What background do I need to enter the Joliet programs?
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 communicating 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.
What type of work can I do with an A.A.S. degree or certificate in nursery management?
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.
How much can I earn?
Most high-paying nursery management positions require relocation, although some are locally available. A community college graduate may expect to earn 50-75 percent more than entry level pay (of about $9 per hour) in the nursery industry. Medical benefits, bonuses and profit-sharing incentives are often included in addition to salaries. Employment potential for competent, educated nursery managers is very good.
What are the opportunities for career advancement?
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 Joliet Junior College, join professional associations and get involved in activities provided by the Illinois Nursery Association. Enrollment in and completion of the nursery management curriculum at Joliet Junior College is essential.
What types of learning experiences are included in nursery management programs?
Areas of study in Joliet Junior College's Nursery Management Programs include 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 the broad base of study, the A.A.S. degree program includes 19 weeks of cooperative education work experience in the field.
Joliet Junior Degree Programs
- The two year Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) career programs prepare students with practical, job preparatory knowledge to enter specialized careers.
- Our one year certificate career programs prepare students for immediate employment in a wide variety of professional fields.
- The Associate in Arts (A.A.) and Associate in Science (A.S.) transfer programs provide students with an opportunity to complete the first two years of study leading to a baccalaureate degree from a four-year college or university.