Horticultural consultant

Horticultural consultant job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Horticultural consultants are responsible for maintaining a careful balance of flora and fauna under constantly changing conditions. Key tasks include:

• developing and maintaining a set of client contacts
• visiting clients on site
• undertaking environmental assessments
• analysing horticultural yields
• designing garden plans/planting layouts
• advising about tree planting schemes
• planning restoration projects
• organising horticultural trials
• making presentations
• writing technical publications, advisory leaflets and reports
• attending conferences
• maintaining awareness of industry developments
• undertaking research
• maintaining financial and administrative records
• developing, advertising and marketing services.

Variations in workloads relate to seasonal demands - some long and unsocial hours may be necessary during busy periods. Opportunities for promotion into senior consultancy positions are limited - relocation or specialisation is normally required.

Horticultural consultants may also find themselves working in a therapeutic role, using horticulture to help people overcome their emotional and psychological issues.

Typical employers of horticultural consultants

• local authorities
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
• Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS)
• wildlife trusts
• charitable organisations
• The National Trust
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
• English Heritage
• commercial food processing
• packaging and distribution companies
• horticultural and farming cooperatives.

A large number of horticultural consultants are self-employed.

Jobs are advertised by careers services, in local/national newspapers and publications including Opportunities, Horticulture Week, New Scientist, Nature, Farmers' Weekly, Scottish Farmer, The Grower and other trade journals. Speculative applications are advisable as many posts receive little advertising. Trade directories such as the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants (BIAC) Directory may provide useful contact information.

Qualifications and training required

A degree in horticulture, agriculture, soil or earth sciences, environmental science, or crop/plant science is normally the minimum academic requirement for entry into the profession. A relevant postgraduate qualification may be necessary for some opportunities. Prior practical work experience is usually essential as vacancies attract strong competition. A full driving licence is also normally required.

Key skills for horticultural consultants

• initiative
• commercial awareness
• problem solving skills
• communication
• analytical skills
• sales skills
• capable of working under pressure.