Horticultural Specialist - Greenhouse Operations

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Horticultural Specialist to manage state-of-the-art greenhouse operations in Klerksdorp. This hands-on role requires expertise in protected cultivation, plant physiology, IPM, propagation, and fertigation, with responsibility for overseeing growth from propagation to final product.

You will lead a small team, monitor climate and environmental controls, maintain records, and ensure safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or related field.
• At least 4 years of experience in greenhouse management or horticultural production.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, propagation techniques, and crop nutrition.
• Experience with IPM strategies in a controlled environment.
• Familiarity with greenhouse automation and environmental control systems.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven leadership and team supervision abilities.
• Good record-keeping and data analysis skills.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment.
• A valid driver's license for site visits and coordination in Klerksdorp area.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing daily greenhouse operations, including climate control, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Managing plant propagation, transplanting, and crop scheduling.
• Implementing and monitoring IPM programs.
• Ensuring optimal plant health and maximizing crop yield and quality.
• Operating and maintaining greenhouse environmental control systems (e.g., HVAC, lighting, CO2 enrichment).
• Managing nutrient solutions and fertigation systems.
• Conducting regular crop inspections and diagnosing any issues.
• Supervising and training greenhouse staff.
• Maintaining accurate records of planting, treatments, yields, and environmental data.
• Ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards within the greenhouse.

Skills

Plant physiology

Propagation techniques

Crop nutrition

IPM

Greenhouse automation

Environmental control systems

Observational skills

Leadership

Record-keeping

Data analysis

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or related field

Tools

Greenhouse automation systems

Environmental control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive horticultural producer, is seeking a dedicated Horticultural Specialist to manage their state-of-the-art greenhouse operations in Klerksdorp . This role is hands-on and requires a deep understanding of protected cultivation techniques, plant physiology, and integrated pest and disease management within a greenhouse environment. The specialist will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant growth, from propagation to final product, ensuring optimal quality and yield. You will lead a small team, manage environmental controls (temperature, humidity, light), nutrient delivery systems (fertigation), and maintain meticulous records. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate horticulturist to contribute to a leading agricultural business in the North West province, focusing on advanced horticultural practices and sustainable production.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing daily greenhouse operations, including climate control, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Managing plant propagation, transplanting, and crop scheduling.
• Implementing and monitoring integrated pest and disease management (IPM) programs.
• Ensuring optimal plant health and maximizing crop yield and quality.
• Operating and maintaining greenhouse environmental control systems (e.g., HVA C, lighting, CO2 enrichment).
• Managing nutrient solutions and fertigation systems.
• Conducting regular crop inspections and diagnosing any issues.
• Supervising and training greenhouse staff.
• Maintaining accurate records of planting, treatments, yields, and environmental data.
• Ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards within the greenhouse.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in greenhouse management or horticultural production.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, propagation techniques, and crop nutrition.
• Experience with IPM strategies in a controlled environment.
• Familiarity with greenhouse automation and environmental control systems.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven leadership and team supervision abilities.
• Good record-keeping and data analysis skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a physically demanding environment.
• A valid driver's license is required for potential site visits and supply chain coordination in the Klerksdorp area.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and performance-based bonuses. This is a permanent, on-site role in Klerksdorp, offering stability and the chance to grow within a respected horticultural enterprise.

• Benefits include medical aid, a retirement fund, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for further training and professional development in advanced horticultural techniques are provided.