Environment - Animals and Plants

Agriculture and horticulture involve growing food, plants, and raising animals.

Understanding Agriculture and Horticulture

Agriculture and horticulture are important jobs that help make food and take care of animals and plants.

Agriculture is about planting crops and looking after animals, like cows and chickens.

Horticulture is about taking care of plants, fruits, and vegetables. People who work in horticulture look after things like apples, flowers, and tomatoes.

You can work on a farm, help with plants, or work in a shop. There are many different jobs you can do, for example, raising and breeding animals, growing crops. harvesting plants, and products from a farm.

Facts and figures

Here are some facts about jobs and wages in agriculture and horticulture in the West of England region.

*Data from December 2023 to December 2024

£0
Average salary for farmer jobs*
£0
Average salary for basic agricultural jobs*
£0
Average salary for horticultural apprentice*

Jobs in Agriculture and Horticulture

Here is some information about jobs you could do. Click the pictures below to know more about each job

Gardener

Care for plants in parks, gardens, and other green spaces.

Landscaper

Plan and care for gardens, parks, and outdoor areas.

Horticultural worker

Plant and take care of plants in nurseries, help with food, and care for parks and gardens.

Administrator

Help with the paperwork on the farm, answering calls and writing letters.

Farm worker

Take care of animals and use machines to plant and gather food.

Bin Worker

Empty out bins and take rubbish away from homes and workplaces.

Dog Walker

Take dogs for walks, clean them, and feed them.

Career opportunities in Agriculture and Horticulture

For many agriculture and horticulture jobs, you don't need special qualifications, but there are some things you might need to do first. These can include:

  • Filling in an application form
  • Having an interview where you talk about what you can do
  • Sometimes having some work experience to show you know how to do the job

Some jobs also want you to be friendly, helpful, and ready to learn new things.

Top skills requested by agriculture and horticulture employers

Skills for agriculture and horticulture jobs can be split into two types: ‘general’ skills, ‘practical’ skills and 'transferable' skills.

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General skills

General skills are helpful in many different jobs and are needed by most employers.

Communication
Being able to talk to others clearly, ask for help when needed, and share ideas or concerns.

Teamwork
Working together with others to get things done.

Listening and Following Instructions
Understand and do what your boss or supervisor asks you to do.

Hard Work
Always try your best, be on time, keep going when things are tough, and finish what you start.

Practical skills

Practical skills are more specific to agriculture and horticulture jobs.

Basic Plant Care
Watering, pulling weeds, and keeping plants healthy. You can learn this easily on the job.

Using Simple Tools
Learning how to use basic tools like rakes, hoes, shovels, or watering cans.

Feeding Animals
Helping to feed animals, check on their water, and keep them healthy in simple ways.

Cleaning and Tidying
Keeping work areas clean, like cleaning tools or sweeping the yard, to make sure everything stays safe and clean.

Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are general skills, like talking to people or working in a team, that can be used in many different jobs.

Being Physically Active
Work on your feet, lifting, bending, and doing physical work without getting tired easily.

Problem-solving
Finding simple solutions when something doesn’t go right, for example, fixing a broken tool or figuring out how to water the plants.

Time Management
Getting your work done on time, finishing your tasks before your shift ends, and arriving at work on time

Adaptability
Being able to change your plans if something unexpected happens, like the weather changing.

Volunteering in Nature

The Community Farm

Grow and Make is a 12-week gardening programme to help people feel better.

It’s an opportunity to work together and improve mental health. Gardening can help with problems like feeling sad, worried, stressed, or lonely.

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Redcatch Community Garden

Redcatch Community Garden is a place where local people can come together to learn, talk, share ideas, and feel better.

Redcatch Community Garden helps to create a healthier and happier community by working with others.

If you want to know more about them, click the link below.

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Bath City Farm

Bath City Farm has full-time, part-time, volunteer, and apprentice jobs.

You can help grow plants, get support for your mental health, help with projects for children and young people, or develop skills and confidence in horticulture

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Extra Help for You

You can get extra support to help you take your next step. With one-to-one help, we can guide you to achieve your goals.

Whether you’re looking for work, training, or new opportunities, we’ll make sure you feel ready and supported every step of the way.

WE Work for Everyone

WE Work for Everyone is a free program for people in the West of England region. It helps people with a learning disability, learning difficulty, or autism find paid work.

Our friendly team can help you to:

  • Find a job that is right for you
  • Get training and try out work placements
  • Create a CV and practice for interviews
  • Borrow a computer if you need one

To receive support you will need to:

  • Be over 16 years old
  • Not be in employment
  • Have a learning difficulty or be autistic (a formal diagnosis is not essential)
  • Live in the West of England (Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset or South Gloucestershire)

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