Horticulturalist - Large Scale Operations

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 560,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Leave allowance

Training opportunities

Industry conference access

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a skilled Horticulturalist to lead large-scale cultivation projects. You will plan, implement, and oversee all horticultural activities, ensuring health and productivity while guiding a team of gardeners and technicians.

The role emphasizes IPM, sustainable practices, and collaboration with site managers to optimize yields and resource use in KwaZulu-Natal's climate.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture or Botany.
• At least 5 years of experience in commercial horticulture.
• Experience in managing staff and operations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and manage all horticultural operations for large-scale projects.
• Supervise gardeners and technicians, providing training and guidance.
• Monitor plant health, yield, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain irrigation systems and optimize water use.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a highly motivated Horticulturalist to manage and develop extensive horticultural projects in the Durban area. This role focuses on large-scale cultivation of ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables for commercial markets. You will be responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing all horticultural activities, ensuring the health and productivity of the plants, and managing a skilled team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant horticultural endeavors in the vibrant region of KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and manage all horticultural operations, including planting, propagation, soil management, and pest/disease control.
• Supervise a team of gardeners and horticultural technicians, providing training and guidance.
• Monitor plant health, growth, and yield, implementing corrective measures as needed.
• Maintain and improve irrigation systems and ensure efficient water usage.
• Conduct research on new plant varieties and horticultural techniques to enhance productivity and quality.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulations on the horticultural sites.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Botany, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in commercial horticulture, preferably in large-scale operations.
• Proven ability to manage staff and operations effectively.
• Knowledge of local plant species and horticultural challenges in the Durban climate.
• Strong understanding of integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Generous leave allowance and medical aid.
• Access to state-of-the-art horticultural facilities and resources.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• A role with tangible impact on the local agricultural landscape.