Remote Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Operations Specialist

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Online courses & conferences

Flexible working hours

Home office stipend

Internet connectivity stipend

Virtual team-building

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Horticulturalist to lead remote management of high-tech greenhouse facilities, optimizing hydroponic and aeroponic growth from anywhere. You will configure environmental controls, analyze data, and coordinate with a distributed team to maximize yield and quality.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's in Horticulture or related field with 5+ years in commercial greenhouse management, expertise in CEA, IPM, and automation, and strong remote problem-solving and SOP

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years in commercial greenhouse management with CEA focus.
• Proven expertise in hydroponic and/or aeroponic systems.
• Experience with environmental control systems and automation in greenhouses.
• Proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day remote operations of multiple high-tech greenhouse facilities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor optimal growing protocols for hydroponic/aeroponic systems.
• Manage environmental control systems (lighting, temperature, humidity, CO2).
• Troubleshoot plant health, nutrient imbalances, and system malfunctions using remote diagnostics.
• Monitor crop growth, yield, and quality metrics; adjust as needed to meet targets.
• Analyze environmental data to identify trends and improvements.
• Collaborate with R&D on crop trials and new cultivation techniques.
• Maintain records of growing activities and resource usage.

Skills

Hydroponics

Aeroponics

Data analysis

Remote troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Horticulture

Tools

Environmental control systems

Automation platforms

Remote monitoring software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a pioneering agricultural technology firm seeking an experienced Horticulturalist with a specialization in greenhouse operations to join their fully remote team. This role is critical for overseeing and optimizing the growth cycles and environmental conditions within advanced hydroponic and aeroponic systems, regardless of physical location. The successful candidate will leverage their deep understanding of plant science, environmental controls, and sustainable cultivation techniques to ensure maximum yield and quality. You will be responsible for setting operational parameters, troubleshooting issues remotely, and contributing to the continuous improvement of our automated growing facilities. This position is ideal for an individual who thrives in an innovative, technology-driven environment and is passionate about the future of controlled environment agriculture. As a remote employee, you will play a vital role in shaping our operational strategies from wherever you are based, contributing to a greener and more sustainable food system. We are looking for someone with a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a high-tech agricultural setting. The role demands excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with a distributed team.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage day-to-day operations of multiple high-tech greenhouse facilities remotely.
• Develop, implement, and monitor optimal growing protocols for a variety of crops, focusing on hydroponic and aeroponic systems.
• Manage environmental control systems (lighting, temperature, humidity, CO2) to ensure ideal growing conditions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve plant health issues, nutrient imbalances, and environmental control system malfunctions using remote diagnostics and data analysis.
• Monitor crop growth, yield, and quality metrics, implementing adjustments as needed to meet production targets.
• Conduct regular data analysis on environmental parameters, nutrient delivery, and crop performance to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with the R&D team on new crop trials and the implementation of innovative cultivation techniques.
• Maintain accurate records of all growing activities, system performance, and resource usage.
• Provide remote support and guidance to on-site technicians and operations managers.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Research and recommend upgrades or modifications to existing systems and equipment.
• Assist in the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for greenhouse operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in commercial greenhouse management, with a strong focus on controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
• Proven expertise in hydroponic and/or aeroponic systems.
• Demonstrated experience with environmental control systems and automation in greenhouses.
• Proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting using relevant software.
• Excellent remote troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong understanding of plant physiology, nutrient management, and integrated pest management (IPM) in CEA.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Experience with various crop types is an advantage.
• Familiarity with remote sensing and monitoring technologies in agriculture is a plus.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a dedicated home office space conducive to remote work.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive salary ranging from ZAR per annum, commensurate with experience. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including private health insurance, a generous retirement fund contribution, and opportunities for professional development through online courses and virtual conferences. We foster a culture of innovation and offer flexible working hours. While this is a remote role, the company provides stipends for home office setup and internet connectivity. There are also opportunities for virtual team-building events and a clear path for career advancement within our growing organization. You will be part of a forward-thinking company shaping the future of agriculture from afar.