PhD
RG
Ryan Gott
Senior Director Horticulture & Agriculture Technology/BTC Drew Mathieson Greenhouse
PhD
Entomology, University of Maryland
BS
Biology, Purdue University
Build Your Career Through Plant Science Technician Training in Pittsburgh, PA
No-Cost 7-Month Plant Science Technician Training Program
Campus
Pittsburgh, PA
Length
7 Months
Education Level
Diploma
Work Experience
Externship
Tuition
$0*
Turn Passion Into a Plant Science Career with No-Cost Training
Are you an energetic, curious person with an appreciation for nature and the world of plants? Discover your place in the green industry with hands-on Plant Science Technician training at Bidwell Training Center in Pittsburgh.
At Bidwell, you’ll study plant health, identification, propagation, landscape design, maintenance, and pest management before completing a 4-week, 120-hour externship. In as little as 7 months, this Plant Science Technician program in Pittsburgh can prepare you for opportunities across the green industry
For eligible students, tuition is provided at no cost, helping remove financial barriers so you can focus on preparing for your future. With an 84% employment rate, Bidwell graduates leave ready to pursue opportunities in the plant science field.
NEXT START DATE
September 14th, 2026
Is a Career as a Plant Science Technician Right for You?
Take the Bidwell Training Center Plant Science Technician Career Readiness Quiz
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the career paths you’re a good fit for.
The best way to see if Bidwell Training Center is the right fit for you is to come in and visit. Tour our facilities and meet with instructors. Book an Appointment Now or Get More Info.
Build Career-Ready Plant Science Technician Skills
Plant Identification and Health
Identify plants, recognize weeds, and monitor growing conditions.
Installation and Maintenance
Plant, prune, mulch, water, and care for landscapes.
Pest Management
Use safe, sustainable practices to manage plant health concerns.
Design and Operations
Explore landscape design, inventory, scheduling, and customer service.
Learning in Action
Instructor-Led Classes
Build your understanding of plant sciences and sustainable practices.
Applied Projects
Practice plant care, design, installation, and maintenance.
Technology and Tools
Use equipment and technology found across the plant industry.
Industry Externship
Apply your training during a four-week, 120-hour externship with a plant-industry organization.
Exciting Changes Ahead
Updates to the Greenhouse Coming Soon
Bidwell’s Drew Mathieson Greenhouse is being renovated to create an updated space for future plant science technician learning.
Get Program Details
Request your free program guide and get everything you need to take the first step.
Career Prospects
Next Start Dates
Tuition Costs
Funding Options
Free · No obligation · Takes 30 seconds
Program Schedule
Your training combines classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and real-world experience.
1
Classroom and Lab Training
24
weeks
Study plant science while practicing identification, propagation, design, installation, maintenance, and pest management.
2
Supervised Externship
4
weeks
Apply your skills in an indoor or outdoor setting matched to your interests and available industry opportunities.
Total Duration
7 Months
Externship
Put Your Plant Science Technician Skills Into Practice
During your 4-week, 120-hour externship, you’ll apply your training under the supervision of a plant industry professional. Your placement may take place in an indoor or outdoor environment, depending on your interests and available opportunities.
You’ll practice plant care, workplace safety, communication, and problem-solving, with regular feedback throughout the experience.
You’ll practice plant care, workplace safety, communication, and problem-solving, with regular feedback throughout the experience.
No-Cost Tuition
$0
tuition, fees & supplies
100%
of programs offered at no cost
0
loans or payment plans
What's covered
Eligible Pennsylvania residents with a high school diploma or GED train at no cost—thanks to funding from the State of Pennsylvania, private foundations, and individual donors. Accepted students automatically receive a one-time institutional grant, no separate application needed.
✓ Tuition
✓ Fees
✓ Uniforms
✓ Supplies
✓ Textbooks
Ready to see if you qualify?
✓
Pennsylvania resident
✓
HS diploma or GED
Get Program Details
Request your free program guide and get everything you need to take the first step.
Career Prospects
Next Start Dates
Tuition Costs
Funding Options
Free · No obligation · Takes 30 seconds
Learn from Working Professionals
Every instructor in this program brings hands-on industry experience into the classroom, backed by real credentials.
SS
Scarlett Sparke
Plant Science Program Instructor
AS
Indiana University of Pennsylvania/AS, Penn State University
SC
Sara Chester
Plant Science Instructor
BA
Global Studies and Geography & Urban Studies, Temple University
SW
Sonia Weese
Plant Science Program Instructor & Head Grower, Drew Mathieson Greenhouse
BS
Agriculture, The Ohio State University
MH
Michael Hinzman
Employment Coordinator, Plant Science Professional Development Instructor
BA
Communications and Political Science, Allegheny College
Prepare for In-Demand Plant Science Technician Careers
Employment of grounds maintenance workers is projected to grow with approximately 171,600 openings projected nationwide each year.** This includes landscaping, groundskeeping, tree care, and vegetation-management roles.
Is a career as a Plant Science Technician right for you? Take our Career Training Readiness Survey. It's free, quick and reveals your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you're best suited for.
Positions you may pursue include:
Parks · Sports Facilities
Turfgrass Technician
Maintain healthy turf for recreational & commercial spaces.
Landscaping · Property Care
Landscape Technician
Install and maintain plants, gardens, and outdoor spaces.
Greenhouses · Garden Centers
Greenhouse or Nursery Technician
Support plant production, care, inventory, and customer needs.
Arboriculture · Tree Services
Tree Care Technician
Help plant, inspect, maintain, and protect trees.
Landscaping · Agriculture
Plant Health Technician
Monitor plant conditions and support responsible pest management.
Our Employer Partners
Bidwell Training Center works with plant-industry employers and community organizations across the region to help students gain experience and explore employment opportunities.
Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials
Along with your diploma, the program provides opportunities to earn credentials that can strengthen your résumé including:
Red Cross
First Aid & CPR
Build the skills to respond to common workplace emergencies.
Pennsylvania certification
Pesticide Applicator
Develop the knowledge needed to apply pesticides safely and responsibly.
Tree Pittsburgh
Tree Tenders Certification
Learn how to plant and care for trees in urban environments.
Courses
Build practical skills in plant science, horticulture, landscape design, plant care, and sustainable growing practices through hands-on training.
-
01PST 101 Botany I32 hours
-
02PST 201 Botany II24 hours
-
03PST 102 Design32 hours
-
04PST 103 Plant Propagation I32 hours
-
05PST 203 Plant Propagation II24 hours
-
06PST 104 Taxonomy I32 hours
-
07PST 204 Taxonomy II32 hours
-
08PST 304 Taxonomy III16 hours
-
09PST 105 Integrated Pest Management I16 hours
-
10PST 205 Integrated Pest Management II16 hours
-
11PST 305 Integrated Pest Management III16 hours
-
12PST 106 Food Crop Production I16 hours
-
13PST 206 Food Crop Production II16 hours
-
14PST 306 Food Crop Production III16 hours
-
15PST 107 Agricultural Operations I16 hours
-
16PST 207 Agricultural Operations II16 hours
-
17PST 307 Agricultural Operations III16 hours
-
18PST 108 Greenhouse Management32 hours
-
19PST 109 Soil16 hours
-
20PST 110 Turfgrass Management16 hours
-
21PST 111 Equipment, Safety, and Practicum I62 hours
-
22PST 211 Equipment, Safety, and Practicum II62 hours
-
23PST 311 Equipment, Safety, and Practicum III62 hours
-
24PD 101 Professional Development I16 hours
-
25PD 201 Professional Development II16 hours
-
26PD 301 Professional Development III16 hours
-
27PSTX 100 Externship120 hours
-
15PST 107 Agricultural Operations I16 hours
-
16PST 207 Agricultural Operations II16 hours
-
17PST 307 Agricultural Operations III16 hours
-
18PST 108 Greenhouse Management32 hours
-
19PST 109 Soil16 hours
-
20PST 110 Turfgrass Management16 hours
-
21PST 111 Equipment, Safety, and Practicum I62 hours
-
22PST 211 Equipment, Safety, and Practicum II62 hours
-
23PST 311 Equipment, Safety, and Practicum III62 hours
-
24PD 101 Professional Development I16 hours
-
25PD 201 Professional Development II16 hours
-
26PD 301 Professional Development III16 hours
-
27PSTX 100 Externship120 hours
75%
Ready?
Is a Career as a Plant Science Technician Right for You?
Take Our Career Training Readiness Assessment
This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the career paths you’re a fit for.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll study plant identification, propagation, landscape design, installation, maintenance, plant health, and pest management. The program also develops practical skills for working safely with industry tools and equipment.
Explore Our CoursesThe program can be completed in approximately 7 months. It includes 24 weeks of classroom and applied training, followed by a four-week, 120-hour externship.
Get Program Details NowNo previous experience is required. The program starts with plant science fundamentals and builds toward more advanced landscaping, maintenance, design, and pest-management skills.
Take the Career Training Readiness SurveyStudents have opportunities to earn Red Cross First Aid/CPR, Tree Pittsburgh Tree Tenders, and Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator credentials alongside their Bidwell diploma
Learn About About the CredentialsGraduates can pursue entry-level opportunities in landscaping, turfgrass maintenance, greenhouse and nursery operations, tree care, and plant health. Potential roles include Landscape Technician, Turfgrass Technician, Nursery Technician, and Tree Care Technician.
Explore Plant Science CareersIs a Rewarding Career as a Plant Science Technician Right For You?
If you’re interested in learning more about Plant Science Technician careers and exploring whether Bidwell Training Center is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information. Our friendly and knowledgeable Admissions team is here to answer your questions and guide you through everything from enrollment to courses.
For immediate questions, call 412-402-9761
*For accepted Pennsylvania resident students, tuition, fees, uniforms, supplies, and textbooks are fully covered through state funding.
**https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/grounds-maintenance-workers.htm
The total cost of the Plant Science Technician program is $400,000. $400,000 (100%) is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration grant.