Grower (Soft Fruit)

ARVO; George; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company based in George seeks a Grower to oversee berry production in both protected and open-field environments. This full-time role requires a tertiary qualification in Agricultural or Horticultural management and at least 3 years of experience in soft-fruit production. Key responsibilities include managing irrigation, crop husbandry, and ensuring quality fruit production. Candidates must possess strong report writing and computer skills, along with a valid driver's license and own transport.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Agricultural or Horticultural management required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in soft-fruit growing.
• Strong report writing and computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Set and adjust irrigation and fertigation programs per crop/field.
• Translate growth-stage needs into clear weekly plans.
• Implement and evaluate biological control measures.

Skills

Literacy and numeracy skills

Computer skills

Report writing

Education

Agricultural/Horticultural management diploma/degree

Job description

Grower (Soft Fruit)

Our client is recruiting an experienced, self-motivated, and target-driven Grower to lead berry production across protected- and open-field environments. The role reports to the Farm Business Manager and owns fruit quality, yield, and productivity per crop, per field.

Start date: 1 January 2026 (earlier start in December 2025 welcome)

Type: Permanent. Full-time, on-site. Farm is based in George (no housing or housing benefit is included in the package for this position)

Salary: Market-related and negotiable depending on the ideal candidate's experience and background.

Role purpose

Deliver consistently high-quality fruit by setting the right growth strategy for each crop and block, and executing it through disciplined husbandry, climate control, irrigation/fertigation, and team leadership.

Key responsibilities

Irrigation, Fertigation & Nutrition

• Set, monitor, and adjust irrigation and fertigation programs per crop/field (including EC/pH targets and distribution uniformity).
• Maintain dosing systems and lines; investigate anomalies promptly and document corrective actions.

Crop Husbandry & Field Execution

• Translate growth-stage needs into clear weekly plans (training, pruning, tipping, sanitation, canopy management).
• Determine the daily cropping system per crop to meet quality and yield targets.
• Plan, brief, and supervise labour to meet deadlines, productivity, and quality standards.

Protected-Cropping & Climate

• Run tunnel operations and upkeep; execute climate actions (venting/de-venting) according to crop and field strategy.
• Monitor microclimate and adjust to protect fruit quality and plant health.

Crop Protection & IPM

• Scout fields; design and execute spray programs to minimise pest/disease pressure.
• Implement and evaluate biological control measures; refine programs based on monitoring data.

Pollination & Field Maintenance

• Develop, implement, and track pollination strategies per field/crop while enforcing relevant safety standards.
• Drive neat, compliant blocks via structured maintenance programs and preventative repairs.

Procurement, Maintenance & Services

• Plan and procure materials/equipment to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Establish and run preventative maintenance plans for equipment and structures.
• Coordinate internal/external services to meet agreed timelines and outcomes.

Documentation, Reporting & Compliance

• Keep accurate, timely records (irrigation, fertigation, sprays, labour, yields, QC).
• Support food-safety and health & safety practices; present audit-ready documentation.
• Report weekly on KPIs (yields, quality, inputs, labour productivity) and recommend corrective actions.

Minimum requirements

• Tertiary qualification: Agricultural/Horticultural management diploma/degree.
• 3+ years’ soft-fruit growing/production experience (role suits a young, energetic professional ready to take ownership).
• Strong literacy, numeracy, and computer skills with excellent report writing.
• Valid driver’s licence and own transport.