Horticulturalist - Specialty Crops

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Well-equipped facilities

Professional development

Stable role in focused operation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a committed Horticulturalist to lead the specialty crop program in Kimberley. The role covers propagation through harvest, emphasizing plant physiology, soil science, IPM, and controlled environment agriculture.

You will manage irrigation, greenhouse operations, and harvest processes while maintaining detailed cultivation records to support efficient production and high-quality outputs.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of practical experience in commercial horticulture.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, IPM, and controlled environment agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the cultivation of specialty crops, including propagation, planting, soil management, and pest/disease control.
• Develop and implement best practices for irrigation, fertilization, and environmental control (e.g., greenhouses, tunnels).
• Monitor crop health and performance, conducting regular inspections and analysis.
• Manage harvest operations to ensure product quality and efficiency.
• Maintain detailed records of cultivation activities, inputs, yields, and costs.

Skills

Horticulture

Plant physiology

IPM

Greenhouse management

Education

Bachelor/Diploma in Horticulture

Tools

Irrigation systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Horticulturalist to manage and develop their specialty crop cultivation program in Kimberley . This role focuses on the cultivation of high-value horticultural products, requiring expertise in plant physiology, soil science, pest and disease management, and controlled environment agriculture. You will be responsible for all stages of production, from propagation to harvest, ensuring optimal quality and yield. This is a hands-on position for an individual passionate about horticulture and seeking to contribute to innovative agricultural practices in a rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the cultivation of specialty crops, including propagation, planting, soil management, and pest/disease control.
• Develop and implement best practices for irrigation, fertilization, and environmental control (e.g., greenhouses, tunnels).
• Monitor crop health and performance, conducting regular inspections and analysis.
• Manage harvest operations to ensure product quality and efficiency.
• Maintain detailed records of cultivation activities, inputs, yields, and costs.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of practical experience in commercial horticulture, preferably with specialty crops.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, integrated pest management (IPM), and controlled environment agriculture.
• Experience with irrigation systems and greenhouse management.
• Good organizational and record-keeping skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Access to well-equipped horticultural facilities and resources.
• Opportunities for professional development and learning new cultivation techniques.
• Contribution to the production of high-quality specialty agricultural products.
• A stable role within a focused horticultural operation.