Horticulturalist – Greenhouse Operations Lead

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Access to advanced greenhouse tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Horticulturalist to lead advanced greenhouse operations near Richards Bay. You will oversee environmental control, nutrient management, pest and disease programs, and staff supervision to ensure high-quality yields.

The role requires a strong horticulture foundation, greenhouse automation experience, and hands-on leadership in a state-of-the-art facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Occasional weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related agricultural discipline.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in commercial greenhouse management.
• Knowledge of protected cultivation and controlled environment agriculture.
• Familiarity with soilless growing systems and greenhouse automation.
• Strong record-keeping, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of advanced horticultural greenhouses.
• Develop crop production plans including seeding, transplanting and harvesting schedules.
• Monitor environmental factors: temperature, humidity, CO2, light.
• Manage nutrient delivery systems (hydroponics, fertigation).
• Implement IPM programs and ensure quality control standards.
• Supervise greenhouse staff and maintain cultivation records.
• Collaborate with R&D on new cultivation techniques and varieties.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Team leadership

Environmental control

Pest and disease management

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture/Plant Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading producer of high-quality horticultural products based near Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , is looking for a skilled and dedicated Horticulturalist to lead their advanced greenhouse operations. This role is crucial for managing the cultivation of a diverse range of plants within a controlled environment, ensuring optimal growth, health, and yield. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in horticulture science, extensive experience with greenhouse management systems, and a passion for innovative cultivation techniques. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of greenhouse operations, including environmental control, nutrient management, pest and disease control, and staff supervision. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility and contribute to the thriving agricultural sector in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa . We seek a meticulous individual with excellent problem-solving skills and a commitment to producing premium horticultural products. The role involves hands-on work as well as strategic planning for enhanced productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day operations of advanced horticultural greenhouses.
• Developing and implementing crop production plans, including seeding, transplanting, and harvesting schedules.
• Monitoring and controlling environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity.
• Managing nutrient delivery systems (hydroponics, fertigation) to optimize plant nutrition.
• Implementing integrated pest and disease management (IPM) programs.
• Supervising and training greenhouse staff, assigning tasks, and ensuring productivity.
• Maintaining detailed records of all cultivation activities, inputs, and environmental data.
• Conducting regular plant health assessments and taking corrective actions as needed.
• Ensuring adherence to quality control standards and safe operational procedures.
• Collaborating with the research and development team on new cultivation techniques and plant varieties.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related agricultural discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial greenhouse management.
• In-depth knowledge of protected cultivation techniques and controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
• Familiarity with hydroponic, aeroponic, or other soilless growing systems.
• Experience with greenhouse automation and environmental control systems.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology, pathology, and entomology.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Excellent record-keeping and data analysis skills.
• Problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including occasional weekends, during peak growing seasons.
• A valid driver's license for local travel around Richards Bay .

Benefits

• A competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and learning new horticultural technologies.
• Access to advanced greenhouse facilities and cutting-edge equipment.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment.
• The chance to work with a variety of high-value horticultural crops.
• Contribution to the agricultural economy of KwaZulu-Natal .
• Paid annual leave and public holidays.
• Potential for career growth within the organization.