A vertical horticultural production operative uses cutting-edge technology to produce crops to a high standard in a protected (indoor) environment.
Also known as vertical farming production operative, vertical horticulture production worker, assistant grower (vertical farming), growing assistant (vertical farming).
Vertical farming means growing crops in indoors, in vertically stacked, soil-free layers. The highly controlled and protected nature of this type of growing means crops are produced all year round, in greater quantities and independently of normal growing seasons.
The crops are grown in an environment where temperature, water, lighting, pests, and plant nutrition are carefully regulated and monitored. The processes used include hydroponics or aeroponics. This innovative style of growing can be carried out in purpose-built buildings or in more unusual structures, such as shipping containers, tunnels, and abandoned mine shafts. The crops grown in this manner include leafy green salads, herbs, and even soft fruits, with other possibilities being explored all the time.
As a vertical horticultural production operative, you’ll help look after crops at all stages of their development. This will include sowing, growing, harvesting, and preparing them for distribution.
You’ll also help monitor the environment where plants grow and use innovative plant-growing technology and equipment. For example, you’ll keep a close eye on temperature and lighting controls, apply nutrients, and carry out the irrigation of crops as directed.
You’ll work in a team supervised by a team leader or farm/site manager.
This type of growing is independent of external weather conditions, but you may need to adapt your working hours to seasonal or industry/customer demands.
Full-time, part-time, seasonal, and casual opportunities are available. In comparison to other forms of farming, this is also an opportunity for a new business start-up due to relatively low space requirements and start-up costs.
You may need your own transport to get to work.
As a horticultural production operative, your responsibilities might include:
To work as a horticultural operative in vertical farming, you should:
Some jobs in this sector would require formal horticulture or agronomy qualifications to HNC, HND, or a similar level. However, this is a fast-developing sector, and enthusiasm and some research would also be suitable.
Knowledge and understanding in relation to plant growth/development and health and safety requirements in a lab or growing site would increase suitability for this role. An aptitude for working with technology would also be of benefit in this role.
You can also get experience by volunteering or trying to secure work experience at a vertical farm in your area.
Reading industry newspapers, magazines, and websites will also develop your knowledge and understanding.
Whatever route you choose, you’ll need to be flexible, keen to learn, and have an interest in plants.
As a horticultural production operative (protected planting), you’ll have the following competencies in relation to producing protected crops to a high standard in a sustainable and profitable nursery. You will:
The salary for a horticultural operative in vertical farming is in the region of £24,000 to £35,000 per year.
This figure is for a full-time permanent position for workers over 21 years of age, depending on level of experience, business type and location. Workers below 21 years of age can be paid a lower hourly rate.
This role though is often advertised as casual, self-employed, part-time or hourly with a salary that is reflective of the full-time rate of pay.
As a horticultural operative in vertical farming you may, in some instances, be paid for travel time and receive support in travelling to your place of work.
Within the agriculture and horticulture sectors there are often many associated benefits that are not reflected in the headline salary. These include accommodation being provided or subsidised, travel pay, profit shares, vehicle use and production bonuses.
As a vertical horticultural production operative, there are many opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge. You could choose to explore other areas of horticulture.
For example, if you’re working in protected growing, you might want to get experience outdoors in the field or work with other types of crops.
As you gain more experience, you could also move on to a supervisor role or a production manager by taking further qualifications and developing your technical and management skills.
Courses which can help you on this career path include:
Foundation Level 1 Land-Based Diploma
Level 2 Diploma in Land and Environment
Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture
Level 1 Practical Horticulture
Level 2 Technical Qualifications in Horticulture
Level 3 Technical Qualification in Horticulture
RHS Level 2 Practical Certificate in Horticulture (part-time)
Apprenticeships
Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative Level 2
Horticulture Crop Technician Level 3
General Farm Worker Apprenticeship Level 2
TIAH Essential Skills
Our online Essential Skills modules can help you develop your skills and knowledge in a range of areas and are a great addition to your CV.
Anyone considering working as a horticultural operative in the vertical farming sector would find our Biosecurity and Foundations in Farm Safety courses useful.
For more information on career inspiration and lots of varied job profiles visit The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture’s website
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