Horticulturalist - Large Scale Greenhouse Operations

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an experienced Horticulturalist to manage state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities in Klerksdorp, North West. You will lead a team of growers, optimize crop production, and oversee climate control, irrigation, nutrition, and IPM programs to ensure quality and yield.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Horticulture or related field, 5+ years in commercial greenhouse operations, strong leadership, and a hands-on approach in a controlled environment setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in commercial horticultural production with strong greenhouse management focus.
• Knowledge of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) principles and technologies.
• Experience with crops suitable for greenhouse cultivation.
• Proficiency in identifying and managing greenhouse pests and diseases.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Familiarity with greenhouse automation and control systems is advantageous.
• Excellent record-keeping and analytical abilities.
• Must be based in or relocate to Klerksdorp, North West.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all greenhouse operations, including climate control, irrigation, and nutrient management.
• Develop and implement planting, cultivation, and harvesting schedules for high-value crops.
• Manage IPM programs for pests and diseases.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate greenhouse staff, ensuring protocol and safety adherence.
• Monitor crop growth and adjust environmental conditions and nutrient delivery as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of production, inputs, yields, and costs.
• Research and recommend new varieties, technologies, and techniques to improve performance.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Contribute to budget planning and management for greenhouse operations.

Skills

Leadership

Pest management

Irrigation systems

Climate control

Record keeping

CEA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field

Tools

Greenhouse automation systems

Job description

About the Role

A premier horticultural enterprise specializing in high-value crops is seeking an experienced Horticulturalist to manage its state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities in Klerksdorp, North West . This role requires a deep understanding of plant physiology, cultivation techniques, and environmental control systems within a commercial greenhouse setting. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring optimal crop production, quality, and yield, managing a team of growers, and implementing best practices for disease and pest management. This is an excellent opportunity to lead operations for a significant horticultural venture in the North West region, contributing to the supply of premium produce.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of greenhouse operations, including climate control, irrigation, and nutrient management.
• Develop and implement planting, cultivation, and harvesting schedules for various high-value crops.
• Manage pest and disease control programs using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate greenhouse staff, ensuring adherence to protocols and safety standards.
• Monitor crop growth and health, making necessary adjustments to environmental conditions and nutrient delivery.
• Maintain detailed records of crop production, inputs, yields, and operational costs.
• Research and recommend new varieties, technologies, and techniques to improve crop performance and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Contribute to budget planning and management for the greenhouse operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial horticultural production, with a strong focus on greenhouse management.
• In-depth knowledge of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) principles and technologies.
• Experience with various crop types suitable for greenhouse cultivation.
• Proficiency in identifying and managing common greenhouse pests and diseases.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Familiarity with greenhouse automation and control systems is advantageous.
• Excellent record-keeping and analytical abilities.
• Must be based in or able to relocate to Klerksdorp, North West .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement savings. Opportunities for professional development and training in advanced horticultural techniques are provided. Work within a leading organization committed to producing high-quality horticultural products in North West .