Horticultural Scientist - Greenhouse Technology

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Conferences

Relocation assistance

State-of-the-art facilities

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit is seeking a dedicated Horticultural Scientist with expertise in greenhouse technology to join a progressive agricultural research team. The role focuses on advancing controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to optimize crop production and resource efficiency.

You will design, implement, and evaluate greenhouse systems, collaborate with engineers and growers, and contribute to research reports and publications that push sustainable horticulture forward.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or related field with specialization in Controlled Environment Agriculture.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in horticultural research or greenhouse management.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, crop nutrition, and pest/disease management in controlled environments.
• Experience with hydroponic or other soilless cultivation systems.
• Familiarity with greenhouse control systems, sensors, and data logging equipment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and optimize greenhouse systems for various horticultural crops.
• Monitor and manage environmental parameters within greenhouses, including temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity.
• Develop and implement advanced nutrient delivery systems (e.g., hydroponics, fertigation).
• Evaluate the performance of different crop varieties under controlled environmental conditions.
• Investigate and manage pest and disease issues specific to greenhouse environments.
• Collect and analyze data related to plant growth, yield, and resource utilization.
• Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot and improve greenhouse infrastructure and equipment.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in CEA technologies, automation, and sustainable horticulture.
• Provide technical guidance and training to greenhouse staff and growers.
• Contribute to the development of research reports and publications.

Skills

Plant physiology

Horticulture

Agronomy

CEA knowledge

Hydroponics

Data logging

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Horticulture/Plant Science/Agronomy

Tools

Sensors

Data logging equipment

Greenhouse automation systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Horticultural Scientist with expertise in greenhouse technology to join their progressive agricultural research team in Nelspruit . This role is critical for advancing our understanding and application of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to optimize crop production. You will be responsible for researching, designing, and implementing innovative greenhouse systems, focusing on factors such as climate control, nutrient delivery, lighting, and pest management. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in plant physiology, horticulture, and agricultural engineering, coupled with hands-on experience in greenhouse operations. You will work closely with growers, engineers, and other scientists to develop and implement best practices that enhance crop quality, yield, and resource efficiency. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge horticultural solutions and promote sustainable food production in controlled environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, design, and optimize greenhouse systems for various horticultural crops.
• Monitor and manage environmental parameters within greenhouses, including temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity.
• Develop and implement advanced nutrient delivery systems (e.g., hydroponics, fertigation).
• Evaluate the performance of different crop varieties under controlled environmental conditions.
• Investigate and manage pest and disease issues specific to greenhouse environments.
• Collect and analyze data related to plant growth, yield, and resource utilization.
• Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot and improve greenhouse infrastructure and equipment.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in CEA technologies, automation, and sustainable horticulture.
• Provide technical guidance and training to greenhouse staff and growers.
• Contribute to the development of research reports and publications.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field with a specialization in Controlled Environment Agriculture.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in horticultural research or greenhouse management.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, crop nutrition, and pest/disease management in controlled environments.
• Experience with hydroponic or other soilless cultivation systems.
• Familiarity with greenhouse control systems, sensors, and data logging equipment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork and manage experiments within greenhouse settings.
• A passion for sustainable horticultural practices and technological innovation.
• Experience with data analysis software is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities and equipment.
• Retirement savings plan with company contribution.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• A collaborative and innovative research environment in Nelspruit .
• Contribution to the advancement of modern horticulture and food production.
• Potential for growth into leadership roles.