Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Operations

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist to lead its advanced greenhouse operations in Randburg, Gauteng. You will oversee daily cultivation, optimize growth conditions, and ensure plant health in controlled environments.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field, at least three years of greenhouse experience, and strong IPM, irrigation, and climate-control capabilities. Leadership and meticulous record-keeping are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in horticultural production, with specific experience in greenhouse operations.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, crop nutrition, and pest/disease management in controlled environments.
• Experience with greenhouse environmental control systems (heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, CO2 enrichment).
• Familiarity with irrigation and fertigation systems.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Good leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic computer applications.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work on-site in Randburg, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of commercial greenhouses, ensuring optimal growing conditions.
• Manage planting, cultivation, and harvesting cycles for a variety of horticultural crops.
• Monitor and control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels.
• Implement and manage IPM strategies within the greenhouse environment.
• Manage irrigation and fertigation systems to meet plant needs.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to protocols.
• Conduct regular plant health assessments and identify issues with corrective measures.
• Maintain detailed records of crop growth, environmental data, inputs, and yields.
• Research and recommend new horticultural techniques, varieties, and technologies.
• Ensure adherence to safety, hygiene, and quality standards within the greenhouse facilities.

Skills

Plant physiology

Pest & disease management

Leadership

Independent work

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture/Plant Science/Agriculture

Tools

Greenhouse environment controls

Irrigation and fertigation systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier horticultural producer located in the bustling area of Randburg , Gauteng , is seeking a skilled and passionate Horticulturalist to manage its advanced greenhouse operations. This role focuses on the cultivation of high-quality horticultural products within controlled environments, ensuring optimal growth conditions, plant health, and yield maximization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of plant physiology, pest and disease management within greenhouses, and the operation of sophisticated climate control systems. You will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing a small team, and implementing best practices in greenhouse cultivation. Our client is dedicated to producing premium horticultural products and is looking for an individual committed to excellence and innovation in controlled environment agriculture in the Gauteng region near Randburg .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of commercial greenhouses, ensuring optimal growing conditions.
• Manage planting, cultivation, and harvesting cycles for a variety of horticultural crops.
• Monitor and control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels.
• Implement and manage integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies within the greenhouse environment.
• Manage irrigation and nutrient delivery systems (fertigation) to meet plant needs.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to protocols.
• Conduct regular plant health assessments and identify any issues, implementing corrective measures promptly.
• Maintain detailed records of crop growth, environmental data, inputs, and yields.
• Research and recommend new horticultural techniques, varieties, and technologies to improve production.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, hygiene, and quality standards within the greenhouse facilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in horticultural production, with specific experience in greenhouse operations.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, crop nutrition, and pest/disease management in controlled environments.
• Experience with greenhouse environmental control systems (heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, CO2 enrichment).
• Familiarity with irrigation and fertigation systems.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Good leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic computer applications.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work on-site in Randburg , Gauteng .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program, including medical aid and a provident fund.
• This role provides an excellent opportunity to work with advanced greenhouse technology and contribute to high-quality horticultural production in Randburg , Gauteng .
• We are committed to employee development and offer pathways for career progression within our growing organization.