Junior Pepper Grower - Greenhouse Hydroponics

Agrijob; Tzaneen; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Agrijob in Limpopo is seeking a Junior Pepper Grower to manage the full production cycle of bell peppers in a controlled greenhouse. The role emphasizes achieving optimal yield, quality, and cost efficiency while maintaining responsible water use and adherence to food safety standards.

You will work with hydroponic fertigation systems, monitor EC and pH, supervise greenhouse staff, and plan harvests for market requirements.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in horticulture or related field required.
• 2–5 years greenhouse or hydroponic vegetable experience preferred.
• Experience with fertigation and climate control advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage full crop cycle from planting to harvest.
• Operate fertigation systems and monitor EC, pH, nutrients.
• Monitor greenhouse climate, ventilation, humidity and schedule harvests.
• Implement IPM and supervise staff in pruning, harvesting and hygiene.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, traceability and record-keeping.

Skills

Plant physiology

Nutrient management

EC/pH data

Problem solving

Excel & greenhouse software

Education

Diploma/degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or Plant Production

Tools

Fertigation systems

Job description

A well‑established commercial horticultural operation based in Limpopo, with a strong focus on efficiency, sustainability, food safety compliance, and consistent product quality, is seeking to appoint a Junior Pepper Grower for a newly developed hydroponic greenhouse. The operation offers a structured, professional working environment with opportunities for ongoing skills development and long‑term career growth.

Position Summary

The Junior Pepper Grower will be responsible for managing the full production cycle of bell peppers in a controlled greenhouse environment. The role focuses on achieving optimal yield, quality, and consistency while maintaining cost efficiency, responsible water use, and compliance with recognised agricultural and food safety standards. The grower will be involved in daily operational decisions, planning, monitoring, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Crop Production & Management

• Manage the complete crop cycle from planting to harvest
• Implement pruning, trellising, and plant training practices for indeterminate pepper varieties
• Optimise fruit size, colour, uniformity, and shelf life to meet retail standards

Hydroponic & Irrigation Management

• Operate and manage fertigation systems using substrates such as coco peat or rockwool
• Monitor and adjust EC, pH, and nutrient formulations according to crop stage
• Ensure efficient irrigation practices suited to local water conditions and climate

Climate Control

• Monitor and manage greenhouse climate systems including ventilation, cooling, shading, and humidity
• Mitigate heat stress and manage light intensity during high‑temperature periods
• Use climate control software to maintain target growing conditions

Pest & Disease Management

• Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies
• Work with biological control agents
• Monitor and manage common greenhouse pests and diseases

Compliance & Food Safety

• Ensure adherence to GlobalG.A.P. and local retail supplier standards
• Maintain accurate spray records, input logs, and traceability documentation

Harvesting & Post‑Harvest Handling

• Plan and schedule harvesting according to market requirements
• Ensure correct picking standards for size and colour as required by the packhouse
• Reduce post‑harvest losses and maintain high quality standards

Team Supervision

• Supervise and guide greenhouse and irrigation staff
• Train workers in pruning, harvesting, hygiene, and safety procedures
• Ensure compliance with South African labour regulations

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or Plant Production
• 2–5 years’ experience in greenhouse or hydroponic vegetable production (advantageous)
• Experience with fertigation systems and greenhouse climate control will be beneficial

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of plant physiology and nutrient management
• Ability to interpret EC, pH, and climate data
• Good problem‑solving skills and attention to detail
• Basic computer literacy (Excel and greenhouse software systems)
• Good communication skills in English (additional languages advantageous)

Working Conditions

• Greenhouse environment with high temperatures and humidity
• Physically demanding role requiring standing, bending, and lifting
• Weekend or early‑morning work may be required during peak harvest periods

Remuneration

A competitive, market‑related remuneration package will be offered, based on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.