Postcode:
Resident:
Employed:
A Nursery Hand works on the daily tasks needed to successfully run a plant nursery. Your role might require you to help propagate or cultivate plants or get them ready for sale or transport. You’ll be ensuring the plants are in good condition and may have to adjust conditions to make sure they thrive. A Nursery Hand will have to fertilise, weed and keep plants watered and you’ll be working with manual and automatic irrigation systems. You’ll need a good knowledge of plant types and be able to use a range of tools and equipment.
Nursery Hands have a very physical role and you’ll need to be ready for some heavy lifting. You’ll have to be good at following instructions and be flexible enough to handle a range of different tasks. You’ll spend most of your day outdoors and will need to work in all sorts of weather conditions. A Nursery Hand might also speak with customers so you’ll need good communication skills.
There are 13 courses available for people who want to become a Nursery Hand. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Certificate II in Horticulture (AHC20416) is the qualification you need to get started in a nursery, work as a garden labourer or horticultural assistant. Over 6 months (at an advanced training facility) you will definitely get your hands dirty — as you learn to recognise plants, treat weeds, test plants and soil for diseases, and grow trees and shrubs. Enquire now for a course schedule, intakes dates, and enrolment options..
Average duration: 6 months.
The AHC30722 Certificate III in Horticulture offers a hands-on learning experience for aspiring horticulturists, covering a diverse range of topics such as plant care, landscaping, and sustainable gardening practices. This nationally recognized certificate program equips students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to succeed in the flourishing field of horticulture..
Average duration: 12 months.
Get a job at a nursery or garden centre with the AHC31120 Certificate III in Nursery Operations. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to grow and care for nursery plants, using a range of chemicals and nursery equipment. The course covers: workplace safety, transporting and storing hazardous chemicals, recognising plant species, operating irrigation systems, understanding plant nutrition, recognising pests and diseases, selling plants to customers, operating vehicles and machinery, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, nursery career outcomes, and upcoming dates for enrolment..
The AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture prepares you for a career in agriculture and for immediate work as a farmhand or station worker. Over 12 months you will learn how to work safely on farms and other agricultural worksites — while choosing study electives in crop management, livestock handling, farm machinery operation and maintenance, fencing and pest control. Enquire now for the latest delivery options (on-campus/distance learning) and opportunities for enrolment..
Get qualified as a farm hand (without a work placement) by enrolling in the AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture. This nationally recognised training course will teach you how to work safely on a farm — operating a range of machinery (motorbikes, tractors) and carrying out standard jobs (mustering, marking livestock, fencing, weed control). The course takes 9 months to complete and is delivered via a mix of online components, face-to-face, and practical sessions. Enquire now for the next batch intake dates and your eligibility for government funded training..
In Australia, a full time Nursery Hand generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
There are 5,400 people working as a Nursery Hand in Australia and this number has dropped slightly over the last five years. Nursery Hand positions can be found in most areas of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
A Certificate II or III in Horticulture is a good way to get started in a Nursery Hand role. You could also consider a Certificate II or III in Agriculture.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within permaculture and production horticulture. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Permaculture
Nursery Hand
$960 weekly pay
Nurseryperson
Horticulturalist
$1,150 weekly pay
Organic Farmer
$1,440 weekly pay
Sustainable Farmer
Production Horticulture
Farmhand
Vineyard Hand
Agronomist
Farmer
$1,350 weekly pay
Nursery Manager
Seed Technician
Winemaker
Agricultural Consultant
$1,950 weekly pay
Agricultural Manager
$1,600 weekly pay
Learn more about Nursery Hand courses in your area.