Horticulturalist

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Work on diverse horticultural projects

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a passionate Horticulturalist to lead diverse horticultural operations, including gardens, nurseries, and crop cultivation. Hybrid role balancing on-site management with planning and reporting responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, at least four years of professional experience, strong plant knowledge, irrigation and pest management skills, and the ability to work with landscape designers and farm managers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Horticulture, Botany, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years hands-on professional horticulture experience.
• In-depth knowledge of plant identification, physiology, and cultivation requirements.
• Experience with pest and disease diagnosis and control, preferably with organic methods.
• Proficiency in garden design principles and landscape planning.
• Familiarity with irrigation systems and water management techniques.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and implement horticultural projects, including garden layouts and planting schemes.
• Oversee the cultivation, care, and maintenance of a wide variety of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
• Manage nursery operations, including propagation, grafting, and plant health.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies.
• Monitor soil conditions and apply appropriate fertilizers and soil amendments.
• Supervise and train horticultural staff, ensuring efficient and safe work practices.
• Maintain accurate records of plant collections, horticultural activities, and resource usage.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainable horticultural techniques.
• Advise on plant selection and suitability for specific environmental conditions.
• Contribute to budget development and management for horticultural operations.

Skills

Plant identification

Pest & disease diagnosis

Garden design

Irrigation systems

Project management

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Horticulture, Botany, Agriculture, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a passionate and skilled Horticulturalist to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is pivotal in managing and maintaining diverse horticultural operations, including ornamental gardens, nurseries, and potentially specialized crop cultivation. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of plant science, soil management, pest and disease control, and sustainable horticultural practices. You will be responsible for planning, designing, and implementing horticultural projects, ensuring the health and aesthetic quality of all cultivated areas. This hybrid role requires a balance of on-site work for practical management and development, alongside remote responsibilities for planning, reporting, and research. You will work closely with landscape designers, farm managers, and other stakeholders to achieve project objectives and enhance the natural beauty and productivity of the managed areas. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant horticultural initiatives within a developing region, promoting biodiversity and sustainable land use. The successful applicant will demonstrate creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to excellence in horticulture. Your expertise will be crucial in nurturing plant life and ensuring the success of our client’s green initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and implement horticultural projects, including garden layouts and planting schemes.
• Oversee the cultivation, care, and maintenance of a wide variety of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
• Manage nursery operations, including propagation, grafting, and plant health.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies.
• Monitor soil conditions and apply appropriate fertilizers and soil amendments.
• Supervise and train horticultural staff, ensuring efficient and safe work practices.
• Maintain accurate records of plant collections, horticultural activities, and resource usage.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainable horticultural techniques.
• Advise on plant selection and suitability for specific environmental conditions.
• Contribute to budget development and management for horticultural operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or National Diploma in Horticulture, Botany, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in professional horticulture.
• In-depth knowledge of plant identification, physiology, and cultivation requirements.
• Experience with pest and disease diagnosis and control, preferably with organic methods.
• Proficiency in garden design principles and landscape planning.
• Familiarity with irrigation systems and water management techniques.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Work on diverse and challenging horticultural projects.
• Access to modern horticultural equipment and resources.
• A chance to contribute to environmental sustainability and beautification.