Senior Horticulturalist - Commercial Crop Production

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Industry conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Senior Horticulturalist to lead large-scale production, applying advanced plant science and IPM strategies to optimize yields and profitability in a subtropical climate.

You will manage a team of horticultural technicians and farm workers, develop crop plans, monitor plant health, oversee harvesting and post-harvest handling, and maintain accurate production records to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in commercial horticulture with a focus on crop production management.
• Expertise in subtropical crops and their cultivation.
• Proven experience managing large-scale horticultural operations.
• In-depth knowledge of plant nutrition, soil science, and irrigation systems.
• Experience with IPM and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication abilities.
• Proficient in data analysis and keeping accurate production records.
• Familiarity with South African agricultural regulations and best practices.
• Ability to work effectively in the field and manage on-site Durban operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the cultivation and management of diverse commercial horticultural crops, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
• Develop and implement crop-specific management plans, including fertilization, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Monitor plant health, environmental conditions, and resource utilization within production facilities.
• Manage the sourcing of high-quality seeds, seedlings, and inputs.
• Lead and train a team of horticultural technicians and farm workers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Implement and maintain integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and sustainable growing practices.
• Evaluate new horticultural technologies and techniques for potential adoption.
• Manage harvest schedules and ensure efficient post-harvest handling and storage.
• Maintain accurate production records, analyze data, and generate reports on crop performance and operational efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Pest management

Crop production

Team management

Education

Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science or Agriculture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in commercial horticulture based in Durban, seeks a dynamic Senior Horticulturalist to spearhead their operations. This role is critical in managing large-scale production of high-value horticultural crops, ensuring efficiency, quality, and sustainability. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive knowledge of plant science, cultivation techniques, and pest management to optimize crop yields and profitability. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute to the vibrant agricultural sector of KwaZulu-Natal, working within a company committed to innovation and environmental stewardship. You will be leading a team of horticultural specialists and field staff, driving operational excellence from planting through to harvest in the sub‑tropical climate of Durban.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the cultivation and management of diverse commercial horticultural crops, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
• Develop and implement crop‑specific management plans, including fertilization, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Monitor plant health, environmental conditions, and resource utilization within production facilities.
• Manage the sourcing of high‑quality seeds, seedlings, and other necessary inputs.
• Lead and train a team of horticultural technicians and farm workers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Implement and maintain integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and sustainable growing practices.
• Evaluate new horticultural technologies and techniques for potential adoption.
• Manage harvest schedules and ensure efficient post‑harvest handling and storage.
• Maintain accurate production records, analyze data, and generate reports on crop performance and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in commercial horticulture, with a strong focus on crop production management.
• Demonstrated expertise in subtropical crops and their cultivation.
• Proven experience in managing large‑scale horticultural operations.
• In‑depth knowledge of plant nutrition, soil science, and irrigation systems.
• Experience with IPM and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and record‑keeping relevant to horticultural production.
• Familiarity with relevant South African agricultural regulations and best practices.
• Ability to work effectively in the field and manage on‑site operations in Durban.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement benefits.
• The position includes opportunities for professional development, attendance at industry conferences, and exposure to advanced horticultural technologies.
• You will be part of a forward‑thinking organization contributing significantly to the agricultural landscape of KwaZulu‑Natal.