Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Operations Specialist

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development

Access to advanced greenhouse tech

Stable work environment

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Horticulturalist to lead a high-tech greenhouse operation in Welkom, Free State. The role emphasizes hands-on cultivation, optimizing growth, yield, and quality through precise environmental control and sustainable practices.

The successful candidate will oversee propagation to harvest, monitor system performance, implement IPM, maintain detailed records, and collaborate with a dedicated team to drive excellence in horticulture.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• 5+ years hands-on greenhouse management and crop production experience.
• Proven expertise with multiple horticultural crops.
• Strong knowledge of environmental control systems and soilless cultivation.
• Familiarity with IPM and sustainable growing practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of a large-scale greenhouse in Welkom, Free State.
• Oversee propagation, cultivation, and harvesting for optimal growth and yield.
• Monitor and control temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels.
• Implement irrigation and fertilization programs tailored to crops.
• Develop and execute IPM strategies and pest/disease management.
• Maintain records of growing conditions, health, and yields.
• Conduct regular plant health assessments and corrective actions.
• Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment and climate systems.

Skills

Horticulture

Plant physiology

Greenhouse management

IPM knowledge

Education

Horticulture degree

Tools

Environmental control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading producer of high-quality horticultural products, is seeking an experienced Horticulturalist to manage their advanced greenhouse operations in Welkom, Free State . This is a hands‑on role focused on optimizing plant growth, yield, and quality through meticulous care and innovative techniques. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of plant physiology, greenhouse environmental control systems, and sustainable growing practices. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of greenhouse cultivation, from propagation to final product. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to a company that values precision, quality, and environmental responsibility. You will work closely with a dedicated team, utilizing state‑of-the‑art technology to achieve exceptional results. Join us in cultivating excellence in horticulture right here in Welkom .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of a large-scale horticultural greenhouse facility in Welkom, Free State .
• Oversee plant propagation, cultivation, and harvesting processes to ensure optimal growth and yield.
• Monitor and control greenhouse environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels.
• Implement and manage irrigation and fertilization programs tailored to specific crop needs.
• Develop and execute integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies.
• Maintain detailed records of growing conditions, plant health, and yield data.
• Conduct regular plant health assessments and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment, including climate control systems, irrigation lines, and other machinery.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in horticultural science and greenhouse technology.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in greenhouse management and crop production.
• Proven expertise in managing a variety of horticultural crops.
• Strong knowledge of environmental control systems, hydroponics or other soilless cultivation methods.
• Familiarity with IPM principles and sustainable growing practices.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Good record‑keeping and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of the agricultural landscape in the Free State is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Health insurance benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Access to advanced greenhouse technology.
• Stable and supportive work environment.
• Paid time off.