Horticulturalist - Crop Specialist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is seeking a knowledgeable Horticulturalist specializing in crop science to oversee cultivation and crop management, focusing on quality and yield. The role blends field work with planning, IPM, soil and nutrient management, and staff supervision, with a hybrid work setup and opportunities to apply advanced horticultural techniques.

Candidates should have a degree or diploma in horticulture or crop science and at least four years of practical experience

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Crop Science, or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum of 4 years of practical experience in horticultural crop management.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and pest/disease identification.
• Experience with irrigation systems and nutrient management plans.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid capacity.
• Good understanding of South African agricultural practices and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of horticultural crop production, from planting and cultivation to harvesting.
• Develop and implement effective pest and disease control strategies using integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Conduct soil testing and analysis to optimize nutrient management and irrigation schedules.
• Research and introduce new crop varieties and horticultural techniques to improve productivity and quality.
• Supervise and train field staff on best horticultural practices and safety procedures.
• Monitor market trends and consumer preferences to align crop production with market demands.

Skills

Crop management

IPM

Soil science

Irrigation systems

Plant physiology

Team training

Education

Degree or Diploma in Horticulture/Crop Science

Tools

Irrigation systems

Soil testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Horticulturalist with a specialization in crop science to join their team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This role involves overseeing the cultivation and management of various horticultural crops, focusing on maximizing quality and yield through scientific principles and innovative techniques. You will play a key part in crop planning, disease management, and ensuring the sustainable production of high-quality produce. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for an experienced horticulturalist to contribute to a leading agricultural operation in the scenic Western Cape, blending field work with strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of horticultural crop production, from planting and cultivation to harvesting.
• Develop and implement effective pest and disease control strategies using integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Conduct soil testing and analysis to optimize nutrient management and irrigation schedules.
• Research and introduce new crop varieties and horticultural techniques to improve productivity and quality.
• Supervise and train field staff on best horticultural practices and safety procedures.
• Monitor market trends and consumer preferences to align crop production with market demands.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Crop Science, or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum of 4 years of practical experience in horticultural crop management.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and pest/disease identification.
• Experience with irrigation systems and nutrient management plans.
• Good understanding of South African agricultural practices and regulations.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid capacity.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Hybrid work arrangement providing a balance of field and administrative tasks.
• Medical aid and retirement fund.
• Access to advanced horticultural technologies and research.
• Beautiful working environment in the Mossel Bay region.