Horticulturalist: Specialty Crops & Greenhouse Lead

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

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.