HORTICULTURIST

SUMMARY:
White River Area – Mpumalanga: Our client is looking for a Horticulturist to join the team.

The successful candidate will lead and support plant protection and horticultural quality strategies across macadamia and avocado orchards.
 
This is a ‘LIVE OUT’ position.

POSITION INFO:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
 

• Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or related discipline.
• Experience working with tree crops, preferably macadamia and/or avocado.
• Strong knowledge of plant pathology, entomology, and integrated protection practices.
• Competence in data systems, GPS mapping, and trial protocol execution.
• Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills.

• Monitor, diagnose, and manage pests, diseases, and physiological disorders affecting macadamia and avocado trees.
• Develop and implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies tailored to orchard conditions.
• Coordinate plant health monitoring programs, including field scouting, diagnostics, and data interpretation.

• Support and manage macadamia and avocado breeding trials, tracking key performance indicators and traits.
• Design and execute field trials for new cultivars, rootstocks, crop protection methods, and nutritional programs.
• Collaborate with internal R&D and external partners on trial protocols, data collection, and reporting.

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of orchard practices on nut and fruit quality, including kernel recovery, oil content, bruising, and shelf life.
• Provide technical support to harvest and post-harvest teams to reduce defect rates and optimize handling procedures.
• Establish feedback loops between the field and processing operations to improve outcomes.

• Assist with planning and sourcing of horticultural inputs, including crop protection chemicals, fertilizers, and biologicals.
• Maintain accurate input inventories and usage records in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Liaise with vendors and Agri suppliers to ensure timely delivery and quality control of products.

• Identify and mitigate risks related to plant biosecurity, agrochemical use, and environmental impact.
• Ensure compliance with local and international food safety, residue, and environmental standards.
• Keep up to date with regulations and best practices affecting macadamia and avocado production.

• Maintain comprehensive records of plant protection programs, trial data, and quality monitoring.
• Provide regular updates and recommendations to operational managers and stakeholders.
• Deliver training and field guidance to farm teams to support best practices in protection, sanitation, and harvest hygiene.