Plant nursery assistant job description

Garden centre assistants are employed at garden centres, where they are responsible for the sale of plants and other related items, such as garden furniture, garden equipment, and gardening machines. It's possible that some centers even produce their own plants. The work may be done either indoors or outside.

The Work Being Done

It's possible that:

planting seeds and bulbs, taking cuttings, and spreading seeds, in addition to watering, trimming, weeding, and treatment for diseases and pests.

preparing plants for sale by potting them up and placing them in trays.

arranging showcases of plants, containers, and gardening implements

transferring large objects, such as sacks of dirt or trees, with the assistance of a wheelbarrow or a trolley

assisting clients with carrying big things to their vehicles and loading them

performing duties at the register, including accepting cash and credit card payments

putting prices on inventory and stocking the shelves

calling in to place an order for fresh supply

guiding consumers in the selection and maintenance of their plant purchases.

Pay

The following numbers should only be used as a reference. The actual pay rates may vary based on the following factors:

where you make a living

the magnitude of the business or organization for which you work.

whether or not you are self-employed.

the level of competition for the job.

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW) is often used as a benchmark for determining starting pay (NLW).

Employees aged 16 to 17 are eligible for the National Minimum Wage of £4.81 per hour, workers aged 18 to 20 are eligible for the National Minimum Wage of £6.83 per hour, and workers aged 21 to 22 are eligible for the National Minimum Wage of £9.18 per hour. Workers aged 23 and older are eligible for the National Living Wage of £9.50 per hour.

This might potentially increase to roughly £10.00 an hour with more expertise. There is often the opportunity for overtime, particularly during the summer months. The annual salary range for those who manage garden centers is often between between $25,000 and $32,000. A salary of £35,000 or more is possible for certain managers working in bigger centers.

Conditions

You may be outside in any kind of weather, or you might be inside a glasshouse, which might be quite hot and humid.

During the summer, you will most likely be required to work extended hours, including weekend and late shifts.

There is a possibility that you might work half time.

You should prepare to bend down, kneel down, and lift some really hefty objects.

Because of the potential for dirtiness, you may be required to wear protective clothes.

Getting In

Although formal credentials are not required, it is beneficial to have a solid general education. There are certain employers that may prefer it if you have a set of topics that were at the National 4 or 5 level.

There is a possibility that you may be able to get training through a Modern Apprenticeship that will lead to SVQs at SCQF Levels 5 or 6.

Take a full-time course in horticulture at the NC or NQ level (SCQF Levels 2-6) or the SVQ level (SCQF Levels 5-11) before starting a new work. This will provide you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful. The entry requirements range from having no formal credentials to having completed four to five topics at the National 4 or 5 level.

You need to be physically capable of carrying hefty weights.

Work opportunities are available at garden centers of various sizes, including huge home improvement shops that also house garden centers.

What are the Prerequisites?

You are going to need to have:

an interest in gardening and flora in general

a comprehensive understanding of the plants and gardening supplies that you sell

excellent physical dexterity and the ability to handle seeds, bulbs, and plants with care.

Skills relating to the management of money in order to operate the tills

great customer service abilities.

Training

Training would be done on the job, maybe in conjunction with studying for required certifications in one's spare time.

You have the opportunity to study for the SVQ in Horticulture at the SCQF Level 5 level.

Some of the most prominent chains of garden centers provide their employees access to online learning platforms where they may complete courses on topics such as fundamental horticulture, customer service, and health and safety.

Getting a Grip

If you worked at one of the major garden centers, you had the opportunity to further your career and become a supervisor, assistant manager, and eventually even a manager.

You could consider going into business for yourself.