Garden jobs

As an operationally focused, hands-on practitioner, you are responsible for the daily technical care, specialised plant execution, and field leadership of assigned garden zones.

Holding specialised qualifications (Diploma/Degree in Horticulture, Fynbos Management, or related field), you bring deep technical knowledge of specialised flora (Fynbos, Renosterveld, indigenous ecosystems). Reporting to the Senior Horticulturist / Botanical Lead, you serve as the vital bridge between senior strategy and ground-level execution—ensuring your team of gardeners delivers world-class maintenance and species-specific care with absolute precision.

Key Technical Focus Areas

1. Specialised Biome & Botanical Execution

• Specialised Species Care: Apply practical technical knowledge of Fynbos, Renosterveld, and indigenous flora to oversee correct planting, seasonal pruning, propagation, and health monitoring.
• Soil & Water Management: Execute specific soil conditioning (pH balancing, organic matter) and operate zone irrigation systems to maintain optimal hydrologic conditions.
• Master Plan Implementation: Translate the Senior Horticulturist’s specifications into detailed daily work allocations for your assigned crew across designated zones.

2. Field Team Leadership & Supervision

• On-the-Ground Direction: Work actively alongside your team daily as a hands-on foreman—setting the working pace, guiding execution, and maintaining high botanical standards.
• Mentorship & Skill Building: Train gardeners on best horticultural practices (pruning, weed management, soil health) to continuously elevate the team's technical capacity.
• Workflow Management: Direct daily team attendance, resolve ground-level queries, and ensure efficient task distribution across assigned zones.

3. Health, Safety & Asset Stewardship

• Safety Enforcement: Conduct daily "toolbox talks," enforce strict PPE compliance, and ensure safe operation of all tools and garden machinery.
• Asset & Stock Management: Oversee the daily issue, care, and collection of tools and equipment. Monitor consumable levels (fertilizers, mulch, sprays) and request reorders proactively.
• Pest & Disease Monitoring: Conduct regular plant health audits, identifying disease outbreaks or irrigation failures early to initiate technical fixes.

4. Event Support & Site Readiness

• Site Readiness: Ensure garden pathways, public areas, and estate features within your zone are clean, safe, and impeccably presented.
• Logistics Coordination: Coordinate your crew to assist with event setups, pathway clearing, and minor hardscape support when required.

Strategic Collaboration

• Senior Horticulturist / Botanical Lead (Direct Manager): Receive biome specifications, weekly work goals, and macro guidance.
• Gardening Team: Direct operational line; assign tasks, supervise execution quality, and provide daily on-site mentorship.
• Property & Revenue Coordinators: Partner on operational readiness, estate maintenance, and event setup logistics.

What you Bring:

• Education & Licensing: Recognised Diploma or Degree in Horticulture, Fynbos Management, Botany, or a related field. Valid driver’s license mandatory.
• Practical Experience: Minimum 2–3 years of hands-on experience in botanical field management, indigenous plant care, or nursery production, with proven experience supervising small teams.
• Technical Mastery: Practical understanding of specialised flora (Fynbos/indigenous species), soil chemistry, irrigation systems, and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Lead-by-Example Mindset: An energetic, hands-on practitioner who thrives outdoors—working side-by-side with the team in all weather conditions to maintain world-class botanical standards.

Work Location: In person