Horticulturist - Protected Cropping Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional growth

Hybrid work model

Access to cutting-edge technology in  

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturist with specialization in protected cropping to join our Durban team. You will manage greenhouse and vertical farming operations, optimize environmental conditions, and ensure high-quality produce for premium markets.

The role requires 4+ years in protected cropping, strong knowledge of plant physiology, and experience with hydroponics or aeroponics, with responsibilities spanning data analysis, pest management, and staff supervision in a hybrid work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or related field.
• At least 4 years hands-on experience in protected cropping systems (greenhouses, vertical farming).
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, hydroponics, aeroponics, or other soilless culture techniques.
• Familiarity with environmental control systems and automation in horticulture.
• Experience with pest and disease identification and management in controlled environments.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis for crop monitoring and performance evaluation.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and team collaboration skills.
• Ability to adapt to a hybrid work model, balancing on-site duties with remote tasks.
• Passion for innovative and sustainable agricultural production.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations within protected cropping facilities, including greenhouses and vertical farms.
• Monitor and control environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity to optimize plant growth.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies suitable for controlled environments.
• Oversee nutrient management and irrigation systems, ensuring precise delivery to crops.
• Conduct regular crop inspections, assessing plant health, yield potential, and quality.
• Maintain accurate records of environmental conditions, crop performance, and operational inputs.
• Research and evaluate new crop varieties, growing media, and technologies for protected cultivation.
• Collaborate with the research and development team on experimental trials and product development.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Train and supervise junior horticultural staff and technicians.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and passionate Horticulturist with specialization in protected cropping systems to join their innovative team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role focuses on the cultivation of high-value crops within controlled environments, such as greenhouses and vertical farms. You will be responsible for optimizing growing conditions, managing plant health, and ensuring the highest quality produce for premium markets. This position requires a deep understanding of plant physiology, environmental control systems, and sustainable growing practices within protected cultivation. As a hybrid role, you will engage in on-site management of growing operations and remote analysis of environmental data, crop performance, and strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations within protected cropping facilities, including greenhouses and vertical farms.
• Monitor and control environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity to optimize plant growth.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies suitable for controlled environments.
• Oversee nutrient management and irrigation systems, ensuring precise delivery to crops.
• Conduct regular crop inspections, assessing plant health, yield potential, and quality.
• Maintain accurate records of environmental conditions, crop performance, and operational inputs.
• Research and evaluate new crop varieties, growing media, and technologies for protected cultivation.
• Collaborate with the research and development team on experimental trials and product development.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Train and supervise junior horticultural staff and technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in protected cropping systems (e.g., greenhouse, vertical farming).
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, hydroponics, aeroponics, or other soilless culture techniques.
• Familiarity with environmental control systems and automation in horticulture.
• Experience with pest and disease identification and management in controlled environments.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis for crop monitoring and performance evaluation.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and team collaboration skills.
• Ability to adapt to a hybrid work model, balancing on-site duties with remote tasks.
• Passion for innovative and sustainable agricultural production.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and opportunities for professional growth within a rapidly expanding sector of the agriculture industry.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and facilities in Durban .
• The hybrid model offers flexibility.
• Join a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of food production and sustainability.
• This role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of urban and protected agriculture in South Africa .