Horticulturist - Commercial Crops

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

On-site accommodation or housing

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a knowledgeable Horticulturist to manage commercial crop production near Port Elizabeth. You will plan planting schedules, oversee pest and disease control using IPM, and optimize growing conditions for maximum yield and quality.

The ideal candidate has a degree or diploma in horticulture, at least 4 years of hands-on experience, and strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and irrigation management.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience in commercial horticultural production.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and IPM.
• Experience with irrigation systems and nutrient management.
• Ability to manage and motivate a small team.
• Familiarity with greenhouse management or open-field techniques for the region.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute planting, cultivation, and harvesting cycles for commercial horticultural crops.
• Monitor crop health, identify pests and diseases, and implement IPM-based control strategies.
• Manage irrigation systems and nutrient application for optimal growth.
• Maintain detailed records of planting dates, yields, treatments, and other data.
• Supervise and train a small team of horticultural workers.
• Stay updated on the latest horticultural techniques and best practices.

Skills

Plant science

IPM

Irrigation management

Team leadership

Education

Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field

Tools

Greenhouse equipment operation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Horticulturist to manage commercial crop production at their facility near Port Elizabeth . This role involves the cultivation, care, and management of a variety of high-value horticultural crops. You will be responsible for planning planting schedules, implementing pest and disease control measures, and optimizing growing conditions to maximize yield and quality. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plant science and practical experience in commercial horticulture, contributing to the success of our client's operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute planting, cultivation, and harvesting cycles for commercial horticultural crops.
• Monitor crop health, identify pests and diseases, and implement effective control strategies using integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Manage irrigation systems and nutrient application to ensure optimal plant growth and development.
• Maintain detailed records of planting dates, yields, treatments, and other relevant horticultural data.
• Supervise and train a small team of horticultural workers.
• Stay updated on the latest horticultural techniques, research, and best practices relevant to the crops grown.
• Ensure adherence to safety and quality standards throughout the production process.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in commercial horticultural production.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Experience with irrigation systems and nutrient management.
• Ability to manage and motivate a small team.
• Familiarity with greenhouse management or open-field cultivation techniques specific to the region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• On-site accommodation or housing allowance.
• Medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunity to work with a variety of valuable plant species.
• Supportive work environment focused on quality production.