Horticulturalist Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Generous paid time off

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Cape Town facilities access

Employee discounts on plant materials

Collaborative research environment

Pension fund contributions

Wellness programs

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct invites a skilled Horticulturalist Specialist to join our agricultural team in Cape Town. This hybrid role blends on-site facility work with flexible remote responsibilities, focusing on plant cultivation, health management, and experimental development.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field, with 4–6 years’ practical experience. You will work with diverse plant species, document results, and collaborate across departments to advance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 4-6 years of practical experience in horticulture, botanical gardens, or agricultural settings.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, entomology, and plant pathology.
• Proficiency in using horticultural equipment and tools.
• Experience with data collection and analysis related to plant growth.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and manage horticultural projects, including planting, propagation, and cultivation.
• Monitor plant health, identify diseases and pests, and implement appropriate treatment strategies.
• Optimize growing conditions such as light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels.
• Conduct research on new plant varieties and horticultural techniques.
• Maintain detailed records of plant growth, treatments, and experimental results.
• Supervise and train junior staff or volunteers in horticultural practices.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and best practices in a horticultural setting.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable gardening and farming methods.
• Manage nursery operations, including seed sourcing, propagation, and plant sales if applicable.
• Collaborate with research teams and other departments on horticultural initiatives.

Skills

Plant physiology

Entomology

Plant pathology

Data collection

Teamwork

Observation skills

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Horticulture/Botany/Plant Science

Tools

Horticultural tools

Job description

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist Specialist to join our agricultural team based in Cape Town. This hybrid role involves both on-site work at our facilities and flexible remote responsibilities, focusing on plant cultivation, research, and development. You will be instrumental in managing plant health, optimizing growing conditions, and contributing to innovative horticultural practices. The ideal candidate has a strong academic background in horticulture, practical experience with diverse plant species, and a passion for sustainable agriculture. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a beautiful setting while contributing to advancements in plant science and production in Western Cape. We are committed to environmental stewardship and cutting-edge agricultural techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and manage horticultural projects, including planting, propagation, and cultivation.
• Monitor plant health, identify diseases and pests, and implement appropriate treatment strategies.
• Optimize growing conditions such as light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels.
• Conduct research on new plant varieties and horticultural techniques.
• Maintain detailed records of plant growth, treatments, and experimental results.
• Supervise and train junior staff or volunteers in horticultural practices.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and best practices in a horticultural setting.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable gardening and farming methods.
• Manage nursery operations, including seed sourcing, propagation, and plant sales if applicable.
• Collaborate with research teams and other departments on horticultural initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of practical experience in horticulture, botanical gardens, or agricultural settings.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, entomology, and plant pathology.
• Proficiency in using horticultural equipment and tools.
• Experience with data collection and analysis related to plant growth.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with hybrid work models and remote collaboration tools.
• Passion for plants and commitment to sustainable practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.
• Opportunities for professional development, conferences, and workshops.
• Access to state-of-the-art horticultural facilities in Cape Town.
• Employee discounts on plant materials and gardening supplies.
• Collaborative and research-oriented work environment.
• Pension fund contributions.
• Wellness programs and activities.