Horticulturalist - Large Scale Production

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career advancement

Modern horticultural technology

Training and development

Environmental stewardship

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeking a skilled Horticulturalist to lead large-scale production operations. You will oversee cultivation, greenhouse management, and quality control to deliver high-quality horticultural products in KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities include planning planting schedules, managing climate control and irrigation, monitoring pests, and training staff while maintaining records and ensuring safety compliance. Ideal for experienced professionals with Durban-area knowledge.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in horticulture, botany, or related plant science.
• Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience in commercial horticulture or large-scale nursery management.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and pest/disease management.
• Experience with hydroponic or controlled environment agriculture is a plus.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Familiarity with the Durban area climatic conditions.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute planting, propagation, and cultivation schedules.
• Manage greenhouse environments, including climate control, irrigation, and lighting systems.
• Monitor plant health, identify pests and diseases, and implement integrated pest management strategies.
• Supervise and train horticultural technicians and field staff.
• Maintain accurate records of crop yields, inputs, and operational expenses.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and safety regulations in all horticultural activities.

Skills

Plant physiology

Soil science

Pest management

Disease management

Education

Diploma or Degree in Horticulture/Botany/related plant science

Tools

Hydroponic systems

Controlled environment agriculture

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and skilled Horticulturalist to manage large-scale production operations in Durban . This role is pivotal in overseeing the cultivation, care, and quality control of a wide variety of plants for commercial purposes. You will be responsible for managing greenhouse environments, optimizing growing conditions, and ensuring the healthy development of crops. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your expertise in horticulture within a thriving business environment, contributing to the supply of high-quality horticultural products in the KwaZulu-Natal region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute planting, propagation, and cultivation schedules.
• Manage greenhouse environments, including climate control, irrigation, and lighting systems.
• Monitor plant health, identify pests and diseases, and implement integrated pest management strategies.
• Supervise and train horticultural technicians and field staff.
• Maintain accurate records of crop yields, inputs, and operational expenses.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and safety regulations in all horticultural activities.

Requirements

• A Diploma or Degree in Horticulture, Botany, or a related plant science discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in commercial horticulture or large-scale nursery management.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and pest/disease management.
• Experience with hydroponic or controlled environment agriculture systems is a plus.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Familiarity with the unique climatic conditions and horticultural challenges of the Durban area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the company.
• Access to modern horticultural technology and facilities.
• Company-sponsored training and development programs.
• Contribution to a company that values environmental stewardship and innovation in horticulture.