Horticultural Specialist - Greenhouse Operations

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

State-of-the-art greenhouse technology

Training and development opportunities

Paid annual leave and sick leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a meticulous Horticultural Specialist to manage a high-tech greenhouse facility. You will lead horticultural technicians, optimize climate control, irrigation, and propagation, and ensure crop health through IPM and data-driven practices.

This on-site role emphasizes growth, safety, and sustainable yields in a dynamic commercial operation. Join a forward-thinking team focused on excellence in greenhouse cultivation and environmental stewardship while advancing your

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial greenhouse operations.
• Proven ability to manage environmental control and irrigation/fertigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, pathology, and IPM techniques.
• Experience supervising and leading a technical team.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic data analysis.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment.
• Knowledge of South African horticultural market trends is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily greenhouse operations, including climate control (temperature, humidity, CO2), irrigation, and nutrient delivery systems.
• Develop and implement crop-specific cultivation plans to maximize yield, quality, and marketability.
• Monitor plant health, identify pests and diseases early, and implement effective, sustainable control measures.
• Manage and train a team of horticultural technicians, ensuring efficient task allocation and adherence to best practices.
• Conduct regular inspections of plants and growing media, recommending and applying appropriate fertilizers and amendments.
• Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment, including environmental control systems, lighting, and propagation tools.
• Maintain accurate records of growing conditions, plant growth, pest and disease occurrences, and yield data.
• Stay updated on the latest horticultural research, technologies, and sustainable practices relevant to greenhouse cultivation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations within the greenhouse environment.

Skills

Observational skills

Record-keeping

Data analysis

IPM knowledge

Plant physiology knowledge

Team leadership

Physical endurance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a meticulous and knowledgeable Horticultural Specialist to manage their advanced greenhouse facilities located in Durban . This role is critical for ensuring the optimal growth and health of a diverse range of horticultural products. You will be responsible for implementing cutting-edge cultivation techniques, monitoring environmental controls, and managing a team of horticultural technicians. The ideal candidate will have a passion for plant science and a proven track record in commercial horticulture, with a strong emphasis on greenhouse environments. This is an on-site position, demanding full dedication to the operational excellence of the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily greenhouse operations, including climate control (temperature, humidity, CO2), irrigation, and nutrient delivery systems.
• Develop and implement crop-specific cultivation plans to maximize yield, quality, and marketability.
• Monitor plant health, identify pests and diseases early, and implement effective, sustainable control measures.
• Manage and train a team of horticultural technicians, ensuring efficient task allocation and adherence to best practices.
• Conduct regular inspections of plants and growing media, recommending and applying appropriate fertilizers and amendments.
• Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment, including environmental control systems, lighting, and propagation tools.
• Maintain accurate records of growing conditions, plant growth, pest and disease occurrences, and yield data.
• Stay updated on the latest horticultural research, technologies, and sustainable practices relevant to greenhouse cultivation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations within the greenhouse environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial greenhouse operations.
• Proven ability to manage environmental control systems and irrigation/fertigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, pathology, and integrated pest management (IPM) techniques.
• Experience in supervising and leading a technical team.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic data analysis.
• Ability to work effectively in a physically demanding environment, including exposure to varying temperatures and humidity levels.
• Knowledge of South African horticultural market trends is advantageous.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund contributions.
• This role provides the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art greenhouse technology and contribute to the production of high-quality horticultural products.
• Our client invests in employee growth, offering training and development opportunities.
• You will be part of a supportive team dedicated to innovation in horticulture.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave benefits are provided as per company policy.