Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Operations Manager

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Hybrid work

Modern greenhouse tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Horticulturalist to manage our client's greenhouse facilities near Port Elizabeth. The role blends hands-on cultivation with remote planning, reporting, and resource management to ensure optimal growing conditions and production cycles.

You will lead a team, implement IPM strategies, oversee environmental control systems, and collaborate with procurement to source seeds and growing media.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field.
• 4+ years greenhouse management experience.
• Experience with IPM and climate control systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily greenhouse operations including planting, watering, fertilizing, and pest monitoring.
• Manage environmental control systems (temperature, humidity, light, CO2) to optimize growth.
• Implement and manage propagation programs for various plant species.
• Develop and execute IPM strategies prioritizing biological controls.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff and ensure protocol adherence.
• Maintain records of environmental data, growth, pest outbreaks, and chemical use.
• Collaborate with procurement on seeds, fertilizers, supplies.
• Manage budget and optimize resource utilization.

Skills

Horticulture

IPM

Plant physiology

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Horticulture

Tools

Greenhouse management software

Automation systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent horticultural enterprise specializing in the cultivation of ornamental plants and specialty crops, is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist to manage their state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities near Port Elizabeth. This hybrid role combines hands-on management and cultivation within the greenhouses with remote responsibilities for planning, reporting, and resource management. The Horticulturalist will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of greenhouse operations, including plant health, environmental control, propagation, and pest management, ensuring the production of high-quality plants. This position requires a deep understanding of plant physiology, integrated pest management (IPM), hydroponic or soil-based cultivation systems, and climate control technologies. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to sustainable horticultural practices. You will ensure optimal growing conditions and efficient production cycles to meet market demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily greenhouse operations, including planting, watering, fertilizing, and pest/disease monitoring and control.
• Manage environmental control systems (temperature, humidity, light, CO2) to optimize plant growth and health.
• Implement and manage propagation programs for various plant species.
• Develop and execute integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies, prioritizing biological and sustainable control methods.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of environmental data, plant growth, pest/disease outbreaks, and chemical applications.
• Collaborate with the procurement team on sourcing seeds, fertilizers, growing media, and other necessary supplies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Research and implement new horticultural techniques and technologies to improve efficiency and plant quality.
• Manage the budget for greenhouse operations, controlling costs and optimizing resource utilization.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in greenhouse management or advanced horticultural production.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, propagation techniques, and soil/soilless culture.
• Proven experience with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
• Familiarity with greenhouse environmental control systems and automation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, both in the greenhouse and remotely.
• Proficiency in using greenhouse management software and standard office applications.
• A keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the company are provided.
• The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between hands-on work and flexible remote management.
• Health insurance and paid time off are included.
• Access to modern greenhouse technology and a collaborative team environment are key benefits.