Horticulturist
Overview: | Horiculturists experiment with cross breeding plants to develop new varieties of fruits, nuts, and grains with higher yields, quality, and resistance to disease. They determine the best methods of spraying and harvesting. They may specialize in breeding, shipping, or research. |
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Duties: | They perform laboratory experiments to determine how to acquire the optimum combination of plant characteristics by genetic mutations and cross-breeding of seeds. They perform field studies by planting varieties of fruit, nut or grain plants to determine the impact of new fertilizers, insecticides, and irrigation methods, etc. They compare crop quality and yields by measuring the size of crop fruit, conducting taste tests and evaluating their resistance to damage in shipping. They educate agricultural groups and agencies about new seed types, how they should be planted and how their fruits should be harvested, stored, processed and shipped. |
Degree(s): | A.S. Biotechnology |
Job Outlook: | Employment in this field is projected to grow 5% to 8% percent from 2018 to 2028, which matches the average growth rate for all occupations. |
Salary Range (National Average): | $29,000 to $33,000 |
Green: | ![]() |
Education Level: | Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation. |
Additional Training/Education: | A bachelor's degree in the agricultural sciences is often adequate for the position of a horticulturist responsible for applied research. However, to perform basic research or teach at a college or university, a master's degree or Ph.D. degree is usually required. |
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* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .
* For New York salary data information .
* For New York green job information .
Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.