Senior Horticulturist: Sustainable Crop Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Professional development and training

Performance-based bonus

State-of-the-art facilities and agri-技

Collaborative and sustainable work env

Career advancement opportunities

Generous paid time off and retirement

Well-being of employees and families

Industry-impact

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Horticulturalist in Pietermaritzburg to lead crop management, optimize yields, and drive sustainable farming initiatives. The role combines fieldwork with strategic planning, requiring expertise in soil health, plant science, and modern agricultural tech.

You will mentor a team, implement best practices, and contribute to innovation across projects. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in horticulture, a relevant degree, and strong leadership and communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive horticultural management experience.
• Strong knowledge of South African practices and KwaZulu-Natal region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative horticultural strategies to enhance crop productivity and quality.
• Supervise daily operations including planting, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting with best practices.
• Conduct field assessments and soil analyses to monitor crop health and identify issues.
• Manage a team of agricultural workers, providing training, guidance, and performance evaluations.
• Research and introduce new plant varieties, fertilizers, and sustainable farming techniques.
• Maintain detailed records of crop performance, resource use, and costs.
• Collaborate with R&D on trials and experiments.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations and safety standards.
• Manage budgets for horticultural activities and procurement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Independent work

Problem-solving

Agricultural software

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Science, or related field

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Horticulturalist in Pietermaritzburg to lead crop management, optimize yields, and drive sustainable farming initiatives. The role combines fieldwork with strategic planning, requiring expertise in soil health, plant science, and modern agricultural tech.

You will mentor a team, implement best practices, and contribute to innovation across projects. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in horticulture, a relevant degree, and strong leadership and communication