Horticulturalist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development

Supportive working environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, seeks a skilled Horticulturalist to manage extensive gardens and research plots. You will plan planting schedules, maintain glasshouses and nurseries, and ensure plant health and aesthetic appeal.

The role emphasizes soil health, irrigation, pest control, and accurate record keeping, with opportunities to conduct research on new plant varieties and landscape design while leading horticultural staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Botany, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of practical experience in professional horticulture, preferably in garden or estate management.
• In-depth knowledge of plant identification, physiology, propagation, and cultivation.
• Experience with landscape design and garden maintenance principles.
• Proficiency in managing horticultural staff and resources effectively.
• Ability to identify and treat plant diseases and pests using appropriate methods.
• Good organizational skills and a passion for plants and conservation.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute planting, pruning, and care strategies for a wide variety of plant species.
• Oversee the maintenance of gardens, greenhouses, and nursery facilities, ensuring high standards of presentation and health.
• Manage irrigation systems, fertilization programs, and pest and disease control measures using integrated approaches.
• Supervise and train horticultural staff, assigning tasks and ensuring quality workmanship.
• Conduct research on new plant varieties, cultivation techniques, and landscape design principles.
• Maintain accurate records of plant collections, horticultural treatments, and operational expenses.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and passionate Horticulturalist to manage their extensive gardens and research plots in Welkom, Free State. This position is vital for the cultivation, maintenance, and development of diverse plant collections, ensuring their health and aesthetic appeal. You will be involved in planning planting schedules, managing horticultural staff, and implementing best practices for soil health, irrigation, and pest control. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of plant science, and a commitment to preserving and enhancing horticultural diversity.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute planting, pruning, and care strategies for a wide variety of plant species.
• Oversee the maintenance of gardens, greenhouses, and nursery facilities, ensuring high standards of presentation and health.
• Manage irrigation systems, fertilization programs, and pest and disease control measures using integrated approaches.
• Supervise and train horticultural staff, assigning tasks and ensuring quality workmanship.
• Conduct research on new plant varieties, cultivation techniques, and landscape design principles.
• Maintain accurate records of plant collections, horticultural treatments, and operational expenses.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Botany, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of practical experience in professional horticulture, preferably in a garden or estate management role.
• In-depth knowledge of plant identification, physiology, propagation, and cultivation.
• Experience with landscape design and garden maintenance principles.
• Proficiency in managing horticultural staff and resources effectively.
• Ability to identify and treat plant diseases and pests using appropriate methods.
• Good organizational skills and a passion for plants and conservation.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Opportunity to work with diverse and exotic plant collections.
• Access to training and development in advanced horticultural techniques.
• A stable and supportive working environment within a respected agricultural organization.
• Contribution to beautifying and enriching the local environment through expert horticultural care.