
Horticulture career pathways
Pick a path for your future
Whether you are looking for a career on the orchard, in the lab or in supply and logistics, there is a myriad of opportunity on offer across the horticulture sector. Explore these opportunities by selecting a theme-focused pathway and follow where it leads. Production, Post harvest, Science, Technology or Business, there is something for everyone!
Start here for a Production career

with 0 - 2 years sector experience
Production worker
Get involved on all aspects of, orchard, indoor/outdoor crops including harvesting, plant care, and construction.
Explore in depth.Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
Tractor Driver / Machinery Operator
Operate machinery to complete agrichemical spray application, forklift movements, mowing, planting, harvesting, and construction.
Explore in depth.Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
after 3 - 4 years sector experience
Production Specialist
Provides technical expertise in specialist areas such as plant husbandry, grafting & frost protection.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
Production Supervisor
Lead a team of people for harvesting, plant care, construction, orchard, indoor/outdoor crops, and quality control.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
after 5 -10 years sector experience
Production Leading Hand
Use your people skills to lead teams of workers in all orchard, indoor or outdoor production operations.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Next step(s):
more than 10 years sector experience with business knowledge
Production Manager/Contractor
With several years of experience, this role manages all operations for an orchard, indoor or outdoor production operation(s).
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Next step(s):
more than 10 years sector experience including Leading Business
General Manager / CEO / Owner / Director
A strategic leader with strong business acumen, a deep understanding of the industry, and the ability to lead and motivate a team.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Start here for a Post harvest career

with 0 - 2 years sector experience
Post harvest worker
The Post harvest role lets you work on all aspects of the packing line, coolstore, grading, and quality control.
Explore in depth.after 3 - 4 years sector experience
Junior Advisor (liaison / technical)
Work with growers to offer advisory services to ensure they meet packing and post-harvest standards.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
Post harvest Supervisor
The supervisor role leads a team of workers in; the packing line, coolstore, grading, and quality control.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
Post harvest Specialist
A key role in post harvest, you operate machinery for packing lines, coolstores, graders, and monitor quality control.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
after 5 -10 years sector experience
Grower Liaison
Use your knowledge and connections to support growers with production including compliance and quality control standards.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
Post harvest Leading Hand
Lead teams of workers in post-harvest process; the packing line, managing quality control, coolstore and packing.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
more than 10 years sector experience with business knowledge
Grower Liaison Manager
Get to lead all aspects of regulatory compliance, supply chain, workforce management, logistics, and packhouse to support growers.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
Post harvest Manager
A Post harvest Manager leads all aspects of regulatory compliance, supply chain, workforce management, logistics, and packhouse.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
more than 10 years sector experience including Leading Business
General Manager / CEO / Owner / Director
A strategic leader with strong business acumen, a deep understanding of the industry, and the ability to lead and motivate a team.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Start here for a Science career

with 0 - 2 years sector experience
after 3 - 4 years sector experience
Research Technician
Support lab, field, orchard, and indoor science in areas such as soil, plant, pest and disease, water, breeding.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Junior Consultant / Agronomist
Support growers to implement more effective production practices. Assist with research, data collection and implementation.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
after 5 -10 years sector experience
Applied Research Scientist
Undertake scientific research with a focus on applying the results of your studies to solving real-world problems.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
Horticulture Consultant / Agronomist
Lead support to growers to implement more effective production practices and with specialist knowledge such as pest management.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
more than 10 years sector experience with business knowledge
Research and Development Manager
Lead and manage R&D projects focusing on future developments, existing systems and products to stay ahead of the game.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Next step(s):
more than 10 years sector experience including Leading Business
General Manager / CEO / Owner / Director
A strategic leader with strong business acumen, a deep understanding of the industry, and the ability to lead and motivate a team.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Start here for a Technology career

with 0 - 2 years sector experience
Study for a Technology related Degree or Diploma
For more information
Explore in depth.Next step(s):
after 3 - 4 years sector experience
Electronics and Machinery Engineer
Develop, install, and fix specialist technology and equipment or work in sales or technical support to make the sector hum.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
Software Developer
Develop, test, implement and update specialist software and technology for the Horticulture industry.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Cross-pathway step(s):
Next step(s):
more than 10 years sector experience with business knowledge
Engineering / Technology Manager
Combine engineering, team management, and technology to make all types of production faster, simpler, and more efficient.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Next step(s):
more than 10 years sector experience including Leading Business
General Manager / CEO / Owner / Director
A strategic leader with strong business acumen, a deep understanding of the industry, and the ability to lead and motivate a team.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Start here for a Business career

with 0 - 2 years sector experience
after 3 - 4 years sector experience
Business Analyst
Specialise in areas including accounting, administration, compliance, communications, management, and people capability.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Next step(s):
after 5 -10 years sector experience
Senior Specialist
Lead teams across diverse business areas including accounting, administration, marketing, compliance, supply chain and people capability.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Next step(s):
more than 10 years sector experience with business knowledge
Specialist Manager
Lead a team in an area such as supply chain, marketing and sales, compliance, market access, finance, communications and people capability.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):
Next step(s):
more than 10 years sector experience including Leading Business
General Manager / CEO / Owner / Director
A strategic leader with strong business acumen, a deep understanding of the industry, and the ability to lead and motivate a team.
Explore in depth.Previous step(s):