Citrus & Subtropical Horticulture Lead - Durban

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous leave

Professional development

Advanced tech tools

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Horticultural Specialist for our client in Durban, South Africa. You will lead scientific management of fruit crops from nursery to harvest, focusing on nutrition, pest and disease control, and irrigation.

The role emphasizes sustainable practices and high-quality citrus and subtropical fruit production. You will oversee orchard operations, implement IPM, monitor soil and plant health, manage nutrient programs, and train field staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in commercial horticultural management, with a specialization in citrus and/or subtropical fruits.
• In-depth knowledge of the physiology, cultivation, and diseases of key citrus and subtropical fruit crops.
• Proven experience in implementing IPM programs and sustainable farming practices.
• Familiarity with irrigation scheduling and water management techniques.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting data from soil, leaf, and fruit analysis.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in both field and office environments.
• Knowledge of the agricultural landscape and challenges in KwaZulu-Natal is a strong advantage.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the cultivation and management of citrus and subtropical fruit orchards, ensuring optimal yield and quality.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies tailored to specific crops and regional threats.
• Monitor plant health, soil conditions, and environmental factors, recommending corrective actions as needed.
• Advise on and manage nutrient application programs, including foliar feeding and soil fertilization, based on scientific analysis.
• Manage irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water use and optimal moisture levels for plant growth.
• Evaluate and recommend new cultivars and planting materials suited to market demands and environmental conditions.
• Conduct field trials for new fertilizers, pesticides, and horticultural techniques.
• Train and supervise field staff on horticultural practices, safety procedures, and quality control.
• Maintain accurate records of orchard activities, inputs, yields, and research findings.
• Collaborate with the research and development team to explore innovative horticultural solutions.

Skills

Citrus cultivation

IPM strategies

Irrigation scheduling

Data analysis

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture

Master's degree in Plant Science

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Horticultural Specialist for our client in Durban, South Africa. You will lead scientific management of fruit crops from nursery to harvest, focusing on nutrition, pest and disease control, and irrigation.

The role emphasizes sustainable practices and high-quality citrus and subtropical fruit production. You will oversee orchard operations, implement IPM, monitor soil and plant health, manage nutrient programs, and train field staff.