Horticulture Consultant

Nutrien; Anaheim (CA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Waypoint Analytical in Anaheim, CA seeks a full-time horticultural consultant to support nursery, greenhouse, and landscape applications. You will evaluate soils, provide fertilizer recommendations, and conduct field consultations to support our clients with data-driven testing and recommendations.

Ideal candidates hold an MS (or PhD preferred) in Soil Science or Ornamental Horticulture, with 5+ years of relevant experience and strong communication skills. Bilingual Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications

• MS degree required; experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Ph.D. preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in Soil Science or Ornamental Horticulture required; 10+ years preferred.
• Knowledge in soil science with emphasis on soil fertility and soil and water management.
• Familiarity with nursery, greenhouse, and orchard production, plus urban soil management.
• CCA certification preferred.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure quality control of analytical data and accuracy of data presentation.
• Evaluate and correct chemistry and physical properties of soils.
• Provide customer service to select appropriate testing.
• Conduct field calls to nurseries and greenhouses to provide consultation and collect samples.
• Evaluate plant nutrition with written fertilizer recommendations for greenhouse and nursery production.
• Perform salinity evaluation and management.
• Evaluate and manage irrigation water quality.
• Evaluate compost and soil amendment use.
• Formulate and evaluate soilless media.
• Diagnose plant health issues.
• Apply knowledge of plant pathology, entomology, physiology, and abiotic disorders.
• Triage plant health issues and recommend appropriate testing.
• Create and present talks to trade groups and junior-college horticulture/soil classes.
• Research and develop new test methods and conduct greenhouse trials.

Skills

Excellent communication

Spanish language proficiency

CCA certification preferred

Soil science knowledge

Education

MS in Soil Science / Ornamental Horticulture

Ph.D. in Soil Science / Ornamental Horticulture (preferred)

Job description

Waypoint Analytical has been a trusted laboratory for more than 55 years, growing into one of the largest agricultural lab networks in the country. Our success is driven by investment in advanced technology, industry‑leading support, and a commitment to excellence, reliability, service, timely results, and data accuracy. We go beyond testing to serve as a true laboratory partner, empowering agricultural retail professionals through analysis services while supporting clients with research, training, and innovative solutions that drive profitability. We offer individuals from all backgrounds the chance to be part of meaningful work through helping feed the world, protect the environment, or solve complex challenges with science.

What You'll Do

Established horticultural consulting firm in Southern California is seeking a full‑time consultant. Waypoint Analytical – California serves the nursery, greenhouse, agricultural and landscape industries.

• Ensure quality control of analytical data and accuracy of data presentation.
• Evaluate and correct chemistry and physical properties of soils.
• Provide customer service to select appropriate testing.
• Conduct field calls to nurseries and greenhouses to provide consultation and collect samples for analysis.
• Evaluate plant nutrition with written fertilizer recommendations, including liquid feed and controlled‑release fertilizer recommendations for greenhouse and nursery production.
• Perform salinity evaluation and management.
• Evaluate and manage irrigation water quality.
• Evaluate compost and soil amendment use.
• Formulate and evaluate soilless media.
• Diagnose plant health issues.
• Apply knowledge of plant pathology, entomology, physiology, and abiotic disorders.
• Triage plant health issues and recommend appropriate testing.
• Create and present talks to trade groups and junior‑college horticulture/soil classes.
• Research and develop new test methods and conduct greenhouse trials.

What You'll Bring

• M.S. degree in Soil Science, Ornamental Horticulture, or related discipline required; experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Ornamental Horticulture, or related discipline preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in Soil Science or Ornamental Horticulture required; 10+ years preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge in soil science with an emphasis on soil fertility and soil and water management.
• Familiarity with nursery, greenhouse, and orchard production, as well as urban soil management.
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification preferred.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred, but not required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role, Anaheim, CA, is $73,000 - $95,000, with several factors considered in compensation decisions. Actual salary and benefits may differ based on location.

Waypoint Analytical is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

This job will remain posted until filled. In accordance with Waypoint Analytical policies, you will be required to undergo a background check and may be required to undergo a substance test. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Applicants must meet minimum age requirements, as permitted by law.