Senior Horticulturist: Lead Crop & Greenhouse Ops (On-Site)

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging is seeking a Senior Horticulturalist to manage all aspects of plant cultivation, greenhouse operations, and crop optimization on-site in Gauteng. You will lead a team, refine crop plans, and ensure high yield and quality while adhering to safety and environmental standards.

The role requires a hands-on, data-driven professional with 5+ years of horticultural management experience, IPM expertise, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in horticultural management, preferably in commercial crop production.
• Proven expertise in plant propagation, cultivation techniques, and crop physiology.
• Strong knowledge of pest and disease identification and IPM strategies.
• Experience with greenhouse management and controlled environment agriculture.
• Excellent leadership, supervision, and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and basic farm management software.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with a diverse team.
• Commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Oversee horticultural operations, including planting, cultivation, pruning, pest and disease control, and harvesting.
• Develop and implement crop management plans to optimize yield, quality, and resource efficiency.
• Manage greenhouse environments, including climate control, irrigation, and nutrient delivery systems.
• Supervise and train horticultural staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and safety protocols.
• Monitor plant health and growth, identifying and addressing issues proactively.
• Conduct research and trials on new crop varieties, cultivation techniques, and pest management strategies.
• Maintain accurate records of planting, treatments, yields, and operational costs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, food safety standards, and environmental guidelines.
• Manage inventory of horticultural supplies, including seeds, fertilizers, and pest control agents.
• Collaborate with the farm management team to align horticultural activities with overall business objectives.
• Implement and promote sustainable and environmentally friendly horticultural practices.

Skills

Leadership

IPM knowledge

Greenhouse management

Record-keeping

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

Placements24 in Vereeniging is seeking a Senior Horticulturalist to manage all aspects of plant cultivation, greenhouse operations, and crop optimization on-site in Gauteng. You will lead a team, refine crop plans, and ensure high yield and quality while adhering to safety and environmental standards.

The role requires a hands-on, data-driven professional with 5+ years of horticultural management experience, IPM expertise, and strong leadership.