Horticulture Consultant

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

Job summary

Waypoint Analytical, a longtime horticultural consulting firm in Southern California, seeks a full-time Horticulture Consultant to serve nursery, greenhouse, agricultural and landscape industries in Anaheim. The role covers soils, water quality and plant health diagnostics, reviewing data and preparing customized client reports.

Required MS in Soil Science or Ornamental Horticulture (PhD preferred); 5+ years in the field, strong soil fertility and water management knowledge, and excellent

Qualifications

• MS or higher in soil science or ornamental horticulture (experience considered).
• PhD preferred in related discipline.
• 5+ years in soil science or ornamental horticulture; 10+ years preferred.
• Strong knowledge of soil fertility and soil and water management.
• Familiar with nursery, greenhouse, orchard production and urban soils.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance in soils, water quality and plant health diagnostics.
• Review soil, water, tissue, and compost data; prepare client reports.
• Ensure quality control of analytical data and reporting accuracy.
• Evaluate chemistry and physical properties of soils.
• Advise nurseries and greenhouses on testing needs.
• Field calls to nurseries and greenhouses for consultation and sampling.
• Make fertilizer recommendations for greenhouse and nursery production.
• Evaluate salinity and irrigation water quality.
• Assess compost and soil amendments.
• Formulate soilless media and conduct greenhouse trials.
• Present talks to trade groups and junior college classes.
• Research and develop new test methods.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Plant health diagnostics knowledge

Soil science knowledge

Presentation skills

Education

MS in Soil Science or Ornamental Horticulture

PhD in Soil Science or 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.

Waypoint Analytical is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nutrien, LTD.

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.

The Horticulture Consultant will provide technical assistance in the broad areas of soils, water quality and plant health diagnostics to growers, horticultural suppliers, landscape architects, contractors, superintendents, and homeowners. Major responsibilities include reviewing soil, water, tissue, and compost analysis data and preparing written reports customized for each client.

• Ensuring quality control of analytical data and accuracy of data presentation
• Evaluation and correction of chemistry and physical properties of soils
• Customer service to select appropriate testing
• Field calls to nurseries and greenhouses to provide consultation and to collect samples for analysis
• Evaluation of plant nutrition with written fertilizer recommendations including but not limited to liquid feed and controlled release fertilizer recommendations for greenhouse and nursery production
• Salinity evaluation and management
• Irrigation water quality evaluation and management
• Compost and soil amendment evaluation and use
• Soilless media formulation and evaluation
• Plant health diagnostics
• Plant pathology, entomology, physiology, and abiotic disorder familiarity
• Ability to triage plant health issues and recommend appropriate testing
• Create and present talks to Trade Groups and Junior college horticulture/soil classes
• Ability to research and develop new test methods and to conduct and evaluate 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
• Spanish language proficiency preferred, but not required
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

The estimated salary that Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn suggested does not represent Nutrien's compensation structure.

The salary range for this role, in Anaheim, CA location, is between $73,000 - $95,000 . While we provide this range as general guidance, several factors are taken into consideration when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, candidate skill set, experience and training, licensure and certifications, work location, and other business and organizational needs. Actual salary and benefits may differ based upon 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.