Horticulturalist - Specialty Crops

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Training & development

Modern facilities

Stable work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga seeks a skilled Horticulturalist to lead cultivation programs for exotic fruits and high-value vegetables, working on-site in fields and greenhouses to optimize environmental controls for quality and marketability.

You will apply plant physiology knowledge, soil science, and integrated pest management while collecting and analyzing data to drive sustainable improvements and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in commercial horticulture with specialty crops.
• Knowledge of plant physiology, propagation, and cultivation techniques.
• Experience with irrigation, nutrient management, and pest/disease control.
• Familiarity with controlled environment agriculture (greenhouses) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage cultivation programs for specialty crops.
• Monitor plant health and environmental conditions.
• Develop pest and disease management strategies using sustainable methods.
• Conduct soil and tissue analyses for nutrient optimization.
• Operate and maintain irrigation systems and greenhouse controls.
• Manage propagation, grafting and plant multiplication.
• Harvest crops at optimal maturity and ensure quality.
• Maintain records of inputs, yields, and observations.
• Stay informed about market trends and horticultural advances.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Independence

Physical stamina

Education

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

Tools

Irrigation systems

Greenhouse controls

Soil nutrient management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier agricultural producer specializing in exotic fruits and high-value vegetables, is seeking a highly skilled Horticulturalist for their Nelspruit, Mpumalanga facility. This is an on-site role that demands a passion for plant science and meticulous attention to detail. You will be responsible for the cultivation, care, and optimization of a diverse range of specialty crops, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and marketability. The successful candidate will have a strong background in plant physiology, soil science, integrated pest management, and controlled environment agriculture. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work with unique plant varieties and contribute to the development of innovative horticultural techniques. We are looking for an individual who is proactive, analytical, and dedicated to achieving excellence in every aspect of horticultural production. Your expertise will directly impact the success of our client's operations and their reputation in the competitive agricultural market. The role requires hands-on work in the field and greenhouses, alongside data collection and analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and manage cultivation programs for a variety of specialty crops.
• Monitor plant health, growth, and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light, soil nutrients).
• Develop and execute strategies for pest and disease management using integrated and sustainable methods.
• Conduct regular soil and tissue analysis to ensure optimal nutrient levels.
• Operate and maintain horticultural equipment, including irrigation systems and greenhouse controls.
• Manage propagation, grafting, and other plant multiplication techniques.
• Harvest crops at optimal maturity, ensuring quality and presentation standards are met.
• Maintain detailed records of all horticultural activities, including inputs, yields, and observations.
• Stay informed about market trends and advancements in horticultural science.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Botany, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial horticulture, preferably with specialty crops.
• In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, propagation, and cultivation techniques.
• Experience with irrigation systems, nutrient management, and pest/disease control strategies.
• Familiarity with controlled environment agriculture (e.g., greenhouses) is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Physical fitness to perform demanding tasks in various weather conditions.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Access to state-of-the-art horticultural facilities.
• A stable and supportive work environment.
• Potential for growth within the company.