Horticultural Specialist - Greenhouse Operations

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + benefits

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticultural Specialist to manage advanced greenhouse operations in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will oversee environmental control, irrigation, and nutrient delivery while implementing IPM and nutrition programs to ensure high-quality yields for local and international markets.

The role requires a minimum of 5 years in commercial horticulture with greenhouse management experience, strong knowledge of CEA, plant physiology, and crop nutrition.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in commercial horticultural production, with greenhouse management.
• Experience with controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and hydroponic/soilless systems.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology and crop nutrition; IPM experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily greenhouse operations including environmental control, irrigation, and nutrient delivery.
• Develop and implement IPM programs emphasizing biological, environmentally-sound solutions.
• Manage plant nutrition programs to ensure optimal uptake and crop health.
• Conduct regular crop inspections and quality assessments, addressing issues promptly.
• Maintain detailed records of growing conditions, inputs, yields, and pest/disease occurrences.
• Supervise and train greenhouse technicians and farm workers.
• Evaluate new horticultural techniques to improve efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing to ensure market demands and quality specs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in Tembisa facility.
• Participate in budget management for greenhouse supplies and labor.

Skills

CEA knowledge

Leadership

Record-keeping

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture

Tools

Greenhouse automation

Environmental control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and skilled Horticultural Specialist to manage and optimize their advanced greenhouse operations in Tembisa, Gauteng . This role is crucial for ensuring the healthy growth, quality, and yield of a variety of high-value crops. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in controlled environment agriculture, plant nutrition, and integrated pest management. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of greenhouse cultivation, from seeding to harvest, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards and promoting sustainable growing practices. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your expertise in a forward-thinking agricultural setting, contributing to the production of premium produce for both local and international markets. The position offers a blend of hands‑on work and strategic planning within a supportive team environment located in Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of commercial greenhouses, including environmental control (temperature, humidity, light), irrigation, and nutrient delivery systems.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) programs, focusing on biological and environmentally sound solutions.
• Manage plant nutrition programs, ensuring optimal nutrient uptake and crop health.
• Conduct regular crop inspections and quality assessments, identifying and addressing any issues promptly.
• Maintain detailed records of growing conditions, inputs, yields, and pest/disease occurrences.
• Supervise and train greenhouse technicians and farm workers, ensuring best practices are followed.
• Evaluate and implement new horticultural techniques and technologies to improve efficiency and crop quality.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to ensure produce meets market demands and quality specifications.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations within the Tembisa facility.
• Participate in budget management for greenhouse supplies and labor.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in commercial horticultural production, with a significant portion in greenhouse management.
• Demonstrated expertise in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and hydroponic/soilless culture systems.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, crop nutrition, and IPM strategies.
• Experience with greenhouse automation and environmental control systems is a plus.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail for crop monitoring.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a physically demanding environment, including varying temperatures and humidity.
• Good communication and record-keeping skills.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape in Gauteng is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attendance at industry conferences and specialized training courses, are provided.
• You will work in a modern facility with access to cutting‑edge horticultural technology.
• The role offers a degree of flexibility with a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a balance between on‑site operational management and off‑site strategic planning.
• Join a company committed to sustainable and high-quality horticultural production in South Africa .