Trades, or University ProgramThis includes any program not listed elsewhere that relates to Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.