Assistant Manager : Clones Tunnel

TWK Agri; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agriculture company in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking an Assistant Manager for the Clones Tunnel. This role involves supporting the Nursery Manager in overseeing clone propagation and ensuring operational efficiency through effective leadership and environment control. Ideal candidates will have a degree in horticulture and 2 years of experience in a nursery setting. This position offers the opportunity to lead a team while ensuring high-quality plant production.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years nursery or greenhouse experience, especially in clone propagation.
• Previous supervisory or team-lead experience preferred.
• Physically capable of lifting approximately 25kg and working in varying tunnel conditions.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily clone propagation activities including cutting, transplanting, and misting.
• Monitor and adjust tunnel environmental controls such as temperature, humidity, CO₂, and lighting.
• Lead the propagation team by assigning tasks, managing schedules, and monitoring performance.

Skills

Cloning techniques and plant care

Environmental control systems

Organizational and communication skills

Leadership and team development

Problem-solving for plant health

Education

Diploma or degree in horticulture, plant science, agronomy

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Manager: Clones Tunnel

Location: KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg | Deadline: August 04, 2025

Job Description

Sunshine Seedling Services, part of the TWK group, is seeking an Assistant Manager for the Clones Tunnel at Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Job Summary

This role involves supporting the Nursery Manager in overseeing clone propagation and tunnel operations, ensuring high-quality plant production and operational efficiency through effective team leadership, environment control, and process compliance.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Supervise daily clone propagation activities including cutting, transplanting, and misting.
• Monitor and adjust tunnel environmental controls such as temperature, humidity, CO₂, and lighting.
• Maintain tunnel cleanliness, sanitation, and conduct pest inspections.
• Track clone batches, growth stages, and maintain accurate records.
• Lead the propagation team by assigning tasks, managing schedules, and monitoring performance.
• Train staff in cloning techniques, SOPs, and equipment use.
• Perform quality checks and identify plant health issues.
• Implement and enforce SOPs, safety protocols, and compliance measures.
• Manage inventory of cloning supplies such as media, additives, and trays.
• Suggest and implement improvements to increase success rates and reduce waste.
• Ensure safe handling and disposal of media and plant waste.
• Act as a backup for the Nursery Manager, including shift supervision and safety compliance.

Qualifications and Skills

• Diploma or degree in horticulture, plant science, agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years nursery or greenhouse experience, especially in clone propagation.
• Previous supervisory or team-lead experience preferred.
• Proficient in cloning techniques and plant care, including nutrients, pests, and disease control.
• Experience with environmental control systems, irrigation, lighting, and climate management.
• Strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
• Leadership ability with coaching and team development experience.
• Problem-solving skills for plant health diagnostics and corrective actions.
• Ability to adapt to changing protocols and seasonal workloads.
• Physically capable of lifting approximately 25kg and working in varying tunnel conditions.
• Keen attention to detail, hygienic practices, and safety compliance.

Closing Date: 31 July 2025

Category: Agriculture / Agro-Allied jobs