Chief Horticulturist: Botanical Gardens & Conservation

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

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.