Hydroponics Farm Manager

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation allowance or on-site/hb‑

On-site housing

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development and training

Cutting-edge agricultural technology

Upington location experience

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Hydroponics Farm Manager for its Upington, Northern Cape facility. You will lead a small team, manage nutrient delivery, environmental controls, and crop health to ensure high-quality, sustainable produce.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and a passion for innovative agriculture. You will work in a state-of-the-art facility focused on efficiency and yield optimization.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience managing hydroponic or controlled environment systems.
• Solid understanding of plant physiology, nutrient solutions, and NFT/DWC/drip hydroponic techniques.
• Experience with environmental control systems and sensors.
• Ability to operate farm machinery and equipment.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead and motivate a small team.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and best practices.
• Passion for innovative, sustainable agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily hydroponic farm operations: planting, cultivation, harvesting.
• Manage nutrient delivery, pH, and water quality for optimal growth.
• Monitor environmental factors: temperature, humidity, CO2, lighting.
• Apply IPM strategies to prevent pests and diseases.
• Ensure operation and maintenance of hydroponic systems and equipment.
• Plan crop scheduling and production to meet market demand.
• Lead, train, and supervise farm workers; enforce safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of planting, growth, nutrient application, pests, harvests.
• Conduct regular crop inspections and address issues promptly.
• Contribute to R&D to improve techniques and yields.

Skills

Hydroponics systems

Plant physiology

Environmental control

Integrated Pest Management

Team leadership

Record-keeping

Safety standards

Education

Degree or Diploma in Horticulture/Agriculture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative agricultural enterprise focused on sustainable food production, is seeking a dedicated Hydroponics Farm Manager to lead their state-of-the-art facility in Upington, Northern Cape . This is a critical role responsible for overseeing all aspects of hydroponic cultivation, from nutrient management and environmental controls to crop health and harvest optimization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of hydroponic systems, plant physiology, and best practices in controlled environment agriculture. You will manage a small team, ensuring efficient operations and the consistent production of high-quality produce. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of agricultural technology in a region known for its climate. We are looking for a hands-on, detail-oriented individual with excellent problem-solving skills and a passion for sustainable farming. A commitment to maximizing yields while maintaining crop quality and minimizing resource consumption is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the hydroponic farm, including planting, cultivation, and harvesting.
• Manage nutrient solution delivery systems, pH levels, and water quality to ensure optimal plant growth.
• Monitor and control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and lighting.
• Implement and manage pest and disease control strategies using integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of hydroponic systems and related equipment.
• Manage crop scheduling and production planning to meet market demand.
• Lead, train, and supervise farm workers, ensuring adherence to safety and operational procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of planting, growth, nutrient application, pest control, and harvest data.
• Conduct regular crop inspections to identify and address any issues promptly.
• Contribute to research and development for improving hydroponic techniques and crop yields.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience specifically in managing hydroponic or controlled environment agriculture systems.
• Solid understanding of plant physiology, nutrient solutions, and hydroponic techniques (e.g., NFT, DWC, drip systems).
• Experience with environmental control systems and sensors.
• Ability to manage and operate farm machinery and equipment.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead and motivate a small team.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and best practices.
• A passion for innovative agriculture and sustainable practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Accommodation allowance or on-site housing may be provided.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge agricultural technology.
• Contribution towards medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in hydroponics.
• A unique role in a growing agricultural sector in Upington, Northern Cape .
• Be part of a mission to produce fresh, local food sustainably.