How to Be Horticulture Custodian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 22, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The proliferation of horticulture custodians is having a major impact on the health of the environment. By properly caring for the vegetation in urban areas, these custodians are helping to reduce air pollution, increase wildlife habitats, and improve water quality. They are also providing green spaces for city dwellers that can be used for recreation and relaxation.

With their help, cities are becoming healthier and more sustainable. In addition, horticulture custodians are creating jobs and growing the local economy. Furthermore, their efforts are contributing to a more beautiful and vibrant urban landscape.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many custodial positions require at least a high school diploma or GED.
Receive on-the-job training. Although some employers prefer to hire custodians with prior experience, many employers provide on-the-job training for their custodians.
Pursue additional education and certifications. Some employers may require certification in areas such as hazardous material handling, safety, and first aid.
Obtain horticulture experience. Many custodial positions in horticulture require prior experience in horticulture, such as working in a greenhouse, nursery, or garden center.
Become familiar with horticultural equipment and products. Custodians should become familiar with the various tools and products used in horticulture, such as pruners, planting tools, and fertilizers.
Develop an understanding of horticultural principles. Knowing the basics of horticulture, such as soil types, irrigation systems, and plant diseases, will help custodians provide better care for the plants and grounds they are responsible for.
Demonstrate customer service skills. Custodians must be able to interact with customers in a professional manner and provide helpful advice and assistance when needed.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a Horticulture Custodian, one must continually stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry. This involves regularly attending conferences and seminars, reading industry publications, and seeking out further education opportunities such as online courses and certifications. maintaining a good working relationship with colleagues and seeking out mentors in the field can help keep the Custodian informed of new techniques and technology.

In turn, this knowledge can help them make better decisions and provide superior service to their clients. Staying ahead and qualified as a Horticulture Custodian can lead to increased success, better job opportunities, and higher wages.

You may want to check Plant Caretaker, Floral Designer, and Florist Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor horticultural equipment and supplies and make timely repairs or replacements as necessary.
Create and implement a schedule of regular maintenance and care for the horticulture area including watering, trimming, pruning, and fertilizing plants.
Plant, cultivate, and propagate trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants in designated areas.
Oversee the installation of new plants, trees, and other landscape elements in designated areas.
Inspect horticultural areas for signs of pests or disease and take appropriate action to mitigate the problem.
Provide guidance, instruction, and advice to staff and volunteers regarding the care of plants and horticultural areas.
Work with outside vendors to ensure that horticultural areas are properly serviced and maintained.
Monitor budgets for horticultural projects and ensure that all costs are kept within budget.
Maintain records of work performed in the horticultural area for future reference.
Follow all safety protocols and procedures when performing maintenance tasks.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of horticultural and landscaping techniques, including pruning, planting, irrigation and fertilization.
Ability to safely operate lawn mowers, trimmers, edgers, blowers, and other equipment related to grounds management.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Knowledge of pest management techniques and safety protocols for dealing with hazardous materials.
Ability to read and interpret plans and diagrams related to grounds management.
Ability to identify and diagnose plant problems and take appropriate action (e. g. , disease control).
Ability to follow safety procedures when handling and applying chemicals.
Ability to lift heavy objects and work in inclement weather conditions.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws governing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Horticulture custodians play a vital role in ensuring that landscapes and gardens are properly maintained. Their duties include planting and caring for plants, controlling weeds and pests, and performing regular maintenance such as trimming shrubs and hedges. To be successful in this role, they must have a strong knowledge of horticulture practices, be able to identify plants, and possess excellent communication and problem solving skills.

they must be able to work in a team environment and be able to take direction from their supervisors. Many horticulture custodians' success is due to their ability to stay organized and keep up with the changing needs of their environment. Lastly, safety awareness is paramount when dealing with sharp tools, chemical agents, and machinery.

Without the proper safety protocols in place, horticulture custodians can put themselves and others at risk. By having the right skills and knowledge, horticulture custodians can help ensure that gardens and landscapes are safe and healthy places to visit.

Plant Ecologist, Nursery Worker, and Horticulture Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in horticulture and custodial care?
What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a successful horticulture custodian?
How do you ensure that the horticultural environment is properly maintained and safe for visitors?
What techniques do you use to manage and care for plants in a horticultural setting?
How do you handle pests or disease problems in plants?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision related to the maintenance of horticultural property.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest horticultural trends and techniques?
What strategies do you use to stay organized in your work?
How do you prioritize tasks when faced with competing demands from multiple stakeholders?
Can you provide examples of how you have been able to improve the efficiency of custodial operations at prior positions?

Common Tools in Industry

Leaf Blower. A device used to blow away leaves, dirt, and debris. (e. g. Stihl BR 350 Backpack Blower)
Pruning Shears. A handheld tool used for trimming and pruning branches and foliage. (e. g. Fiskars Bypass Pruner)
Grass Trimmer. An electric or gas-powered tool used to trim grass and weeds. (e. g. BLACK+DECKER LST136 String Trimmer)
Shovel. A tool used to dig and scoop dirt and other materials. (e. g. Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel)
Rake. A tool with long metal or plastic tines used to gather leaves and debris. (e. g. Bully Tools Bow Rake)
Watering Can. A container used to water plants, with a spout and handle for easy carrying. (e. g. Haws Indoor Watering Can)
Wheelbarrow. A two-wheeled cart used for carrying loads of dirt, mulch, and other materials. (e. g. Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Garden Cart)
Gardening Gloves. Protective gloves used for gardening tasks that can cause skin irritation. (e. g. Showa 370 Nitrile-Coated Work Gloves)
Garden Hose. A flexible tube used to deliver water to plants and gardens. (e. g. Flexzilla Garden Hose)
Lawn Mower. A machine used to cut and trim grass on lawns and other outdoor areas. (e. g. Honda HRX217VKA Self-Propelled Lawn Mower)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Horticulture Science (ASHS)
American Horticultural Society (AHS)
Professional Landcare Network (PLANET)
American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA)
Green Industry Network (GIN)
National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
National Plant Operators Association (NPOA)
Plant Conservation Alliance (PCA)
United States Composting Council (USCC)

We also have Gardener, Plant Biochemist, and Floral Design Instructor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Arboriculture. The cultivation, management, and study of trees, shrubs, and other woody plants.
Botany. The scientific study of plants and their structures, functions, and life processes.
Plant Pathology. The study of plant diseases, their causes, and methods for controlling them.
Landscaping. The art of designing and arranging elements in an outdoor environment to create a pleasing aesthetic.
Soil Science. The study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and the effects of soil management on crop production.
Plant Nutrition. The study of the nutrients needed by plants and how they are taken up by the plant.
Plant Propagation. The process of creating new plants from existing ones, usually by cuttings or divisions.
Irrigation. The application of water to land for the purpose of supporting plant growth.
Plant Genetics. The study of the inheritance of traits in plants and how these traits are passed on from one generation to the next.
Plant Breeding. The science of improving plants through selective breeding and genetic engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Horticulture Custodian?

A Horticulture Custodian is a professional responsible for the care and maintenance of plants and gardens. This includes pruning, fertilizing, pest control, and general upkeep.

What qualifications are required to become a Horticulture Custodian?

The qualifications required to become a Horticulture Custodian vary depending on the employer, but typically include a high school diploma or equivalent and experience in horticulture or related fields.

What is the average salary of a Horticulture Custodian?

The average salary of a Horticulture Custodian is around $27,000 per year.

What are some of the duties of a Horticulture Custodian?

The duties of a Horticulture Custodian include planting, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, weeding, watering, pest control, and general upkeep of gardens and landscapes.