Horticultural Specialist - Citrus Cultivation

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing assistance

On-site accommodation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a specialized Horticultural Specialist with Citrus Cultivation expertise to join their team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This role focuses on cultivating, managing, and optimizing citrus orchards to maximize yield and fruit quality.

You will work across planting, pruning, pest management, irrigation, and harvesting, using sustainable practices, with potential for housing assistance. The successful candidate will have 5+ years of citrus horticulture experience and a degree in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field with fruit crop specialization.
• Minimum 5 years in horticultural management with focus on citrus farming.
• Strong understanding of citrus physiology, propagation, and cultivation techniques.
• Experience with irrigation systems suitable for orchards and water conservation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee health, growth, and productivity of citrus orchards incl. lemon, orange, grapefruit varieties.
• Implement pest and disease control programs for citrus crops.
• Develop fertilization and irrigation strategies for citrus trees.
• Conduct regular tree inspections, pruning, and canopy management for fruit quality and yield.
• Manage harvest operations to ensure timely, quality fruit.
• Maintain detailed records of orchard activities, inputs, and yields.

Skills

Citrus cultivation

Pest management

Irrigation management

Canopy management

Fruit crop expertise

Education

BSc Horticulture (Fruit crops)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a specialized Horticultural Specialist with expertise in Citrus Cultivation to join their team in the fertile region of Nelspruit . This role focuses on the cultivation, management, and optimization of citrus orchards to ensure high-quality fruit production and yield maximization. You will be involved in all stages of the growing cycle, from planting and pruning to pest management and harvesting, while employing sustainable practices. This is an excellent opportunity for a horticulturist passionate about citrus to contribute to a significant agricultural operation in Mpumalanga .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the health, growth, and productivity of citrus orchards, including a variety of lemon, orange, and grapefruit varieties.
• Implement and manage effective pest and disease control programs specifically for citrus crops, prioritizing environmentally friendly methods.
• Develop and execute optimal fertilization and irrigation strategies tailored to the needs of citrus trees throughout their life cycle.
• Conduct regular tree inspections, pruning, and canopy management to promote fruit quality and yield.
• Manage harvest operations, ensuring timely and efficient picking to maintain fruit quality standards.
• Maintain detailed records of orchard activities, input usage, and yield data.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field with a specialization in fruit crops.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in horticultural management, with a specific focus on citrus farming .
• Strong understanding of citrus physiology, propagation, and cultivation techniques.
• Proficiency in identifying and managing common citrus pests and diseases.
• Experience with irrigation systems suitable for orchards and a commitment to water conservation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a farm management team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development in specialized horticulture.
• Access to modern farming equipment and technologies.
• A supportive and collaborative agricultural environment.
• Potential for housing assistance or on-site accommodation.