Chief Horticulturalist for Botanical Gardens and Research

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits and retirement

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Chief Horticulturalist to lead a prestigious Durban botanical gardens team. The role oversees plant care, propagation, landscape design, and education programs, shaping conservation efforts and public engagement in a tropical/subtropical setting.

The successful candidate will have a Master’s in Horticulture or Botany, 10+ years of senior experience, and strong leadership and budget management skills to drive impressive garden outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Horticulture, Botany, or related field.
• 10+ years of professional horticultural experience with supervisory/management exposure.
• Specialization in tropical/subtropical flora relevant to Durban.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Understanding of conservation principles and sustainable landscape management.
• Excellent communication, planning and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement horticultural strategies and planting plans for the botanical gardens.
• Oversee daily operations including plant care, propagation, pest and disease management, and landscape maintenance.
• Lead, train, and manage a team of horticulturalists, gardeners, and volunteers.
• Manage propagation programs for diverse plant species and ensure collection vitality.
• Develop and maintain plant records including accession data and conservation status.
• Collaborate with educational and research departments to support initiatives.
• Manage horticultural budgets and resource allocation in Durban.
• Ensure high standards of aesthetics, visitor experience, and safety.
• Advise on new acquisitions and landscape projects.
• Promote sustainable practices and water conservation.

Skills

Leadership

Horticulture expertise

Plant identification

Team management

Public engagement

Education

Master's degree in Horticulture/Botany

Tools

Horticultural software

Database management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious institution managing extensive botanical gardens, is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Horticulturalist to lead its operations in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This senior role is responsible for the horticultural excellence, conservation, and development of the gardens' diverse plant collections. The Chief Horticulturalist will oversee all aspects of plant care, landscape design, propagation, and public engagement, ensuring the gardens thrive as a center for education, conservation, and horticultural innovation. The ideal candidate will have a deep passion for plants, a comprehensive understanding of tropical and subtropical horticulture, and proven leadership skills to manage a dedicated team. This is a significant opportunity to shape a beloved public space and contribute to plant conservation efforts in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement horticultural strategies and planting plans for the botanical gardens.
• Oversee the daily operations of the gardens, including plant care, propagation, pest and disease management, and landscape maintenance.
• Lead, train, and manage a team of horticulturalists, gardeners, and volunteers.
• Manage the propagation programs for diverse plant species, ensuring the health and vitality of the collections.
• Develop and maintain plant records, including accession data and conservation status.
• Collaborate with educational and research departments to develop programs and support scientific initiatives.
• Manage horticultural budgets and resource allocation effectively in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**.
• Ensure the gardens meet high standards of aesthetic appeal, visitor experience, and public safety.
• Advise on new acquisitions and landscape design projects.
• Promote sustainable horticultural practices and water conservation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Horticulture, Botany, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional horticultural experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Extensive knowledge of plant identification, cultivation, and propagation, with a specialization in tropical and subtropical flora relevant to **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Strong understanding of conservation principles and sustainable landscape management.
• Excellent communication, planning, and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in horticultural software and database management.
• A passion for plants and public education is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and generous annual leave. This role provides unique opportunities for professional growth, participation in international horticultural conferences, and the chance to work in a historically significant and beautiful environment. Join our team and contribute to the preservation and beauty of our exceptional botanical gardens.