Horticulture Nursery Management Option, A.A.S.

Program Code: AG700

Students interested in a career in nursery management should be self-starters. An individual must have the physical ability to lift fairly heavy loads; and the mental capability to plan, initiate, supervise, control, and evaluate activities that take place in the nursery. Students entering the program should be hard working and like working outdoors in all kinds of weather. Good communication skills in English are essential and speaking knowledge of Spanish is to be encouraged. Physical strength is helpful. A positive outlook and attitude are essential.

Graduates of Joliet Junior College’s Nursery Management program have experience and skills in the basics of plant propagation, nursery management, financing, marketing, plant nutrition, and pest control. Nursery managers are involved in all aspects of the nursery industry, from container production to field production, as well as wholesale and retail sales.

Opportunities are abundant for individuals who want to apply their skills and educational background to careers in the nursery industry. The area of plant propagation is particularly strong. A related field, meristematic tissue culture, is becoming stronger. Many other careers are possible in the nursery industry, including propagator, nursery manager, nursery field supervisor, and nursery sales manager. The key to employment in the nursery industry is to become part of the Nursery Apprenticeship program at JJC, join professional associations and get involved in activities provided by the Illinois Nursery Association.

Areas of study in JJC’s Nursery Management program includes an overview of the nursery industry, organization and development, law and regulations of the industry, financial management, marketing, media, nutrition, arboriculture, entomology, pathology, nursery management, and mechanics. In addition to their broad base of study, students will complete 19 weeks of internship training at a related business as part of their program of study.*

For further information from the US Department of Labor, go to http://www.bls.gov/ooh/farming-fishing-and-forestry/agricultural-workers.htm

*Students are placed in these work experience programs.