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ESCO occupation

horticulture production team leader

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Horticulture production team leaders are responsible for leading and working with a team. They organise daily work schedules for the production of horticulture crops and participate in the production.

6113.3 ISCO 6113 ESCO source
Competences
88
Groups
4
Essential
41
Optional
47

Competences and skills

88 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 19 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

13 competences
crop production principles

Principles in growing crops, the natural cycle, nursing of nature, growth conditions and principles of organic and sustainable production. Quality criterias and requirements of seeds, plants and crop.

green
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greenhouse types

Different types of greenhouses (plastic, glass) and other horticultural facilities such as hotbed, seedbed, irrigations systems, storage and protective facilities etc.

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horticulture principles

The standard horticultural practices, including but not limited to planting, pruning, corrective pruning, and fertilisation.

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plant disease control

Types and features of diseases in plants and crops. Different kinds control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, environmental and climate conditions and health and safety regulations. Storage and handling of products.

green
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plant harvest methods

The various methods, timing and equipment involved in harvesting different crops and plants.

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plant propagation

Types of different propagation methods, materials and seeds and their criteria for health and quality.

green
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plant species

The variety of plants, trees and shrubs and their special characteristics. 

green
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pruning techniques

The techniques of selectively removing parts of trees and plants to foster better growth and regeneration.

green
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pruning types

Different approached to pruning trees, such as thinning, removal, etc.

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quality criteria for storage facilities

Quality criteria for storage facilities such as safe locking systems, ventilation, regularly inspected fireproofing systems, etc.

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soil structure

Diversity of soil elements and types of soil in relation to plant growth.

green
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types of storage facilities

Different types of devices and facilities used to hold information and their quality criterias.

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watering principles

Methods, principles and systems for supplying water to land or crops by means of pipes, sprinklers, ditches or streams.

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Cross-sector

6 competences
environmental legislation in agriculture and forestry

Awareness on environmental legislation, policies, principles relevant for agriculture and forestry. Awareness of the impact on the environment of local agricultural procedures and practices. Means to adjust the production to new environmental regulations and policies.

green
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fertilisation principles

The study of plant, soil structure, climatic and environmental issues in agronomical production.

green
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health and safety regulations

Necessary health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards and legislation rules in the sector of particular activity.

green
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leadership principles

Set of traits and values which guide the actions of a leader with her/his employees and the company and provide direction throughout her/his career. These principles are also an important tool for self-evaluation to identify strengths and weaknesses, and seek self-improvement.

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pest control in plants

Types and features of pests in plants and crops. Different kinds of pest control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, environmental and climate conditions and health and safety regulations. Storage and handling of products.

green
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project management principles

Different elements and phases of project management.

Scope note
The different phases of project management include the development of the overall planning, planning of resources for projects, implementation, execution, performance control, project end and the evaluation of outcome.
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Essential skills and competences 22 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
supervise horticultural crews

Supervise the horticultural crews by planning, assigning and evaluating their daily activities.

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Sector-specific

18 competences
coordinate greenhouse environment

Take care of the heating and cooling of greenhouses. Work together with the Grounds and Buildings Manager in keeping the irrigation systems and the horticultural equipment in good condition.

green
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create soil and plant improvement programmes

Develop and advise on implementation of soil health and plant nutrition programs.

green
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ensure soil fertility

Analyse soil to determine type and quantity of fertiliser required for maximum production.

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execute disease and pest control activities

Execute disease and pest control activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the climate, plant or crop type, health and safety and environmental regulations. Store and handle pesticides in accordance with recomandation and legislation.

green
Scope note
Tasks may include identifying types and features of diseases in plants and crop; carry out crop spraying, for weeds, pest and disease operations in line with relevant guidelines and customer requirements. Carry out slurry and fertiliser spreading in accordance with environmental regulations. Working with pesticides may require special certificates in some countries and recording the data about the usage of pesticides.
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grow plants

Carry out plant growing activities. Carry out grow control considering the required terms and conditions for specific plant type.

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harvest crop

Mow, pick or cut agricultural crop products manually or using appropriate tools and machinery. Taking into account the relevant quality criteria of products, hygiene prescriptions and using the appropriate methods.

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maintain the greenhouse

Perform maintenance work on greenhouses. Clean greenhouse windows, drains and gutters.

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monitor fields

Monitor orchards, fields and production areas to forecast when crops will be fully grown. Estimate how much damage the weather may cause to crops.

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nurse plants

Determine the need for nursing activities and carry out nursing by cultivating, maintaining, watering and spraying the plants and trees manually or using appropriate equipment, taking into account the plant species and following safety requirements.

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operate horticulture equipment

Operate horticultural equipment and assist with servicing. Ensure that vehicles are roadworthy before starting the work.

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optimise production

Analyse and identify the strengths and weaknesses of solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems; formulate and plan alternatives.

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prepare planting area

Prepare planting area and soil for planting by for example fertilising, mulching by hand or using mechanical tools or machinery. Prepare seeds and plants for sowing and planting by ensuring the quality of seed and plants. Sow and plant by hand, using mechanical tools or machinery and in accordance with national legislation.

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propagate plants

Carry out propagation activities by appling appropriate propagation methods such as grafted cutting propagation or generative propagation considering the plant type. Carry out propagation control considering the required terms and conditions for specific plant type.

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prune plants

Carry out pruning with relevant tools, related to the different purposes like maintenance pruning, pruning for growth, pruning for fruiting, debudding and volume reduction.

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store crops

Store and preserve crops in accordance with standards and regulations to ensure their quality. Ensure that storage facilities are kept according to hyginic standards, regulating temperature, heating and air conditioning of storage facilities.

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store products

Keep products in a safe place in order to maintain their quality. Ensure the stock facilities meet hygiene standards, regulating temperature, heating and air conditioning of storage facilities.

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supervise hygiene procedures in agricultural settings

Ensure that hygiene procedures in agricultural settings are followed, taking into account the regulations of specific areas of action e.q. livestock, plants, local farm products, etc.

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use agricultural information systems and databases

Use relevant information systems and databases to plan, manage and operate agricultural enterprise and production.

digital
Scope note
Information systems and databases may include lists of plants, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, livestock etc., but also monitoring systems for farm facilities, greenhouses etc. and keeping account of products quality, quantity etc.
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Cross-sector

3 competences
maintain storage facilities

Maintain or ensure the maintenance of cleaning equipment, heating or air conditioning of storage facilities and the temperature of premises.

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make independent operating decisions

Make immediate operating decisions as necessary without reference to others, taking into account the circumstances and any relevant procedures and legislation. Determine alone which option is the best for a particular situation.

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manage contracts

Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes in line with any legal limitations.

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Optional knowledge 14 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

9 competences
aeroponics

The cultivation of plants without the use of an aggregate medium such as soil. The roots of plants are directly exposed to the surrounding air or mist and irrigated with nutrient solutions.

green
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agricultural business management

The business principles behind agricultural production and the marketing of its products.

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agroecology

The study and application of ecological and agronomic concepts and principles to agricultural production systems.

green
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budgetary principles

Principles of estimating and planning of forecasts for business activity, compile regular budget and reports.

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e-agriculture

The design and application of innovative ICT solutions in agriculture, horticulture, viniculture, fishery, forestry and livestock management.

digital
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food legislation

Legislation related to the food and feed industry including food manufacturing, hygiene, safety, raw materials, additives, GMOs, labelling, environmental and trade regulations.

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food safety principles

Scientific background of food safety which includes preparation, handling, and storage of food to minimise the risk of foodborne illness and other health hazards.

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hydroponics

The cultivation of plants without the use of soil, by applying mineral nutrient solutions.

green
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organic farming

Principles, techniques and regulations of organic farming. Organic farming or ecological agriculture is an agricultural production method, which places a strong emphasis on environmental protection and ecological balance.

green
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Cross-sector

5 competences
agritourism

Aspects of agritourism involving agriculturally based activities to bring visitors to a farm.

green
Scope note
Agritourism may include a wide range of leisure activities for farm visitors: visitors can assist in the production process, pick fruit, feed animals, ride horses etc. It may include B&B services at a farm and also selling agricultural products directly on the farm.
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agronomical production principles

The techniques, methods and principles of conventional agronomical production.

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agronomy

The study of combining agriculture production and protection and regeneration of natural environment. It includes the principles and methods of critical selection and adequate application methods for sustainability in agriculture.

green
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customer relationship management

The customer-oriented management approach and basic principles of successful customer relations that focus on interactions with customers such as technical support, customer services, after-sales support and direct communication with the customer.

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ecology

The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.

green
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Optional skills and competences 33 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

25 competences
advise on plant fertilizer

Discuss and recommend different types of fertilisers, and explain when and how they should be prepared and applied.

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apply sustainable tillage techniques

Apply sustainable tillage techniques such as conservation tillage or no till farming in order to minimise the impact on soil.

green
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assign duties to agriculture workers

Assign duties, such as the cultivation, irrigation, or harvesting of crops or plants. Supervise product packaging or grading and equipment maintenance.

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carry out work related calculations in agriculture

Calculate different kinds of on-site requirements in the agricultural, fishery and forestry sector by taking care of marketing and budgets.

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create flower arrangements

Select suitable flora and foliage to create floral arrangements and match arrangements with decorative accessories such as pieces of ceramic and vases.

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develop agricultural production plans

Develop plans for planting, calculate crop input requirements for all stages of the growth.

Scope note
It may include planning of sow and breed plants, weed, pest and disease control, pruning and crop thinning.
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drive agricultural machines

Drive tractors, forklifts and other vehicles to transport crops as well as to deliver high torque at low speeds. Move equipment in fields and around buildings, making the appropriate adjustments and maneuvers.

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ensure quality control in packaging

Implement and monitor activities so that all requirements of packing procedures and packing standards are met at all times.

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execute fertilisation

Carry out fertilisation tasks by hand or using appropriate equipment according to fertilisation instructions taking into account the environmental, health and safety regulations and procedures.

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food plant design

Contribute to food plant design by assessing the processes, facilities and equipment needs, including monitoring activities and control.

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implement landscaping projects

Implement soft and hard landscaping works such as paving, retainer walls, pathways or irrigation systems based on already identified sites and according to landscaping plans.

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manage agricultural staff

Recruit and manage staff. This includes defining the job needs of the organisation, defining the criteria and process for recruitment. Develop the competences of the staff according current and future needs of the company and individuals. Ensure health and safety of the staff, including the implementation of all relevant health and safety procedures and relatations with regular follow-up procedures.

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manage agritourism activities

Manage staff for agri-tourism activities on the farm such as planning and promoting products and services, B&B services, small scale catering, agri-tourism activities and leisure or selling of small-scale local farm products. Train staff to carry out the different services according to the plan.

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negotiate sales contracts

Come to an agreement between commercial partners with a focus on terms and conditions, specifications, delivery time, price etc.

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perform on-farm product processing

Transform the primary farm product by tools and/or machinery into elaborated food products, respecting the quality objectives, hygiene and security legislation or rules.

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pick orders of agricultural products

Assemble and prepare customer orders based on agricultural product knowledge.

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place orders for flower products

Communicate with wholesale suppliers and place orders for flowers, plants, fertilisers and seeds.

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prepare flower arrangements

Prepare and arrange flower compositions according to design by applying necessary techniques and using necessary materials.

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present the farm facilities

Perform customer adapted presentations of the farm organization and farm processes taking under consideration the farm sustainability and local environment.

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promote farm products

Explain the characteristics of a product and the way it was produced.

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provide agri-touristic services

Provide services for agri-tourism activities on the farm. This may include providing B & B services, small scale catering, supporting agri-tourism activities and leisure such as riding, locally guide tours, giving information on farm production and history, selling of small-scale local farm products.

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prune hedges and trees

Cut and prune trees and hedges in ornemental forms, considering botanical and esthetical aspects.

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select adequate packaging for food products

Choose the appropriate packages for food products taking into account attractiveness and suitability of the package. Use proper packaging for sending it safely and at a reasonable cost. Have awareness that packaging can also influence the product characteristics such as shape, weight or solidity. Balance out various aspects such as cost, attractivity and compliance with regulations and environment protection.

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sell flowers

Sell natural and artificial flowers, potted plants, soil, floral accessories, fertilisers and seeds.

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use gardening equipment

Use gardening equipment such as clippers, sprayers, mowers, chainsaws, complying to health and safety regulations.

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Cross-sector

8 competences
advise customers on types of flowers

Provide customers with advice on types and varieties of plants and flowers, floral arrangements and decorations for specific occasions.

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direct the preparation of food

Oversee the preparation of a variety of dishes such as soups, salads, fish, meats, vegetables or desserts. Participate in and direct food preparation either on a day-to-day basis, or for special guests or events.

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handle veterinary emergencies

Handle unforeseen incidents concerning animals and circumstances which call for urgent action in an appropriate professional manner.

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keep task records

Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.

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maintain gardening equipment

Perform daily maintenance on tools and equipment and report major faults to a superior.

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maintain technical equipment

Maintain an inventory of cultivation equipment and supplies. Order additional materials as needed.

Scope note
Managing and maintanence can include maintaining them yourself or to outsource the service from machine dealer.
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manage production enterprise

Organise and instruct staff, plan production strategies and programmes including sales. Carry out input purchase orders, materials, equipment and manage stocks etc. Awareness of demands of the businesses customers and adjustments accordingly to plans and strategies. Estimate resources and control budget of enterprise applying business economics, production development and project management principles.

Scope note
It may include providing supervision, training and motivation for the staff, interns and volunteers.
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recruit personnel

Carry out assessment and recruitment of personnel for the production.

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