Horticulturist - Crop Specialist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual salary with incentives

State-of-the-art facilities

Health and wellness programs

Conferences and workshops

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Horticulturist specializing in crop production near George, Western Cape. You will optimize crop yields, apply scientific principles to enhance growth and sustainability, and manage high-value crops with IPM and soil-water management.

You will lead cultivation programs, monitor soil and irrigation conditions, and supervise field staff while recording detailed yield and environmental data to drive innovation in farming practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Botany, or a related scientific field.
• Proven experience in commercial crop production and horticultural management.
• In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and pest/disease control.
• Familiarity with irrigation systems and water management techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret scientific data.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and supervise planting, cultivation, and harvesting programs for various crops.
• Monitor soil conditions, irrigation systems, and nutrient levels, making adjustments to ensure optimal plant health.
• Identify and manage pests, diseases, and weeds using integrated pest management strategies.
• Conduct research and trials to evaluate new crop varieties, cultivation techniques, and fertilizers.
• Maintain detailed records of all horticultural activities, including yield data, resource usage, and environmental conditions.
• Provide technical guidance and supervision to field staff involved in horticultural tasks.

Skills

Crop production

IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

Soil science

Irrigation management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Botany, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and skilled Horticulturist specializing in crop production for their expansive agricultural facility near George, Western Cape. This role is crucial for optimizing crop yields, quality, and sustainability through expert horticultural practices. You will be responsible for the cultivation, care, and management of a variety of high-value crops, applying scientific principles to enhance growth and minimize risks. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work within a progressive agricultural setting, contributing to innovation in crop science and sustainable farming methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and supervise planting, cultivation, and harvesting programs for various crops.
• Monitor soil conditions, irrigation systems, and nutrient levels, making adjustments to ensure optimal plant health.
• Identify and manage pests, diseases, and weeds using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Conduct research and trials to evaluate new crop varieties, cultivation techniques, and fertilizers.
• Maintain detailed records of all horticultural activities, including yield data, resource usage, and environmental conditions.
• Provide technical guidance and supervision to field staff involved in horticultural tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Botany, or a related scientific field.
• Proven experience in commercial crop production and horticultural management.
• In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and pest/disease control.
• Familiarity with irrigation systems and water management techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret scientific data.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary with potential for performance incentives.
• Access to state-of-the-art horticultural facilities and equipment.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Opportunities to attend industry conferences and workshops.
• A supportive work environment that values scientific innovation and sustainability.