Horticultural Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 320,000 - 460,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Horticultural Specialist to join our Durban-based team in a hybrid role that blends hands-on greenhouse work with remote consultation and planning.

You will optimize growth conditions, support R&D efforts, and provide expert advice to farm managers and research teams across diverse plant species.

The role requires strong plant physiology knowledge, field experience, and the ability to translate research findings into practical solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science or related field.
• At least 4 years of practical experience in commercial horticulture or greenhouse management.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, pathology, and entomology.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of plant cultivation, including soil prep, planting, watering, fertilizing, and pest control.
• Conduct research on new plant varieties, cultivation techniques.
• Oversee propagation programs for a stable plant supply.
• Monitor environmental conditions in greenhouses and growing areas.
• Provide expert horticultural advice and technical support to farm managers and research teams.
• Maintain detailed records of growth, treatments, and experimental results.

Skills

Plant cultivation

Greenhouse management

Research & development

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture/Botany/Plant Science

Tools

Irrigation systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Horticultural Specialist to join their dynamic team in Durban. This hybrid role will involve both hands-on work at our state-of-the-art horticultural facilities and remote consultation and planning. You will be responsible for the cultivation, propagation, and care of a diverse range of plant species, focusing on optimizing growth conditions and ensuring plant health. The successful candidate will contribute to research and development efforts, implement best practices in horticultural science, and provide expert advice to support the company's agricultural initiatives, blending field expertise with strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of plant cultivation, including soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilizing, and pest/disease control.
• Conduct research on new plant varieties, cultivation techniques, and sustainable horticultural practices.
• Oversee propagation programs, ensuring a consistent supply of healthy plants for various projects.
• Monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light) within greenhouses and growing areas, making necessary adjustments.
• Provide expert horticultural advice and technical support to farm managers and research teams.
• Maintain detailed records of plant growth, treatments, and experimental results for analysis and reporting.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related agricultural discipline.
• A minimum of 4 years of practical experience in commercial horticulture, greenhouse management, or plant propagation.
• In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, pathology, and entomology.
• Experience with various irrigation systems and nutrient management programs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret research data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration in a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with annual review.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between on-site and remote work.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
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• Access to advanced horticultural technology and research facilities.