Horticultural Scientist - Greenhouse Operations

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 540,000 - 780,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance incentives

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

Retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Professional development and industry‑

Access to cutting-edge greenhouse tech

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, seeks a Horticultural Scientist to optimize greenhouse production across high-value crops, focusing on research, development, and implementation of advanced cultivation techniques and environmental control systems.

The role requires a strong background in plant physiology, soil science, and controlled environment agriculture, with hands-on experience in hydroponics or similar systems, data analysis, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field with a focus on controlled environment agriculture.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in horticultural research or greenhouse management.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, nutrition, and propagation techniques.
• Expertise in managing environmental control systems (heating, cooling, lighting, CO2 enrichment) in greenhouses.
• Experience with hydroponic, aeroponic, or aquaponic systems is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical methods.
• Excellent observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with South African horticultural practices and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage experimental trials to optimize crop growth, yield, and quality in greenhouse environments.
• Monitor and control environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• Develop and fine-tune nutrient solutions (hydroponics/fertigation) for various crops, ensuring precise delivery and plant uptake.
• Conduct research on pest and disease identification, monitoring, and integrated management strategies within greenhouses.
• Evaluate and recommend new crop varieties, technologies, and equipment for greenhouse operations.
• Analyze crop performance data, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure smooth implementation of research findings and operational protocols.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, operational data, and crop performance.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in horticultural science and controlled environment agriculture.
• Ensure adherence to all safety and quality standards within the greenhouse facility.

Skills

Plant physiology

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Teamwork

SA practices

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Horticulture/Plant Science

Tools

Environmental control systems

Hydroponics

Aeroponics/Aquaponics

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in innovative horticultural production, is looking for a dedicated Horticultural Scientist to join their state-of-the-art facility in Pretoria, Gauteng. This role focuses on optimizing greenhouse operations to achieve maximum yield and superior quality for a range of high-value crops. The Horticultural Scientist will be responsible for research, development, and implementation of advanced cultivation techniques, environmental control systems, and nutrient management strategies within a controlled environment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background in plant physiology, soil science, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA). This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of horticultural technology and contribute to sustainable food production in Gauteng. You will play a key role in troubleshooting operational challenges, improving efficiency, and exploring new crop varieties suitable for greenhouse cultivation. We seek a motivated and analytical professional eager to apply scientific principles to practical horticultural challenges in Pretoria, Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage experimental trials to optimize crop growth, yield, and quality in greenhouse environments.
• Monitor and control environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• Develop and fine-tune nutrient solutions (hydroponics/fertigation) for various crops, ensuring precise delivery and plant uptake.
• Conduct research on pest and disease identification, monitoring, and integrated management strategies within greenhouses.
• Evaluate and recommend new crop varieties, technologies, and equipment for greenhouse operations.
• Analyze crop performance data, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure smooth implementation of research findings and operational protocols.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, operational data, and crop performance.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in horticultural science and controlled environment agriculture.
• Ensure adherence to all safety and quality standards within the greenhouse facility.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field with a focus on controlled environment agriculture.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in horticultural research or greenhouse management.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, nutrition, and propagation techniques.
• Expertise in managing environmental control systems (heating, cooling, lighting, CO2 enrichment) in greenhouses.
• Experience with hydroponic, aeroponic, or aquaponic systems is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical methods.
• Excellent observational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with South African horticultural practices and regulations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Access to cutting-edge greenhouse technology and research.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment.
• Potential for career growth within a leading horticultural company.
• Contribute to sustainable and advanced agricultural practices in Gauteng.