Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Operations Manager

Placements24; Pretoria; Híbrido; ZAR 360.000 - 560.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Hybrid role

Innovative team

Modern facility

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist to manage its Pretoria greenhouse facilities. You will oversee daily operations, optimize environmental controls, and lead a team to achieve high-quality yields in a cutting-edge facility.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in plant physiology, IPM, and hydroponic or soilless systems, with at least five years of greenhouse management experience. The role offers a hybrid work model and opportunities for professional growth.

Formación

• Degree or diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, Botany or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in greenhouse management and cultivation.
• In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, IPM, and environmental controls.
• Experience with hydroponic or soilless growing systems is a plus.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee daily greenhouse operations: planting, propagation, cultivation and harvesting schedules.
• Manage environmental control systems (temp, humidity, lighting, CO2) to optimize growth.
• Develop and implement IPM strategies.
• Monitor plant health, nutrition, and water needs; adjust practices as required.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff; ensure safety protocols.
• Manage irrigation, fertilization, and nutrient delivery.
• Conduct trials on new varieties, media, and cultivation techniques.
• Maintain detailed records of growing conditions and pest/disease occurrences.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing to forecast production needs and ensure quality.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Team management

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Greenhouse operations

Educación

Degree or diploma in Horticulture/Plant Science/Botany

Herramientas

Greenhouse automation systems

Data logging systems

IPM tools

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a pioneering agricultural enterprise specializing in high-value ornamental plants and exotic produce, is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist to manage their state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities in Pretoria, Gauteng . This role demands a blend of scientific knowledge, practical experience, and managerial capability. You will be responsible for the cultivation, care, and optimization of plant growth within controlled environments, ensuring superior quality and yield. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plant physiology, pest and disease management, and environmental control systems. This is an excellent opportunity to lead operations at a cutting-edge facility and contribute to sustainable horticultural practices in a key agricultural region of South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily operations of the greenhouse, including planting, propagation, cultivation, and harvesting schedules.
• Manage environmental control systems (temperature, humidity, lighting, CO2) to optimize plant growth conditions.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies.
• Monitor plant health, nutrient levels, and water requirements, adjusting practices as needed.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff, ensuring efficient task completion and adherence to safety protocols.
• Manage irrigation systems, fertilizer application, and nutrient delivery.
• Conduct research and trials on new plant varieties, growing media, and cultivation techniques.
• Maintain detailed records of growing conditions, crop performance, resource usage, and pest/disease occurrences.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing team to forecast production needs and ensure product quality meets market demands.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, Botany, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in greenhouse management and plant cultivation.
• In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, propagation techniques, and environmental controls.
• Proven experience with integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies.
• Experience with hydroponic or soilless growing systems is a significant advantage.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with greenhouse automation and data logging systems.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required, particularly during critical growth and harvesting periods.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• comprehensive health insurance
• a retirement savings plan
• opportunities for professional development and further specialization
• This hybrid role allows for some flexibility while ensuring a strong presence at the facility.
• You will be part of an innovative team focused on horticultural excellence and sustainability in Pretoria.
• Enjoy working in a modern, well-equipped environment with the chance to advance your career in a growing sector.