Horticulturist - Greenhouse Operations Management

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Paid vacation

Professional development

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturist to manage state-of-the-art greenhouse operations in the Eastern Cape. You will oversee environmental control, nutrient management, IPM, and staff supervision to ensure optimal growth and product quality.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or related field and at least 3 years in greenhouse management. Proficiency with Priva/Argus systems is preferred; on-site position in Port Elizabeth area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, or related field.
• At least 3 years in greenhouse management or related horticultural role.
• Experience with environmental control systems (Priva/Argus).

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day greenhouse operations, ensuring optimal environmental conditions for plant growth.
• Develop crop-specific cultivation plans including planting schedules and nutrient feeding programs.
• Monitor plant health, identify diseases and pests, and implement IPM strategies.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of greenhouse control systems and equipment.
• Manage a team of greenhouse technicians and assistants, providing training and guidance.
• Maintain detailed records of planting, growth, yield, pest/disease outbreaks, and environmental data.
• Ensure compliance with quality control standards and horticultural best practices.
• Collaborate with R&D teams on crop trials and cultivation techniques.

Skills

Horticulture

Plant physiology

IPM

Environmental systems

Team leadership

Record-keeping

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture

Tools

Priva

Argus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading horticultural producer situated in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, is seeking a skilled and passionate Horticulturist to manage their state-of-the-art greenhouse operations. This role is crucial for ensuring the optimal growth, health, and quality of a diverse range of horticultural products. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all greenhouse activities, including environmental control, nutrient management, pest and disease monitoring, and staff supervision. This is an on-site position offering a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a thriving agricultural business in the Eastern Cape. We are committed to horticultural excellence and sustainable cultivation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day greenhouse operations, ensuring optimal environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light, CO2) for plant growth.
• Develop and implement crop-specific cultivation plans, including planting schedules, nutrient feeding programs, and pruning techniques.
• Monitor plant health diligently, identify diseases and pests, and implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Oversee the calibration and maintenance of greenhouse control systems and equipment.
• Manage a team of greenhouse technicians and assistants, providing training and guidance.
• Maintain detailed records of planting, growth, yield, pest/disease outbreaks, and environmental data.
• Ensure compliance with quality control standards and horticultural best practices.
• Collaborate with research and development teams on new crop trials and cultivation techniques.
• Manage greenhouse supplies, including substrates, fertilizers, and pest control agents.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in greenhouse management or a related horticultural role.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, crop nutrition, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Experience with environmental control systems in greenhouses (e.g., Priva, Argus).
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic data analysis.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick decisions.
• Must be physically capable of performing greenhouse tasks and working in variable environmental conditions.
• A valid driver's license is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work with advanced horticultural technology.
• Health insurance benefits and retirement fund participation.
• Paid vacation and public holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and workshops.
• A supportive and growth-oriented work environment.
• Employee discount on horticultural products.
• Potential for career advancement within the company.