This occupation is found across a wide variety of cultivated and managed green spaces, including public parks, formal gardens, estates, heritage sites, schools, tourism locations, business and retail parks, and private gardens. Horticulture Specialists may work for organisations that manage their own grounds—such as local authorities, visitor attractions, and large estates—or for businesses that deliver services across multiple client sites, including commercial landscaping companies and grounds maintenance providers. Employers range from small specialist firms to large national organisations, and may be commercial, charitable, or public sector bodies.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to plan, implement, and supervise horticultural operations required to develop, enhance, and maintain outdoor spaces. This includes both soft-landscaping activities—such as plant care, nutrition, and soil management—and hard-landscaping tasks including structures, surfaces, and site features. Horticulture Specialists support the delivery of projects to specification, ensuring work meets design requirements, business objectives, and professional standards. They lead teams, coordinate workflows, and ensure safe and efficient use of tools, machinery, and equipment. Work is carried out outdoors throughout the year and may involve working at heights, using pesticides, or operating machinery for which appropriate training or qualifications are required.
In their daily work, employees in this occupation interact with supervisors, clients, colleagues, other trades, and members of the public depending on the type and location of the site. They often liaise with site managers, designers, heritage specialists, or landowners to ensure work meets expectations and regulatory standards.
Horticulture Specialists are responsible for planning and overseeing their own work and that of others, ensuring productivity, quality, and compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations. They are accountable for maintaining a safe working environment, monitoring site presentation, and supporting sustainability and professional practice. They ensure tools, equipment, and PPE are checked, maintained, and used correctly. Horticulture Specialists report to senior staff such as Supervisors, Team Leaders, Head Gardeners, or Site Managers.
Location
Workplace,and EKC Canterbury College (Spring Lane Campus) one day a week.
Duration
30 months + 5 months EPA