Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Operations Lead

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional growth opportunities

Health and wellness programs

Paid vacation and sick leave

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist to lead our greenhouse operations in Bloemfontein, Free State. You will oversee climate control, irrigation, fertigation, and pest management to maximise plant health and yield.

This role requires a strong scientific background, a minimum of five years' hands-on greenhouse management experience with commercial crops, and the ability to lead a small team while maintaining rigorous records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in greenhouse management with commercial crops.
• Knowledge of hydroponic/aeroponic systems, fertigation, and environmental controls.
• Familiarity with local pests and diseases in the Free State.
• Strong organizational and team leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of advanced horticultural greenhouses.
• Develop precise fertilization and irrigation schedules.
• Monitor climate variables: temperature, humidity, CO2, light.
• Implement pest and disease management using biological methods.
• Lead and train greenhouse staff; maintain records.

Skills

Greenhouse management

Climate control

Irrigation systems

Pest management

Team leadership

Data logging

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture/Plant Science

Tools

Hydroponic/aeroponic systems

Greenhouse control software

Fertigation equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is searching for a skilled and passionate Horticulturalist to lead greenhouse operations in Bloemfontein, Free State. This role is central to the cultivation and propagation of high-value horticultural crops, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a strong scientific background. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of greenhouse environments, including climate control, irrigation, nutrient delivery, and pest management, to maximize plant health and yield. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of controlled environment agriculture in the Free State region and to work with a forward-thinking organization. You will play a key role in ensuring the quality and quantity of produce from our advanced greenhouse facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of advanced horticultural greenhouses, ensuring optimal growing conditions.
• Develop and implement precise fertilization and irrigation schedules tailored to specific crop needs.
• Monitor and control greenhouse climate variables such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies, focusing on biological and least-toxic methods.
• Conduct regular plant health assessments, diagnosing issues and recommending corrective actions.
• Manage propagation and planting schedules to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality crops.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff, ensuring adherence to protocols and best practices.
• Maintain accurate records of environmental conditions, crop growth, inputs, and yields.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in greenhouse technology and horticultural science relevant to Bloemfontein.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in greenhouse management, particularly with commercial crops.
• In-depth knowledge of hydroponic/aeroponic systems, fertigation, and environmental control systems.
• Familiarity with common horticultural pests and diseases affecting crops in the Free State region.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology and nutritional requirements.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team effectively.
• Proficiency in using greenhouse control software and data logging systems.
• Strong commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly horticultural practices.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package is offered, along with opportunities for professional growth and development in controlled environment agriculture.
• Access to modern horticultural technologies and research.
• Health and wellness programs.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
• This position offers the chance to make a significant impact in the agricultural sector of Bloemfontein.