Horticultural Worker in the Netherlands
Great that you’re interested in horticultural jobs in the Netherlands! Join ABflexkracht in the heart of the industry: the world of flowers, plants, and greenhouses. We connect you with leading nurseries in regions like Aalsmeer (the global flower centre) and the famous Bollenstreek.
Whether you look for greenhouse jobs, want to grow trees at a nursery, or help during the tulip season, we will find the right match. Often within just one week.
Looking for horticulture jobs in the Netherlands for foreigners? We specialise in horticulture jobs in the Netherlands for foreigners, including greenhouse work and nursery positions. If you have a strong work ethic, we want to meet you.
Find your new horicultural job in the Netherlands among our current vacancies today.
Metalworker
Are you looking for stable work in a modern environment where precision, commitment, and a good atmo…
- Rijsenhout
- Productiemedewerker
- Starting at 15per hour
Technical Service Employee
Looking for stable work in modern production facilities and greenhouses where technical precision, q…
- Rijsenhout
- Productiemedewerker
- Starting at 15per hour
Welder
Do you love feeling metal under your fingers and creating durable connections with MIG/MAG, TIG or s…
- Rijsenhout
- Lasser
- Starting at 16,50per hour
Water construction assembler (piers, small bridges, embankment reinforcements)
A small family‑owned company specializing in building piers and reinforcing river and canal banks is…
- Rijsenhout
- Productiemedewerker
- Starting at 16,50
General Machine Operator
Would you like to work for a reliable employment agency with many years of experience in the product…
- Rijsenhout
- Productiemedewerker
- Starting at 15per hour
Reinforcement / construction work
A large family-owned reinforcement company that focuses on employee development.
- Nieuwkoop
- Productiemedewerker
- Starting at 16,50
What does a horticultural worker do in the Netherlands?
As a horticultural worker, you spend your days helping plants grow healthy and strong. Your exact tasks depend on the type of company, but here’s what a typical workday looks like:
- In a flower greenhouse: You plant cuttings or bulbs, trim leaves, and harvest flowers when they’re ready: cutting roses or gerbera daisies and placing them carefully in water. You check climate settings, monitor irrigation systems, and inspect plants for pests or disease.
- In a plant nursery: You fill pots with soil, transplant seedlings into larger containers, and space them out on greenhouse tables or outdoor fields. You sort and grade plants by quality, group them into trays, and prepare orders for shipping.
- Every day, across all types: Watering and feeding plants (by hand or using automated systems), quality inspections, sorting and packaging, and keeping your workspace clean and organised. Horticulture has a natural rhythm. Some tasks happen daily, while others follow the order book or the season.
How your work changes with the seasons
Most greenhouse companies offer year-round work, but the focus shifts throughout the year:
- Spring: The busiest period. Tulips, daffodils, and garden plants are in peak demand. Expect longer days and high energy. You might pot thousands of bulbs or prepare large shipments of outdoor plants.
- Summer: Some greenhouses slow down after the Mother’s Day rush, but outdoor flower fields are in full bloom and summer flower growers stay active.
- Autumn: Planting poinsettias for the Christmas season, preparing fields for winter, and handling autumn bulb orders.
- Winter: Greenhouse work continues steadily, plants need care year-round. Focus shifts to maintenance, propagation, and preparing for the spring rush.
→ Tip: If you prefer working outside, check our vacancies for open field cultivation.
Your typical workday
Most greenhouses start between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, with a standard day shift finishing by late afternoon. Your evenings are free. During peak periods, some overtime or an occasional Saturday may be requested (with extra pay). You’ll work in a team of international colleagues: Dutch, Polish, Romanian, and many other nationalities side by side. English is widely spoken, and tasks are often demonstrated visually.
→ Working with plants is hands-on and satisfying. You literally see the results of your work at the end of each day.
Salary and benefits for horticultural workers in the Netherlands (2026)
At ABflexkracht, you earn a competitive salary with full benefits, compliant with the ABU Collective Labor Agreement.
Salary: Starting from €14.71 gross per hour, depending on your experience and role. Read more about wages in the Netherlands. On top of your hourly wage, you receive:
- Overtime pay at 125% – 150% of your hourly rate for extra hours during rush periods.
- Shift and early-hours allowances for roles with irregular schedules (such as flower auction preparation).
- 8% holiday allowance, paid annually on top of your regular wages.
- 25 paid vacation days per year (full-time), so you can properly recharge.
- Travel compensation of approximately €0.21 per kilometre for your daily commute.
- Pension contributions through StiPP, as part of the ABU collective agreement.
- Free training and certifications, forklift licences, machine operation courses, basic horticulture training, and VCA safety certification.
- Work gear provided: gloves, pruning shears, work shoes, and protective equipment at no cost.
You’ll also have a dedicated ABflexkracht contact person from day one for any questions about your job, salary, or life in the Netherlands.
→ Show commitment and skill, and there may be an opportunity for a longer-term or permanent position directly with the company. Many of our workers have made that step.
Career growth: from horticultural worker to specialist
Horticulture offers many career pathways. You can start with basic tasks and gradually take on more responsibility or specialise. Here are common growth paths:
All-round worker. Learn every task in the greenhouse: planting, watering, harvesting, packing. Being versatile makes you highly valuable and keeps your work varied.
Specialist. Focus on what you enjoy most: propagation (raising plants from cuttings or seeds), quality control, or machine operation (potting machines, packaging lines). Specialising often comes with more responsibility and higher pay.
Team leader. Coordinate a group of 5–10 workers, train new employees, and ensure daily targets and auction deadlines are met. A natural step for people with leadership qualities.
Grower or cultivation technician. Move into the technical side: monitoring plant health, adjusting climate computers, managing fertiliser schedules, and optimising crop results. Additional training is available through ABflexkracht.
Related fields. Transfer your skills to logistics, landscaping, or green maintenance. Our network covers these sectors too.
→ Coming with a partner? We also have opportunities for couples who want to live and work together. Read more about work for couples in the Netherlands.
What we look for in horticultural workers
You don’t need a diploma or prior experience. We value motivation and willingness to learn. Here’s what makes a good fit:
- Interest in plants: You enjoy being around flowers, plants, or trees. Or you’re curious to learn. If you’ve ever liked having flowers at home or working in a garden, you’ll find this work rewarding.
- Attention to detail: Spotting a pest on a leaf, noticing which plants need water, ensuring each pot has the correct label. Small things matter in horticulture.
- Good with your hands: Planting cuttings, pruning, and handling delicate plants require gentle, precise movements.
- Physical stamina: You’re on your feet most of the day, walking around the greenhouse, carrying trays of plants, and pushing flower carts. Being in reasonable shape helps you keep a steady pace.
- Team spirit: Greenhouse work is done in international teams. Being friendly, cooperative, and open-minded creates a pleasant atmosphere for everyone.
- Flexibility: Orders can change last minute. A customer suddenly needs 1,000 extra orchids by tomorrow. If you can adapt with a positive attitude, employers will appreciate you.
- Basic English: You can understand simple work instructions. Fluency isn’t required. Tasks are often demonstrated in person. Dutch is a bonus.
What gives you an extra advantage
While not required, these strengthen your profile:
- Previous experience in horticulture, agriculture, or gardening.
- A driving licence (B): useful for reaching greenhouse locations and occasional delivery tasks.
- A forklift certificate: handy for moving pallets and flower trolleys.
- A spraying licence: valuable in greenhouses, though you can obtain this on the job.
- Basic computer skill: some modern greenhouses use digital systems for climate control and order tracking.
→ No experience at all? Many of our horticultural workers started as complete beginners. We place you in a team with experienced colleagues who teach you everything. With our training support, you’ll develop into a skilled worker quickly.
How to start working as a horticultural worker in the Netherlands with ABflexkracht
Getting started as a horticultural worker through ABflexkracht is fast and easy. Just follow these steps and you could be starting work in a greenhouse before you know it:
- Apply online. Fill in the form on this page and upload your CV. No specific vacancy in mind? Register as a jobseeker and we’ll contact you.
- Introduction call. We schedule a short phone or video call to learn about your preferences: flowers or plants, greenhouse or nursery, your experience, availability, and any practical needs (housing, transport, allergies).
- Job matching. Our recruiters match your profile to available positions. You receive clear details for each option: the company, what they grow, your tasks, schedule, wage, and benefits. You choose the one that fits best.
- Paperwork and preparation. We handle contracts, housing, insurance, and provide arrival information (address, directions, document checklist). If training is needed before your start, we arrange it.
- First day and beyond. Your coordinator welcomes you, accompanies you on your first day, and introduces you to your employer and colleagues. In the first week, we help with registrations (municipality, BSN). After you start, we stay in close contact. If anything isn’t as discussed, we step in to resolve it.
→ Greenhouse schedules vary. Some start very early for flower auctions; others follow a standard 8–5 routine. Weekend work is sometimes needed on a rotating basis. Tell us your preferences, we’ll find a placement that fits your skills and your personal life.
Where can you work? Key horticultural regions in the Netherlands
ABflexkracht is based in the west of the Netherlands: the heartland of Dutch horticulture. Here are the main regions where we place workers:
Aalsmeer
The flower capital of the Netherlands, home to the world’s largest flower auction. Dozens of greenhouses grow cut flowers (roses, lilies, chrysanthemums) and potted plants.
Rijsenhout
Adjacent to Aalsmeer, with family-run flower farms and large-scale greenhouse operations.
De Kwakel
A village with numerous nurseries producing decorative plants, garden shrubs, and floral products.
Bollenstreek (Flower Bulb Region)
Stretching from Lisse and Hillegom to Leiden, famous for tulip fields, bulb farms, and bulb preparation facilities. Seasonal and year-round work available.
Haarlemmermeer
The polder area (Hoofddorp, Nieuw-Vennep) with greenhouse clusters, tree nurseries, and flower farms near the Schiphol export hub.
South Holland (Zuid-Holland)
Including the Westland greenhouse region west of Rotterdam. Orchid growers, vegetable greenhouses (tomatoes, peppers), and ornamental plant producers throughout the province.
Other regions
We occasionally have openings elsewhere in the Netherlands, including North Holland and indoor vertical farms. Let us know your preference.
→ Your preferred region not listed? Register anyway. New horticultural vacancies come in every week. We can often arrange transport from central housing to the worksite.
Horticultural vacancies in the Netherlands: full support for international workers
Moving to the Netherlands for work raises practical questions. ABflexkracht handles the logistics so you can focus on your job. We are specialists in horticulture jobs abroad with accommodation:
Housing
We arrange SNF-certified accommodation (the Dutch quality mark for migrant worker housing) that meets strict standards for safety, space, and hygiene. You’ll typically stay in a shared two-person room in a house or apartment, within reasonable distance of your workplace. Furnished, with kitchen facilities, laundry, and internet. All arranged before you arrive. Read more about working and living in the Netherlands.
Personal coordinator
From day one, you have a dedicated coordinator who speaks your language or English. They help you with your work contract, municipality registration, and daily questions — from finding a grocery store to understanding your payslip. Your coordinator checks in regularly and visits your workplace to make sure everything runs smoothly. Read more: Working in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch in 2026.
Insurance and paperwork
We arrange your mandatory Dutch health insurance, BSN (citizen service number), and all required registrations. For non-EU candidates, we assist with work permits and visa formalities. You’re fully covered from day one.
Healthcare guidance
Need a doctor? We help you make appointments, explain how the Dutch healthcare system works, and can accompany you if translation is needed. If any medical or personal issue arises, we ensure you get proper care promptly.
→ From housing to healthcare, we handle everything. You focus on your work, your growth, and enjoying your time in the Netherlands.
Not found the right horticulture job yet? Register anyway!
New horticultural jobs come in every week, many aren’t even publicly advertised. By registering with ABflexkracht, you join our network and could be the first to hear about openings that match your profile. Dutch greenhouse companies regularly approach us for staff, especially before the spring rush.
Questions about greenhouse work, housing, or life in the Netherlands?
- Call us: +31 (0)297 383 400
- Email us: recruitment@abflexkracht.nl
We can even connect you with current employees from your country who can share their experience first-hand. No obligations, we’re here to help you make the right decision.
→ Also explore our other vacancies: agricultural worker | landscape gardener | logistics | production worker | all vacancies
ABflexkracht is a NEN-4400 certified Dutch employment agency and cooperative founded by Dutch horticultural growers. We combine industry expertise with a people-focused approach. Your personal data is treated confidentially under GDPR/AVG regulations and used only for the application process and job matching.
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