Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Operations Management

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, seeks an experienced Horticulturalist to lead a high-tech greenhouse operation. The role is hands-on, covering crop management, environmental control, pest and disease management, and team leadership to optimize quality and yield.

You will oversee climate control, irrigation, crop planning, IPM, staff training, and meticulous record-keeping. A degree plus 4+ years in commercial greenhouse ops are required; relocation support may be available and cutting-edge

Qualifications

• Requires 4+ years of experience in commercial greenhouse operations management.
• Strong knowledge of hydroponic, aquaponic, or substrate-based growing systems may be advantageous.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a team and maintain accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day greenhouse operations including climate control, irrigation, and fertilization systems.
• Develop and implement crop production plans from propagation to harvest.
• Monitor plant health and manage pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies using IPM.
• Manage seeding, transplanting, pruning, and harvesting to meet targets.
• Operate and maintain environmental control systems and related equipment.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Maintain detailed records of growth, treatments, yields and costs.
• Contribute to selection of new crops and cultivation techniques.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Liaise with inputs suppliers and sales/logistics teams for distribution.

Skills

Crop management

Environmental control

Integrated pest management

Team leadership

Record-keeping

MS Office

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading producer of high-value horticultural crops, is looking for an experienced Horticulturalist to manage their state-of-the-art greenhouse operations in Mahikeng, North West . This role is hands-on and requires expertise in all aspects of greenhouse cultivation, including crop management, environmental control, pest and disease management, and team leadership. You will be responsible for ensuring optimal growing conditions to maximize crop quality and yield for a variety of ornamental or edible plants. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled horticulturalist to lead operations in a dynamic and technologically advanced growing facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day management of greenhouse operations, including climate control (temperature, humidity, light), irrigation, and fertilization systems.
• Develop and implement comprehensive crop production plans, from propagation to harvest.
• Monitor plant health closely, identifying and managing pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies using integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Manage seeding, transplanting, pruning, and harvesting activities to meet production targets.
• Operate and maintain greenhouse equipment, including environmental control systems, pumps, and sprayers.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
• Maintain detailed records of crop growth, treatments, yields, and operational costs.
• Contribute to the selection of new crop varieties and cultivation techniques.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Liaise with suppliers for inputs and with sales/logistics teams for product distribution.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in commercial greenhouse operations management.
• Strong knowledge of hydroponic, aquaponic, or substrate-based growing systems.
• Expertise in plant physiology, crop nutrition, and integrated pest and disease management.
• Experience with environmental control systems and automation in greenhouses.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a team of horticultural workers.
• Good organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g., MS Office).
• Must hold a valid driver's license and be willing to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends, as required by crop cycles.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a provident fund. You will have the opportunity to work with modern horticultural technologies and access professional development resources. The company values a productive and collaborative work environment, offering job security and potential for growth within their expanding operations. This role provides a chance to directly impact the quality and quantity of produce from a significant horticultural enterprise. Relocation assistance may be available for highly qualified candidates.