Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Operations Specialist

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Modern greenhouse technology

Growth opportunities

Supportive team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Horticulturalist focused on greenhouse operations for a specialized horticultural farm in Benoni, Gauteng. You will manage seed propagation, crop production, harvest and post-harvest handling within controlled environments, ensuring high-quality yields.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years hands-on greenhouse experience, strong knowledge of plant physiology and IPM, and familiarity with hydroponic or soilless systems.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Horticulture or related field.
• 3–5 years hands-on greenhouse management experience.
• Knowledge of plant physiology, pathology, and entomology in controlled environments.
• Experience with hydroponic or soilless growing systems preferred.
• Familiarity with greenhouse climate control systems and automation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of commercial greenhouses and optimize growing conditions.
• Manage propagation, seeding, transplanting and crop cultivation.
• Monitor environmental factors: temperature, humidity, light and CO2.
• Implement IPM strategies within greenhouse environments.
• Oversee hydroponic or substrate-based systems, including nutrients.
• Manage irrigation and fertigation schedules for optimal health.
• Maintain records of crop production, inputs, environmental data, and observations.
• Supervise greenhouse staff and ensure best practices.
• Oversee infrastructure, irrigation systems and climate control equipment.
• Ensure harvest quality and post-harvest handling as required.

Skills

Horticulture expertise

Greenhouse management

IPM

Hydroponics

Climate control

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or diploma in Horticulture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialized horticultural farm located in Benoni, Gauteng , is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Horticulturalist with a focus on greenhouse operations. This role is crucial for managing and optimizing the production of high-value horticultural crops within controlled environments. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of plant physiology, pest and disease management in greenhouses, hydroponics or substrate growing systems, and environmental control technologies. You will be responsible for all aspects of greenhouse management, from seeding and propagation to harvesting and post-harvest handling. This is a hands-on role that requires meticulous attention to detail and a passion for plant science, contributing to the thriving agricultural landscape of Benoni .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of commercial greenhouses, ensuring optimal growing conditions.
• Manage plant propagation, seeding, transplanting, and cultivation of various horticultural crops.
• Monitor and control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 levels.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies within the greenhouse environment.
• Manage hydroponic or substrate-based growing systems, including nutrient solution formulation and delivery.
• Oversee irrigation and fertigation schedules to ensure optimal plant health and water use efficiency.
• Maintain detailed records of crop production, inputs, environmental data, and pest/disease observations.
• Supervise and train greenhouse staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to best practices.
• Manage greenhouse infrastructure, including structures, irrigation systems, and climate control equipment.
• Ensure product quality and consistency, overseeing harvesting and post-harvest handling as required.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in greenhouse management and crop production.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, pathology, and entomology relevant to controlled environments.
• Experience with hydroponic or other soilless growing systems is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with greenhouse climate control systems and automation.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage a small team.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic data analysis.
• Understanding of sustainable horticultural practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with modern greenhouse technology and innovative horticultural practices.
• Direct impact on the production of high-quality produce.
• Supportive work environment within the agricultural community of Gauteng .
• Potential for growth and increased responsibility within the company.
• Exposure to diverse horticultural crops and cultivation techniques.