Horticulturalist and Nursery Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle for site visits

Comprehensive health benefits

Professional development opportunities

Hands-on experience in horticulture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist and Nursery Manager to lead our nursery operations in the Nelspruit region. You will manage propagation, care, and quality of a wide range of plants for sale or use in agriculture.

The ideal candidate will have a degree/diploma in horticulture, 5+ years in nursery management, and strong IPM and irrigation expertise, with hands-on leadership of a team in a thriving horticultural environment.

Qualifications

• For this role, a degree or diploma in horticulture or related field is required.
• At least 5 years of horticultural management and nursery experience.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, IPM, and propagation techniques.
• Experience with greenhouse operations and irrigation systems; ability to lead a team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee propagation, cultivation, potting, and transplanting of plant species.
• Develop and implement plant care programs including watering and fertilization.
• Manage pruning, pest and disease control, and preventative measures.
• Supervise and train nursery staff, assigning tasks and ensuring quality.
• Monitor plant health and apply appropriate treatments.
• Maintain inventory of plants, seeds, soil, and supplies; ensure stock levels.
• Maintain nursery facilities including greenhouses, shade houses, and irrigation.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Team leadership

Inventory management

Education

Degree or Diploma in Horticulture/Botany/Agriculture

Tools

Greenhouse management

Irrigation systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a skilled Horticulturalist and Nursery Manager to lead their nursery operations in the Nelspruit region. This role is responsible for the cultivation, care, and management of a wide variety of plants, ensuring their health and quality for sale or further agricultural use. You will manage nursery staff, oversee propagation, pest and disease control, and inventory management. The ideal candidate possesses extensive horticultural knowledge, practical experience in nursery management, and a passion for plant science, contributing to sustainable horticultural practices in Mpumalanga .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of nursery operations, including propagation, cultivation, potting, and transplanting of various plant species.
• Develop and implement plant care programs, including watering, fertilization, pest and disease control, and pruning strategies.
• Supervise and train nursery staff, assigning tasks and ensuring work is completed efficiently and to high standards.
• Monitor plant health and identify any issues, implementing appropriate treatments and preventative measures.
• Manage inventory of plants, seeds, soil, and other nursery supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels.
• Maintain nursery facilities, including greenhouses, shade houses, and irrigation systems.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Botany, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in horticultural management and nursery operations.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, propagation techniques, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Experience with greenhouse management and irrigation systems.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a team.
• Good record-keeping and inventory management skills.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential for bonuses based on nursery performance.
• Company vehicle for site visits and supply runs.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Access to professional development opportunities and horticultural training.
• A role offering hands-on experience in a thriving horticultural environment.