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Farmer, Tree Nursery Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Nursery operators run wholesale and retail horticultural firms ranging in size from small family businesses to operations employing over 100 people on a full time or seasonal basis. They may deal with all kinds of trees and shrubs or specialize in perennial herbaceous plants or in a few kinds of trees. Therefore, their duties and responsibilities vary. In general, nursery operators:
In smaller operations, nursery operators also may perform some of the hands-on work. They may:
Nursery operators work outdoors in fields and shade houses and indoors in greenhouses and offices. They often work long, irregular hours, particularly in the spring and summer months. The work can be hectic at times, and satisfying customer needs can be stressful. Some of the hands-on work is strenuous; lifting up to 20 kilograms may be required.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in supervising staff in planting, transplanting, feeding and spraying stock; and in hiring staff and overseeing training, in setting work schedules and in determining types and quantities of stock
Interest in co-ordinating information to organize nursery and greenhouse operations; and in ordering materials such as fertilizer, garden and lawn care equipment, and other nursery and greenhouse accessories
Interest in providing information to customers on gardening and the care of trees, shrubs, flowers, plants and lawns
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Nursery operators need:
Those in retail operations also must be able to deal courteously and effectively with the public.
Nursery operators should enjoy directing the work of others, organizing nursery operations and providing information to customers.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 36 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 03, 2021 and Jun 12, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Supervise staff in planting, transplanting, feeding and spraying | 33 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 30 |
| Construction Specialization: Initiative | 29 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 29 |
| Tasks: Establish and maintain required environment | 29 |
| Tasks: Establish work schedules | 29 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 26 |
| Tasks: Hire, train and supervise staff | 26 |
| Tasks: Organize and direct greenhouse and nursery operations | 23 |
| Tasks: Order materials and stock | 23 |
In the past, many nursery operators worked their way up to supervisory positions by learning on the job and taking related courses. However, graduates of horticulture education programs have a better chance of advancing to supervisory and management positions than those who do not have related post-secondary education.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
The Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association offers short courses and workshops in horticulture.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Pesticide applicators use pesticides (chemicals) as part of their paid employment to control pests such as weeds, diseases, or destructive insects or animals.
Pesticide dispensers sell and store pesticides as part of their paid employment.
Under Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act [pdf] and Pesticide (Ministerial) Regulation [pdf], to apply a commercial-class pesticide such as insecticide, herbicide, or fungicide, you must be one of the following:
To sell pesticides, you must be a certified dispenser. There are 2 types of dispensers in Alberta:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Pesticide Applicator and Dispenser.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most nursery operators are self-employed or employed as retail or wholesale nursery managers. Some work for government departments and research centres.
Nursery operators generally start in junior positions, then work their way up or start their own businesses. Nursery worker positions may be full time, part time or seasonal. Advancement depends on performance and the availability of supervisory positions.
Nursery operators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 0822: Managers in horticulture. In Alberta, 90% of people employed in this classification work in the Agricultural [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Earnings for nursery operators vary, especially for self-employed operators. Managers of large nursery operations may earn considerably more.
Government of Alberta website, Agriculture and Forestry: www.alberta.ca/agriculture-and-forestry.aspx
Government of Alberta website, Environment and Parks: www.www.alberta.ca/environment-and-parks.aspx
Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) website: cnla.ca
Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association website: www.landscape-alberta.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.