Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Specialist

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health programs

Training opportunities

Exposure to research technology

Collaborative environment

Advancements in agriculture

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng, seeks a talented Horticulturalist with greenhouse management expertise to lead cultivation of high‑value crops in controlled environments. You will design, implement, and monitor optimal greenhouse conditions, develop precise irrigation and nutrient programs, oversee germination and propagation, and support research trials.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelors in Horticulture or related field, 4+ years in greenhouse operations, IPM knowledge, and a meticulous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in horticulture, plant science, botany, or related field.
• 4+ years hands-on greenhouse operations and management experience.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, pathology, and entomology relevant to greenhouse cultivation.
• Familiarity with IPM/IDM strategies in controlled environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain greenhouse facilities, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth (temperature, humidity, light, CO2 levels).
• Develop and implement precise nutrient feeding programs and irrigation schedules for various plant species.
• Oversee seed germination, propagation, transplanting, and overall crop care.
• Conduct regular inspections for pests and diseases, implementing effective and sustainable control measures.
• Monitor and manage environmental control systems, including ventilation, heating, cooling, and lighting.
• Maintain detailed records of planting dates, growth progress, treatments, and yields.
• Collaborate with research scientists and plant breeders on experimental trials and new crop development.
• Operate and maintain specialized greenhouse equipment and tools.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the greenhouse.

Skills

Greenhouse management

Plant physiology

Nutrient management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture/Plant Science/Botany or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge agricultural research and development company, is seeking a talented Horticulturalist with a specialization in greenhouse management to join their team in Centurion, Gauteng. This role is critical for the successful cultivation and propagation of high-value crops within controlled environments. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining optimal greenhouse conditions to support plant growth, research trials, and commercial production. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of plant physiology, nutrient management, environmental control systems, and integrated pest management within a greenhouse setting. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate horticulturalist to contribute to innovative agricultural solutions and work with advanced technologies. We are looking for a detail-oriented professional with a strong aptitude for scientific cultivation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain greenhouse facilities, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth (temperature, humidity, light, CO2 levels).
• Develop and implement precise nutrient feeding programs and irrigation schedules for various plant species.
• Oversee seed germination, propagation, transplanting, and overall crop care.
• Conduct regular inspections for pests and diseases, implementing effective and sustainable control measures.
• Monitor and manage environmental control systems, including ventilation, heating, cooling, and lighting.
• Maintain detailed records of planting dates, growth progress, treatments, and yields.
• Collaborate with research scientists and plant breeders on experimental trials and new crop development.
• Operate and maintain specialized greenhouse equipment and tools.
• Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations within the greenhouse.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Botany, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in greenhouse operations and management.
• Proven expertise in managing environmental control systems and nutrient delivery.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, pathology, and entomology relevant to greenhouse cultivation.
• Experience with a variety of plant species, including ornamentals, vegetables, or research crops.
• Familiarity with integrated pest and disease management (IPM/IDM) strategies in controlled environments.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Good record-keeping and data management abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic research setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health and wellness programs.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
• Exposure to innovative horticultural research and technology.
• A dynamic and collaborative working environment.
• Contribution to advancements in controlled environment agriculture.