Lead Horticulturist & Nursery Operations Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle for site visits

Comprehensive health benefits

Professional development opportunities

Hands-on experience in horticulture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist and Nursery Manager to lead our nursery operations in the Nelspruit region. You will manage propagation, care, and quality of a wide range of plants for sale or use in agriculture.

The ideal candidate will have a degree/diploma in horticulture, 5+ years in nursery management, and strong IPM and irrigation expertise, with hands-on leadership of a team in a thriving horticultural environment.

Qualifications

• For this role, a degree or diploma in horticulture or related field is required.
• At least 5 years of horticultural management and nursery experience.
• Strong knowledge of plant physiology, IPM, and propagation techniques.
• Experience with greenhouse operations and irrigation systems; ability to lead a team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee propagation, cultivation, potting, and transplanting of plant species.
• Develop and implement plant care programs including watering and fertilization.
• Manage pruning, pest and disease control, and preventative measures.
• Supervise and train nursery staff, assigning tasks and ensuring quality.
• Monitor plant health and apply appropriate treatments.
• Maintain inventory of plants, seeds, soil, and supplies; ensure stock levels.
• Maintain nursery facilities including greenhouses, shade houses, and irrigation.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Team leadership

Inventory management

Education

Degree or Diploma in Horticulture/Botany/Agriculture

Tools

Greenhouse management

Irrigation systems

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturalist and Nursery Manager to lead our nursery operations in the Nelspruit region. You will manage propagation, care, and quality of a wide range of plants for sale or use in agriculture.

The ideal candidate will have a degree/diploma in horticulture, 5+ years in nursery management, and strong IPM and irrigation expertise, with hands-on leadership of a team in a thriving horticultural environment.