Horticulturalist - Commercial Greenhouse Operations

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 380,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist to lead our advanced commercial greenhouse operations near Polokwane, Limpopo. You will manage climate control, irrigation, fertigation, pest and disease control, and staff, ensuring top-quality production and efficiency.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field and at least 5 years in commercial horticulture with CEA experience. Hands-on leadership and data-driven decisions are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in commercial horticulture with a focus on greenhouse operations.
• Proven experience in managing controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, crop nutrition, pest/disease management, and environmental controls.
• Experience with fertigation and hydroponic or substrate growing systems is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of commercial greenhouses, ensuring optimal growing conditions.
• Manage irrigation systems, fertigation solutions, and environmental controls (temperature, humidity, CO2).
• Implement and manage IPM programs for pest and disease control.
• Monitor plant growth and health, addressing issues promptly.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to protocols.
• Maintain detailed records of crop production, environmental data, and resource usage.
• Contribute to crop planning, variety selection, and yield optimization strategies.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards.
• Manage inventory of supplies, fertilizers, and growing media.
• Collaborate with broader operations to align production with market demands.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture/Plant Science/Agronomy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading producer of high-quality horticultural products, is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist to manage their advanced commercial greenhouse operations near Polokwane, Limpopo . This role is central to ensuring the successful cultivation, growth, and yield of a variety of greenhouse-grown produce. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of greenhouse management, including climate control, irrigation, nutrient delivery, pest and disease management, and plant health monitoring. The ideal candidate will have a strong horticultural background, practical experience in controlled environment agriculture, and a keen eye for detail. You will lead a dedicated team and be instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of production efficiency and product quality. This is a hands-on role offering the chance to apply your expertise in a productive agricultural setting in the vibrant region of Limpopo .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of commercial greenhouses, ensuring optimal growing conditions.
• Manage irrigation systems, nutrient solutions (fertigation), and environmental controls (temperature, humidity, CO2).
• Implement and manage integrated pest and disease management (IPM) programs.
• Monitor plant growth and health, identifying and addressing any issues promptly.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to protocols.
• Maintain detailed records of crop production, environmental data, and resource usage.
• Contribute to crop planning, variety selection, and yield optimization strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and quality standards.
• Manage inventory of supplies, fertilizers, and growing media.
• Collaborate with the broader operations team to align greenhouse production with market demands.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial horticulture, with a significant focus on greenhouse operations.
• Proven experience in managing controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, crop nutrition, pest/disease management, and environmental controls.
• Experience with fertigation and hydroponic or substrate growing systems is highly desirable.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage staff.
• Familiarity with greenhouse automation systems and data logging.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic data analysis.
• Willingness to work in a hands-on role in Polokwane , within the operational environment of the greenhouses.
• A valid driver's license.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, tailored to the candidate's experience and qualifications, along with benefits such as medical aid and opportunities for professional development. You will work in a dynamic and growth-oriented environment with access to modern horticultural facilities. The company supports continuous learning and encourages employees to attend industry workshops and training sessions. This role provides a stable position within a reputable agricultural business located in the scenic region of Polokwane . Our client is committed to excellence in horticultural production and providing a supportive work environment.