Horticulturist - Large Scale Operations

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & retirement benefits

Advanced technologies access

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturist to lead and develop high-value crop operations at their Richards Bay facility, focusing on propagation, maintenance, and crop health.

You will manage a team, implement nutrition and irrigation plans, control pests with IPM, and conduct trials to improve yield and quality, with access to advanced technologies and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in commercial horticulture.
• Experience with greenhouse management and controlled environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of horticultural production areas, including greenhouses and open fields.
• Develop and implement plant nutrition programs and irrigation strategies to optimize growth.
• Manage pest and disease control using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and sustainable methods.
• Conduct research and trials on new crop varieties and cultivation methods to improve yield and quality.
• Supervise a team of horticultural technicians and laborers, providing guidance and training.
• Maintain detailed records of crop performance, resource usage, and treatment applications.

Skills

Plant propagation

Cultivation & maintenance

IPM & pest management

Soil science

Team supervision

Education

Degree in Horticulture/Botany/Plant Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Horticulturist to manage and develop specialized horticultural operations at their large-scale facility in Richards Bay . This role focuses on the cultivation of high-value crops, requiring deep knowledge of plant physiology, soil science, and advanced horticultural techniques. You will be responsible for all phases of plant growth, from propagation and maintenance to pest and disease control, ensuring optimal yield and quality. This is a key position for an individual passionate about plant science and dedicated to sustainable, efficient horticultural production in a significant agricultural setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of horticultural production areas, including greenhouses and open fields.
• Develop and implement plant nutrition programs and irrigation strategies to optimize growth and health.
• Manage pest and disease control using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and sustainable methods.
• Conduct research and trials on new crop varieties and cultivation methods to improve yield and quality.
• Supervise a team of horticultural technicians and laborers, providing guidance and training.
• Maintain detailed records of crop performance, resource usage, and treatment applications.

Requirements

• Degree in Horticulture, Botany, Plant Science, or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in commercial horticulture or large-scale crop production.
• Expertise in plant propagation, cultivation, and maintenance of a variety of species.
• Strong understanding of soil science, pest management, and integrated cropping systems.
• Experience with greenhouse management and controlled environment agriculture is a plus.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail in plant care and disease identification.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary reflecting expertise and experience.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• Access to advanced horticultural technologies and research facilities.
• Opportunities for career advancement and specialization within the company.
• A stimulating work environment dedicated to horticultural innovation.