Horticultural Crop Specialist

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybride; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Professional development

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Horticultural Crop Specialist for Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on optimizing cultivation, crop health, and yield across fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on best horticultural practices and team leadership.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field, with 5+ years of hands-on commercial horticulture experience and strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and IPM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on commercial horticulture crop management experience.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and entomology/pathology.

Responsabilités

• Develop and implement detailed cultivation plans for a variety of horticultural crops.
• Oversee all aspects of crop production including planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease management, and harvesting.
• Conduct regular field inspections to monitor crop health and growth, identifying issues.
• Implement and manage integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Advise on soil health management and nutrient application techniques.
• Research and introduce new crop varieties and cultivation techniques to enhance yield and quality.
• Manage and train a team of horticultural technicians and field workers.
• Maintain accurate records of planting, growth, treatments, and yields.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and quality standards.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams on crop planning and quality control.

Connaissances

Plant physiology

Soil science

Entomology/Pathology

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a leading producer of high-value horticultural crops, is seeking a dedicated Horticultural Crop Specialist to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is crucial for optimizing the cultivation, health, and yield of various fruit and vegetable crops. You will be responsible for implementing best practices in horticultural science, managing crop cycles, and ensuring the highest quality produce. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background in horticulture and practical experience in managing diverse crops. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to apply your expertise in a region known for its agricultural potential, contributing to the success of a vital sector in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will work closely with farm management and technical teams to drive innovation and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement detailed cultivation plans for a variety of horticultural crops.
• Oversee all aspects of crop production, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease management, and harvesting.
• Conduct regular field inspections to monitor crop health, growth, and identify any potential issues.
• Implement and manage integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Advise on soil health management and nutrient application techniques.
• Research and introduce new crop varieties and cultivation techniques to enhance yield and quality.
• Manage and train a team of horticultural technicians and field workers.
• Maintain accurate records of planting, growth, treatments, and yields.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and quality standards.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams on crop planning and quality control.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial horticulture crop management.
• Proven expertise in the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and entomology/pathology.
• Experience with irrigation systems and nutrient management programs.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Excellent observation and problem-solving skills.
• Good record-keeping and reporting abilities.
• Familiarity with relevant agricultural regulations and certifications.
• Willingness to work in a hybrid capacity, balancing field and office tasks in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary, performance incentives, medical aid contributions, and opportunities for professional development. You will be part of a dedicated team focused on sustainable agriculture in the beautiful coastal region of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, contributing to the growth and success of the local agricultural economy.