Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Operations

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Hybrid work setup

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a client in Benoni, Gauteng to recruit a Horticulturalist to lead state-of-the-art greenhouse operations. The role focuses on controlled environment agriculture to maximise yield, plant health and crop quality, combining hands-on plant care with technical management.

You will oversee environmental controls, nutrient and irrigation scheduling, and IPM strategies while guiding a team of greenhouse workers.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in horticulture or related field is required.
• Minimum 4 years of greenhouse management or related horticultural experience.
• Proven expertise with hydroponics, aeroponics or other controlled environment systems.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, pests and diseases, and nutrient management.
• Experience with environmental control systems and monitoring technology.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate greenhouse staff.
• Familiarity with Gauteng agricultural landscape is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all greenhouse operations: planting, propagation, cultivation and harvesting.
• Manage environmental control systems: temperature, humidity, lighting and CO2.
• Develop and implement nutrient and irrigation schedules.
• Monitor plant health and implement IPM strategies.
• Maintain records of growing conditions, crop progress and resource usage.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff; ensure efficient workflow and best practices.
• Research and adopt new horticultural technologies and techniques.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing to meet production targets and customer demands.
• Ensure safety and environmental regulation compliance.

Skills

Pest and disease management

IPM knowledge

Team leadership

Environmental controls

Education

Diploma or Degree in Horticulture/Plant Science/Agriculture or related field

Tools

Hydroponics systems

Aeroponics systems

CO2 and climate control equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in specialized horticulture, is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist to manage their state-of-the-art greenhouse operations in Benoni, Gauteng . This role requires expertise in controlled environment agriculture, focusing on maximizing plant health, growth, and yield for a variety of high-value crops. You will be responsible for implementing advanced cultivation techniques, managing environmental controls, and ensuring the highest quality produce. This position blends hands-on plant care with technical management, offering a rewarding opportunity to contribute to innovative horticultural practices within a dynamic team setting.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of greenhouse operations, including planting, propagation, cultivation, and harvesting. Manage environmental control systems, including temperature, humidity, lighting, and CO2 levels, to optimize plant growth. Develop and implement nutrient and irrigation schedules, ensuring precise delivery for plant needs. Monitor plant health, identify pests and diseases, and implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Maintain detailed records of growing conditions, crop progress, and resource usage. Supervise and train greenhouse staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to best practices. Research and implement new horticultural technologies and techniques to improve efficiency and crop quality. Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to meet production targets and customer demands. Ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulations within the greenhouse facilities. Contribute to the development of new crop varieties and cultivation protocols.

Requirements

A Diploma or Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related field. A minimum of 4 years of experience in greenhouse management or a similar horticultural role. Proven expertise in hydroponics, aeroponics, or other controlled environment agriculture systems. Strong knowledge of plant physiology, pest and disease management, and nutrient management. Experience with environmental control systems and monitoring technology. Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to lead and motivate a team of greenhouse workers. Familiarity with the agricultural landscape of Gauteng is advantageous. Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends, to manage critical growing stages.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with health insurance and retirement benefits. This hybrid role provides a balance between on-site operational management and potential for remote administrative or planning tasks. You will have access to modern facilities and opportunities for professional development. This position offers a unique chance to work with innovative horticultural technologies in the vibrant agricultural sector of Benoni .