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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:
| Starting | $24.65 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $28.55 |
| Top | $31.48 |
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
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 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.
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.
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 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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
The Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association offers short courses and workshops in horticulture.
Pesticide applicators use pesticides (chemicals) to control pests, such as weeds, diseases or destructive insects or animals, as part of their paid employment.
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. The 2 types of dispensers in Alberta are:
Certification for applicators and dispensers require successful completion of an exam. A preparatory course is available through home study materials or classroom tutorials.
Individuals may become certified in one or more applicator classes. For detailed official information, read about the pesticide applicator and dispenser certification requirements on the Government of Alberta website.
Pesticide applicator and dispensers who are certified by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for certification in Alberta if certified pesticide applicators and dispensers in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the Government of Alberta website.
Alberta Environment and Parks
Government of Alberta
9th Floor, South Petroleum Plaza 9920 108 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G8
Canada
Call: 780-538-6460
Toll-free within Alberta: 310-3773, then 780-538-6460
Toll-free outside Alberta: 780-944-0313
Website: www.alberta.ca/environment-and-parks.aspx
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, the 0822: Managers in horticulture occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 1 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.00 | $36.06 | $24.65 | $24.04 |
| Overall | $22.00 | $38.98 | $28.55 | $26.83 |
| Top | $22.00 | $40.00 | $31.48 | $30.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Agriculture | $56,967 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $56,324 |
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.