Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

State-of-the-art greenhouse facilities

Professional development opportunities

Sustainable practices

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist specializing in greenhouse operations. You will manage daily climate control, irrigation, fertilization, and crop health in a controlled environment to produce high-quality produce year-round.

The role blends hands-on on-site greenhouse management with remote analysis and reporting in a hybrid model, requiring IPM expertise, hydroponics knowledge, and a passion for sustainable agriculture.

Qualifications

• Degree in Horticulture or Plant Science required.
• Minimum of 5 years of greenhouse management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of hydroponic systems and IPM preferred.
• Familiarity with greenhouse automation and environmental control tech.
• Strong data interpretation and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of hydroponic and soil-based greenhouses.
• Control environmental factors: temperature, humidity, CO2, light.
• Implement irrigation and fertilization schedules.
• Inspect plants for pests/diseases and apply IPM measures.
• Maintain records of crop growth, yields, and environmental data.
• Collaborate with R&D to trial new varieties and methods.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data interpretation

Hybrid work

Pest management

Education

Degree in Horticulture

Degree in Plant Science

Tools

Hydroponic systems

IPM knowledge

Greenhouse automation systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist with a specialization in greenhouse operations to join their innovative team in Durban . This role requires a deep understanding of controlled environment agriculture, plant physiology, and pest management within greenhouse settings. You will be responsible for managing daily greenhouse operations, including climate control, irrigation, fertilization, and plant health monitoring. The ideal candidate is passionate about plant cultivation, possesses meticulous attention to detail, and excels in a hybrid work environment that blends hands-on greenhouse management with remote analysis and reporting, contributing to the development of high-quality produce year-round in a coastal setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of advanced hydroponic and soil-based greenhouses.
• Monitor and control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity.
• Implement and oversee irrigation and fertilization schedules tailored to specific crop needs.
• Conduct regular plant health inspections, identify pests and diseases, and implement appropriate control measures.
• Maintain detailed records of crop growth, yields, environmental data, and operational activities.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to trial new crop varieties and cultivation techniques.

Requirements

• Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in greenhouse management or specialized horticulture.
• In-depth knowledge of hydroponic systems, nutrient solutions, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Familiarity with greenhouse automation systems and environmental control technology.
• Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and problem-solving.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site duties with remote reporting and planning.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Access to state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.
• Be part of a company focused on innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.