Associate Diploma in Horticulture Co-op Student Information
About The Program
The horticulture industry is an exciting sector with many employment opportunities for people who enjoy working outside, are interested in plants and care about the environment. The Associate Diploma in Horticulture (DHRT) Co-op program offers students the chance to experience working in the industry while accomplishing their studies. The program ensures students develop relevant skills through practical labs and hands-on experiences. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in greenhouses, landscaping, nurseries, and agribusiness. This program gives you the chance to broaden your knowledge by taking specialized courses including arboriculture, cannabis production, greenhouse management, viticulture and horticultural pest management. Students will learn to function in a professional environment, work in teams, solve problems, and be knowledgeable about a wide variety of plants and their growing requirements.
Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided throughout the co-op experience. Students will complete a comprehensive course preparing them for the co-op employment process, and will receive guidance from a knowledgeable team of staff dedicated to their development and success.
Course Sequencing
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| TWO | Academic | Academic |
Acquired Knowledge & Skills
Understanding
Skills-oriented approach to agricultural production systems.
Application
Practical experience in agricultural production. Business management and computer skills. Abilities required for self-employed managers of production systems. Technical sales skills for agri-business firms, commodity boards, and other agencies related to the agri-food system.
Sample Jobs
Greenhouse Facility Assistant
Students will support daily operations including assisting with plant propagation, transplanting, watering, and general crop maintenance. This also includes helping monitor environmental conditions, pest and disease presence, and nutrient levels, as well as collect and record data on plant growth and health. Additional duties may include maintaining greenhouse equipment, ensuring cleanliness and organization of the facility, and supporting research trials through data collection and documentation.
Field Research Assistant
Students will assist with summer applied research and demonstration projects focused on production practices such as soil health, weed control, pest management, and fertility. Field work could include field scouting, crop identification, identification and monitoring of insects, weeds and crop diseases, soil and plant sampling, and other data collection. Students are responsible for recording agronomic and pest data and other pertinent information from research plots, survey sites and trap locations; developing and maintaining databases for plot and pest information; assisting staff to gather existing literature and conduct new literature reviews and develop written reports and presentation materials on key initiatives.
Horticulturist Assistant
Students will assist with the maintenance and care of plants in a garden center. This includes assisting with planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, and pest and disease management. The assistant will help monitor plant health, ensuring proper labeling, collect, and record growth data, and possibly support research or demonstration projects focused on plant production, sustainability, and landscape management.
Sample Employers*
- Arbutus Grove Nursery
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- City of Guelph
- Fenwick Berry Farm
Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness (OMAFA)
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Valley Harvest Farms
- Zomer's Greenhouses Inc.
*This shows a sample of recent co-op employers and will vary depending on employer recruitment needs. During a job search, students are encouraged to be actively engaged and are supported in establishing and maintaining their own personal contacts.
Salary Information
Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student’s program of study, and work term level. For your reference, a Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available on our website, which provides hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.
