Senior Horticulturalist - Greenhouse Operations Management

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Performance-based incentives

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Horticulturalist to lead our client’s advanced greenhouse operations, optimizing high‑value crops in a controlled environment.

You will manage a team of technicians, develop cultivation plans, monitor crop health, apply IPM, and collaborate with R&D to improve yields and quality using data analytics and cutting-edge greenhouse technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Horticulture or related field.
• 6+ years in commercial horticultural production, greenhouse focus.
• Experience with hydroponic or substrate-based systems.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Proficient with greenhouse management software and data analysis tools.
• Valid driver's license for farm activities in Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily greenhouse operations for assigned crops.
• Develop cultivation plans including nutrient management and irrigation scheduling.
• Lead, train, and mentor horticultural technicians and greenhouse staff.
• Monitor crop health and implement IPM strategies.
• Ensure high crop quality, yield, and consistency.
• Manage inventory of growing media, fertilizers, and supplies.
• Maintain calibration of environmental control systems and irrigation equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D on trials and cultivation techniques.
• Maintain records of inputs, yields, and quality control data.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in Stellenbosch.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Plant physiology

Hydroponics

IPM

Data analysis

Greenhouse software

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture

Tools

Greenhouse management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading horticultural enterprise, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Horticulturalist to manage and optimize their advanced greenhouse operations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is critical for ensuring the efficient cultivation of high-value horticultural crops within a controlled environment. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of plant physiology, hydroponics or substrate cultivation, environmental controls, pest and disease management within greenhouses, and crop quality assurance. You will lead a team of horticultural technicians, implement innovative cultivation strategies, and contribute to research and development efforts aimed at improving crop yields and quality. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your expertise in a technologically advanced setting in the heart of the Western Cape 's agricultural hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of commercial greenhouses, ensuring optimal growing conditions for assigned crops.
• Develop and implement cultivation plans, including nutrient management, irrigation scheduling, and environmental control (temperature, humidity, CO2, light).
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of horticultural technicians and greenhouse staff.
• Monitor crop health and implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies.
• Ensure high standards of crop quality, yield, and consistency in production.
• Manage inventory of growing media, fertilizers, and other horticultural supplies.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of greenhouse environmental control systems and irrigation equipment.
• Collaborate with research and development teams on new crop trials and cultivation techniques.
• Maintain detailed records of growing operations, inputs, yields, and quality control data.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations in Stellenbosch .

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in commercial horticultural production, with a significant focus on greenhouse operations.
• Proven expertise in hydroponic or substrate-based growing systems.
• In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, crop nutrition, and environmental controls in greenhouse settings.
• Experience with integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in using greenhouse management software and data analysis tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems related to crop production and environmental systems.
• A commitment to sustainable and efficient horticultural practices.
• A valid driver's license is required for farm-related activities in the Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and performance-based incentives. This role provides the opportunity to work with cutting-edge greenhouse technology and to significantly impact the success of a key horticultural operation. You will be part of a dynamic team committed to innovation and excellence in plant cultivation. The company offers opportunities for professional development and advancement within its expanding operations in Stellenbosch . Join a company that values expertise and contributes to high-quality agricultural output in the region.