Core Attributes for a Career in Horticulture
Core attributes are the personal qualities and soft skills that help people succeed in horticulture careers.
Horticulture is a collaborative and fast-moving industry that values people who can adapt quickly, think critically, work well in a team, and stay motivated when working independently.
These transferable skills open up opportunities in a wide range of roles, from hands-on production to technical research, logistics, marketing, and sustainability.
Attention To Details
Pay close attention to your work to identify and diagnose issues correctly.
Collaboration
Work within a team to complete daily tasks and provide input to help improve work systems.
Communication
Communicate clearly and concisely with stakeholders, including growers, scientists, and farm managers.
Creative Thinking
Explore, experiment, develop, and implement more efficient systems or equipment.
Critical Thinking
Have a deep understanding of relevant processes to be able to analyse and make effective changes.
Decision making
Quickly find the best solution to ensure production runs as efficiently as possible.
Flexibility
Move smoothly between priority tasks.
Leadership
Coordinate a team through daily activities and help to teach them the relevant skills.
Networking
Be able to quickly build rapport with industry persons to help expand networks and knowledge base.
Proactive
Quickly and seamlessly identify areas in need of assistance and help where possible.
Problem solving
Use creative and analytical thinking to find solutions.
Self-motivated
Many tasks are completed independently, so it is important to be able to motivate yourself.
Strong record keeping
Take detailed notes on daily activities to assist with future operations and improvements.
Strong work ethic
Complete tasks on time and to the highest standard.
Teamwork
Work collaboratively with growers, industry, and government.
Time management
Balance multiple tasks at once and ensure they are completed in a timely manner.
Attention To Details
Pay close attention to your work to identify and diagnose issues correctly.
Collaboration
Work within a team to complete daily tasks and provide input to help improve work systems.
Communication
Communicate clearly and concisely with stakeholders, including growers, scientists, and farm managers.
Creative Thinking
Explore, experiment, develop, and implement more efficient systems or equipment.
Critical Thinking
Have a deep understanding of relevant processes to be able to analyse and make effective changes.
Decision making
Quickly find the best solution to ensure production runs as efficiently as possible.
Flexibility
Move smoothly between priority tasks.
Leadership
Coordinate a team through daily activities and help to teach them the relevant skills.
Networking
Be able to quickly build rapport with industry persons to help expand networks and knowledge base.
Proactive
Quickly and seamlessly identify areas in need of assistance and help where possible.
Problem solving
Use creative and analytical thinking to find solutions.
Self-motivated
Many tasks are completed independently, so it is important to be able to motivate yourself.
Strong record keeping
Take detailed notes on daily activities to assist with future operations and improvements.
Strong work ethic
Complete tasks on time and to the highest standard.
Teamwork
Work collaboratively with growers, industry, and government.
Time management
Balance multiple tasks at once and ensure they are completed in a timely manner.
Find Your Perfect Fit in Horticulture
Not sure where you belong in the world of horticulture? This quiz helps match your natural strengths and personal attributes to the profession that best suits you.
Simply select the core attributes that describe you and we’ll suggest horticulture careers where you’ll thrive. It’s quick, easy, and a great first step to discovering your future in this diverse and exciting industry.
Sales & Marketing
Marketing Manager
Communicate clearly and concisely with stakeholders, including growers, scientists, and farm managers.
Explore, experiment, develop, and implement more efficient systems or equipment.
Be able to quickly build rapport with industry persons to help expand networks and knowledge base.
Balance multiple tasks at once and ensure they are completed in a timely manner.
Trades
Mechanic
Pay close attention to your work to identify and diagnose issues correctly.
Use creative and analytical thinking to find solutions.
Work collaboratively with growers, industry, and government.
Trades
Mechanical Engineer
Move smoothly between priority tasks.
Use creative and analytical thinking to find solutions.
Balance multiple tasks at once and ensure they are completed in a timely manner.
On Farms
Mobile Plant Operator
Communicate clearly and concisely with stakeholders, including growers, scientists, and farm managers.
Quickly and seamlessly identify areas in need of assistance and help where possible.
Complete tasks on time and to the highest standard.
Work collaboratively with growers, industry, and government.
On Farms
Nursery
Pay close attention to your work to identify and diagnose issues correctly.
Work within a team to complete daily tasks and provide input to help improve work systems.
Coordinate a team through daily activities and help to teach them the relevant skills.
Complete tasks on time and to the highest standard.
Work collaboratively with growers, industry, and government.
Balance multiple tasks at once and ensure they are completed in a timely manner.
Corporate Services
Occupational/Workplace Health and Safety
Pay close attention to your work to identify and diagnose issues correctly.
Communicate clearly and concisely with stakeholders, including growers, scientists, and farm managers.
Coordinate a team through daily activities and help to teach them the relevant skills.
