The criteria you will have to meet to become a nursery manager may depend on the needs and preferences of your employer. In many cases, however employers prefer individuals who have earned a high school education or its equivalent and then have gone on to gain education and experience working with various types of plants. For example, to prepare for a job as a nursery manager, you may seek a college degree in a field such as horticulture or agriculture. If you prefer, however, you may instead pursue a business degree to prepare for this job and then take a range of horticulture or landscaping courses as well. Additionally, you may find it helpful to seek experience by working in a nursery or for a landscaping business.
If you want to become a nursery manager, you will typically need a high-school-level education to have a good chance of landing this job. Many employers will accept those who have earned a general educational development (GED) diplomas as well. Employment criteria may depend on the unique needs of the employer, however.
Since you will have to know a good deal about the growth of shrubs, perennials, and trees to become a nursery manager, you may also need plant-related education after high school. For example, you may seek a degree in a field such as agriculture or horticulture. Some employers also give preference to job candidates who have earned certificates in such fields as landscaping. Depending on the employer, even taking a few credit courses that are related to plant growth and care may increase your chances of getting hired.
Business education may also prove important when you want to become a nursery manager. You may pursue a degree in business administration to prepare for this career or even just take a few business courses to make yourself a more attractive job candidate. Some employers, however, may be willing to hire you without business or even horticultural-related education as long as you are able to demonstrate both knowledge and interest in plants as well as leadership ability.
In addition to knowledge you may gain through courses, you may also do well to gain practical experience when you are preparing to become a nursery manager. For example, you may gain such experience by working in a nursery or greenhouse. You may also gain valuable experience by working for a landscaping business or even by volunteering for a businesses that focuses on trees, shrubs, and perennials.
