Horticulturist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous leave

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Specialized equipment access

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a skilled Horticulturist to manage expansive botanical gardens and cultivation areas, focusing on propagation, care, and display of diverse plant species.

You will lead a team of gardeners, maintain detailed records, and contribute to education and conservation efforts within a renowned horticultural institution in the Western Cape.

This hybrid role offers professional development, access to advanced equipment, and a rewarding contribution to biodiversity.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Botany, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of professional experience in horticulture.
• Demonstrated experience in plant propagation, cultivation, and pest/disease identification and control.
• Familiarity with South African flora and climate conditions is advantageous.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team with strong organizational and record-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement plant care programs, including watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest/disease management for diverse plant collections.
• Supervise and train a team of gardeners, assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring high standards of horticultural practice.
• Conduct research on new plant varieties, propagation techniques, and sustainable horticultural practices relevant to the Cape Town environment.
• Maintain detailed records of plant inventory, growth, treatments, and experimental trials.
• Contribute to the design and layout of new garden areas and planting schemes.
• Operate and maintain horticultural equipment, ensuring its safe and efficient use.

Skills

Plant propagation

Pest management

Soil science

Team leadership

Plant physiology

Education

Degree/Diploma in Horticulture or Botany

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Horticulturist to manage and maintain their extensive botanical gardens and specialized cultivation areas in Cape Town . This role is crucial for the propagation, care, and display of a wide variety of plant species, ensuring the aesthetic appeal and ecological health of the grounds. You will work closely with a team of gardeners and groundskeepers, applying your expertise in plant science, soil health, and pest management. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of diverse plant collections, playing an integral part in the educational and conservation efforts at a leading horticultural institution in the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement plant care programs, including watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest/disease management for diverse plant collections.
• Supervise and train a team of gardeners, assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring high standards of horticultural practice.
• Conduct research on new plant varieties, propagation techniques, and sustainable horticultural practices relevant to the Cape Town environment.
• Maintain detailed records of plant inventory, growth, treatments, and experimental trials.
• Contribute to the design and layout of new garden areas and planting schemes.
• Operate and maintain horticultural equipment, ensuring its safe and efficient use.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Botany, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of professional experience in horticulture, with a strong understanding of plant physiology and soil science.
• Demonstrated experience in plant propagation, cultivation, and pest/disease identification and control.
• Familiarity with South African flora and climate conditions is advantageous.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, coupled with excellent organizational and record-keeping skills.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Generous leave allowance and flexible working hours within a hybrid model.
• Access to specialized training and professional development opportunities.
• Use of state-of-the-art horticultural equipment and facilities in Cape Town .
• A rewarding role contributing to the beauty and biodiversity of significant gardens.