Horticultural Specialist

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Annual leave

Rare plant exposure

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, South Africa, seeks a dynamic Horticultural Specialist to lead cultivation, propagation, and landscape design across diverse plant collections. The role emphasizes sustainable practices and ecological value within extensive grounds.

The successful candidate will combine scientific knowledge with practical gardening skills, supervise staff, and contribute to horticultural projects and plant conservation efforts in the Garden Route area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in horticultural management or a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Experience with various propagation techniques and landscape design principles.
• Proficiency in using horticultural equipment and basic irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement specialized cultivation plans for diverse plant collections, focusing on plant health and optimal growth conditions.
• Conduct regular inspections of plants and grounds, diagnosing and treating diseases, pests, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Oversee propagation programs, including seed starting, cuttings, and grafting techniques.
• Contribute to landscape design projects, selecting appropriate plant species for specific environmental conditions and aesthetic goals.
• Maintain accurate records of plant inventories, treatments, and experimental results.
• Educate and supervise junior horticultural staff and volunteers on best practices in gardening and plant care.

Skills

Plant physiology

Soil science

IPM

Propagation techniques

Landscape design

Irrigation systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture/Botany

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable Horticultural Specialist to join their team in George , Western Cape. This role focuses on the cultivation, propagation, and care of a wide variety of plant species, with an emphasis on sustainable practices and landscape design. You will be instrumental in maintaining and enhancing the aesthetic and ecological value of our client's extensive grounds and specialized gardens. The position requires a blend of scientific knowledge, practical gardening skills, and a keen eye for detail, contributing to the overall success of the horticultural department and the preservation of unique plant collections.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement specialized cultivation plans for diverse plant collections, focusing on plant health and optimal growth conditions.
• Conduct regular inspections of plants and grounds, diagnosing and treating diseases, pests, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Oversee propagation programs, including seed starting, cuttings, and grafting techniques.
• Contribute to landscape design projects, selecting appropriate plant species for specific environmental conditions and aesthetic goals.
• Maintain accurate records of plant inventories, treatments, and experimental results.
• Educate and supervise junior horticultural staff and volunteers on best practices in gardening and plant care.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in horticultural management or a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Experience with various propagation techniques and landscape design principles.
• Proficiency in using horticultural equipment and basic irrigation systems.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with potential for performance bonuses.
• Access to excellent medical and dental benefits.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick days.
• Opportunities to work with rare and exotic plant species in the scenic Garden Route area.
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops and conferences.