85103
Nursery and greenhouse labourers
- Express Entry skill level
- No
- Regulated in Québec
- No
- In demand in Manitoba
- No
Classification
Natural resources & agriculture
8 › 85 › 851 › 8510
Definition
Nursery and greenhouse labourers plant, cultivate and harvest trees, shrubs, flowers and plants, and serve nursery and greenhouse customers. They are employed in indoor and outdoor nurseries and greenhouses.
Main duties
- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Prepare soil; plant bulbs, seeds and cuttings; graft and bud plants; and transplant seedlings and rooted cuttings
- Monitor plants for healthy growth and potential weed, insect, disease, and fertilizer problems in greenhouse crops
- Spray trees, shrubs, flowers and plants to prevent disease and pests
- Position and regulate greenhouse and outdoor irrigation systems to water plants and fields
- Dig, cut and transplant trees, shrubs, flowers and plants and prepare them for sale
- Provide information to customers on gardening, the use of various garden tools and products and the care of trees, shrubs, flowers, plants and lawns
- May operate tractors and other machinery and equipment to fertilize, cultivate, harvest and spray fields and plants
- Maintain inventory and order materials as required
- Clean working areas.
Example job titles
- •forest nursery labourer
- •greenhouse labourer
- •horticulture labourer
- •hothouse labourer
- •hydroponics worker
- •nursery labourer
Overview
Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Nursery and greenhouse labourers are classified under NOC code 85103. This occupation belongs to TEER category 5, which represents roles that typically require short work demonstrations and no formal educational requirements. These workers are primarily employed by commercial nurseries, greenhouses, and garden centres where they perform vital tasks related to the cultivation, propagation, and harvesting of plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers.
The primary duties for NOC 85103 include planting, cultivating, and harvesting trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants, as well as transplanting seedlings and rooted cuttings. Labourers are also responsible for monitoring plants for water and nutrient deficiencies, mixing soil, loading and unloading shipments, and operating basic greenhouse and nursery equipment. While there are no formal educational requirements for this role, employers typically provide on-the-job training, and physical stamina is essential for performing repetitive tasks in various climate conditions.
Foreign nationals with experience as nursery and greenhouse labourers may access Canadian immigration pathways through specific economic programs. These include the Agri-Food Pilot, various stream-specific Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) for seasonal or agricultural streams. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration professional.
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.