What Are the Different Types of Florist Jobs?

Growing plants, creating floral displays, marketing flowers, and making deliveries to customers are all responsibilities of florists. At local community colleges, some florists complete undergraduate horticultural degree programs or short-term vocational training courses. Florists are frequently high school graduates who learn their trade through on-the-job training.

Florists sell plants to individuals and businesses, and many of the plants they sell are grown the florists themselves. Plant growers must have a broad understanding of horticulture as well as the physical ability to plant bulbs, transfer immature plants to pots, and unload supplies of manure, seeds, and other materials from supply trucks. Several people may be tasked with growing specific types of plants in a large florist shop or nursery. One person may be in charge of watering and feeding plants in a small floral shop, as well as deciding when the plants should be sold. People who work in these florist jobs typically need to know more about plants than others in the floral industry, and many have taken some kind of formal training.

Designers put together bouquets of flowers and decorate churches and other venues for weddings and funerals. Floral designers must understand which flowers bloom at different times of the year and how these plants respond to different types of environments. Designers are concerned with both the aesthetics and biology of plants, because a colorful arrangement can quickly deteriorate if the flowers in the display are not suited to air-conditioned environments, humidity, or specific weather conditions. Many clients prefer to buy custom made floral arrangements rather than pre-arranged displays or bouquets, so designers often double as salespeople.

Many floral shops employ salespeople or managers in addition to designers. These individuals may have college degrees in business administration, but florists frequently hire people who have previously worked as salespeople for companies in other industries. Because these individuals are responsible for securing contracts with wedding planners and other event organizers, those employed in these floral jobs must be familiar with floral designs and arrangements. In most cases, the business manager is also responsible for negotiating purchase contracts with the suppliers who supply the store with plants, seeds, and soil.

Delivery driver jobs are florist jobs that only require a basic understanding of horticulture. Some drivers receive tips, while others are compensated the florist for each delivery. Most florists do not have any specific skill or academic requirements for delivery driver positions, aside from having a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.