Protected Cropping Specialist - Horticulture Tech Lead

Placements24; Bellville; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Access to cutting-edge technology and设

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Horticulturalist specializing in protected cropping for operations near Centurion, Gauteng. You will manage greenhouse and controlled environment production, optimize climate, nutrients, and IPM strategies, and lead a small team to deliver premium crops year-round.

The role requires a strong background in plant physiology, fertigation, and data-driven decision making, with flexibility to work extended hours during peak periods in Centurion’s horticultural

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in commercial protected cropping (greenhouses, vertical farms).
• Strong knowledge of hydroponics, aeroponics, or other soilless cultivation systems.
• Expertise in environmental control systems and fertigation management.
• Familiarity with IPM/IDM principles in protected environments.
• Proven ability to analyze data and make informed operational decisions.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to lead a small team.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of protected cropping facilities, including environmental controls (temp, humidity, CO2, light).
• Develop and execute crop-specific cultivation plans, including seeding, transplanting, and harvesting schedules.
• Monitor plant health, nutrient levels, and water requirements, adjusting inputs as necessary.
• Implement IPM/IDM strategies within a controlled environment.
• Optimize resource utilization, including water, energy, and nutrients, for sustainable production.
• Conduct research and trials on new crop varieties, growing media, and techniques suitable for Centurion, Gauteng.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and increase yield and quality.
• Supervise and train junior staff and technicians.
• Maintain accurate records of cultivation activities, inputs, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to align production with market needs.

Skills

Hydroponics

Aeroponics

IPM/IDM

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture/Plant Science

Tools

Environmental control systems

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Horticulturalist specializing in protected cropping for operations near Centurion, Gauteng. You will manage greenhouse and controlled environment production, optimize climate, nutrients, and IPM strategies, and lead a small team to deliver premium crops year-round.

The role requires a strong background in plant physiology, fertigation, and data-driven decision making, with flexibility to work extended hours during peak periods in Centurion’s horticultural