Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Operations Manager

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape seeks an experienced Horticulturalist to lead greenhouse operations, optimizing plant growth and IPM while supervising a dedicated team.

The role requires a degree in horticulture or related field, 5+ years in commercial horticulture including greenhouse management, and hands-on experience with hydroponics or soilless systems. Applicants should be prepared for flexible hours and travel within the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Horticulture or related field.
• 5+ years in commercial horticulture with 3+ years in greenhouse mgmt.
• Experience with hydroponics or soilless systems.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage climate control, irrigation, fertilization, and lighting.
• Oversee propagation, cultivation and care of plant species.
• Implement IPM/IDM programs to minimize crop loss and chemical use.
• Monitor plant health, growth and yield; adjust cultivation practices.
• Lead, train and supervise horticultural technicians and farm workers.
• Maintain records of crop performance, resources and pest outbreaks.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, environmental regs and quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D on new crop trials and cultivation techniques.
• Manage inventory of seeds, nutrients, growing media and supplies.
• Maintain and calibrate greenhouse equipment and environmental controls.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

IPM

Hydroponics

Irrigation

Nutrient management

Plant physiology

Communication

Greenhouse software

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Horticulture/Plant Science/Agriculture

Tools

Greenhouse management software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent organization within the Agriculture & Forestry sector, is seeking an experienced Horticulturalist to serve as the Greenhouse Operations Manager in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This critical role involves overseeing the daily management of state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities, focusing on optimizing plant growth, managing integrated pest management (IPM) systems, ensuring optimal environmental conditions, and leading a dedicated team. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of advanced horticultural techniques, hydroponics or other soilless cultivation methods, and a passion for producing high-quality crops. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to innovative agricultural practices in a scenic coastal region of the Western Cape . We are looking for a proactive and knowledgeable leader committed to sustainable and efficient horticultural production.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of greenhouse operations, including climate control, irrigation, fertilization, and lighting.
• Oversee the propagation, cultivation, and care of a variety of plant species according to production schedules.
• Implement and manage integrated pest and disease management (IPM/IDM) programs to minimize crop loss and chemical use.
• Monitor plant health, growth, and yield, making timely adjustments to cultivation practices.
• Lead, train, and supervise a team of horticultural technicians and farm workers.
• Maintain detailed records of crop performance, resource utilization (water, nutrients), and pest/disease outbreaks.
• Ensure all greenhouse operations comply with food safety, environmental regulations, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with research and development teams on new crop trials and cultivation techniques.
• Manage inventory of seeds, nutrients, growing media, and other essential supplies.
• Ensure the proper maintenance and calibration of greenhouse equipment and environmental control systems.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in commercial horticulture, with at least 3 years in a greenhouse management or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in greenhouse environmental control systems, irrigation, and nutrient management.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, pathology, entomology, and integrated pest/disease management strategies.
• Experience with hydroponic or other soilless growing systems is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Proficiency in using greenhouse management software and standard office productivity tools.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, as required by crop cycles and operational needs.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Western Cape region as needed.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits program including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• This role provides opportunities for professional development and engagement with cutting-edge horticultural technologies.
• The position is located in the beautiful coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , offering a high quality of life.
• Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to sustainable and innovative horticultural production.