Senior Horticulturalist - Tropical Fruit Production

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development and intl.培训

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Senior Horticulturalist to lead advanced tropical fruit production. This hands-on role manages large-scale orchards, optimizes cultivation, yield and quality for domestic and export markets, and drives innovation in tropical agriculture.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in tropical plant physiology, soil science and pest management, with 8+ years in commercial horticulture, leadership skills, and experience with modern

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or related agricultural science.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in commercial horticultural management specializing in tropical fruits.
• Proven expertise managing large-scale fruit orchards (mangoes, avocados, citrus, bananas).

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic plans to optimize growth and yield of tropical fruit crops.
• Oversee day-to-day orchard management including planting, pruning, fertilization, pest control.
• Implement advanced irrigation and fertigation systems for water efficiency.
• Conduct regular field assessments of crop health and soil conditions.
• Lead and train horticultural staff with a focus on safety and productivity.
• Manage procurement of horticultural supplies and equipment.
• Stay current with research and technologies in tropical horticulture.
• Monitor crop quality to meet export standards and market demands.
• Contribute to sustainable farming practices.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Team management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture or Agronomy

Tools

Modern irrigation systems

Fertigation

Job description

Our client, a significant player in the agricultural export market, is seeking an experienced Senior Horticulturalist to lead their advanced tropical fruit production operations based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is integral to optimizing the cultivation, yield, and quality of a diverse range of tropical fruits for both domestic and international markets. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of tropical plant physiology, soil science, pest and disease management specific to warm, humid climates, and advanced irrigation techniques. You will be responsible for managing large-scale orchards, implementing cutting‑edge horticultural practices, and ensuring the sustainability of the operations. This is a hands‑on role that requires strong leadership skills to manage a team of horticultural technicians and farm workers. The position is located in the vibrant coastal city of Durban, offering proximity to major export hubs and a rich agricultural landscape. You will play a key role in driving innovation and efficiency in tropical fruit cultivation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic horticultural plans for optimizing the growth and yield of tropical fruit crops.
• Oversee day‑to‑day orchard management, including planting, pruning, fertilization, and pest/disease control.
• Implement and manage advanced irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water usage.
• Conduct regular field assessments of crop health, soil conditions, and environmental factors.
• Lead and train a team of horticultural staff, fostering a culture of safety and productivity.
• Manage the procurement of horticultural supplies and equipment.
• Stay current with the latest research and technologies in tropical horticulture.
• Monitor crop quality and implement measures to meet export standards and market demands.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable farming practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in commercial horticultural management, with a specialization in tropical fruits.
• Proven expertise in managing large‑scale fruit orchards (e.g., mangoes, avocados, citrus, bananas).
• Strong knowledge of tropical climate challenges, including pest and disease management.
• Experience with modern irrigation and fertigation systems.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis for crop management decisions.
• Familiarity with export market requirements and quality control standards.
• A passion for tropical agriculture and sustainable production methods.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, reflective of the candidate's qualifications and extensive experience, along with a comprehensive benefits plan. This includes private health insurance, a provident fund, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional development and international training. Relocation assistance may be provided. The role is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, offering a dynamic work environment within a leading agricultural enterprise with significant export reach.

• private health insurance
• a provident fund
• performance bonuses
• opportunities for professional development and international training
• Relocation assistance may be provided