Junior Horticulturalist – Young Professional, Spekboom Restoration Project

Nursery Department, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Location: Jansenville, Eastern Cape 

Reports to: Head of Horticulture

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will revitalise landscapes, combat climate change, and promote sustainable agriculture? Join NatCarbon Africa: a mission-driven, proudly African organisation dedicated to high-quality implementation of large-scale carbon, climate, and biodiversity projects. We embrace the power of innovative technology to enhance project execution. Community engagement lies at the heart of our projects, driven by a genuine commitment to meaningful and inclusive participation and co-benefits, such as biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic upliftment. 

NatCarbon Africa seeks a Junior Horticulturalist – Young Professional in the Nursery Department for the large-scale Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.

With our partner, Imperative Global, our aim is to restore up to 100,000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome. The Project entails planting Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) on privately owned land to improve ecosystem functioning and agricultural productivity over time, promote biodiversity, improve soil filtration, enhance water storage capabilities, and to reduce soil erosion. The Project is estimated to permanently store large quantities of Carbon Dioxide over the Project life, thus positively contributing towards climate change mitigation.

Position Summary:

The Junior Horticulturalist (Young Professional) supports day-to-day horticultural and plant production activities within the nursery. This role provides hands-on assistance in plant propagation, cultivation, plant health monitoring, and general nursery operations while developing practical horticultural skills in a structured learning environment.

The position is designed to build technical competence, work discipline, and professional growth in early-career horticulturalists, contributing to the consistent production of healthy, high-quality plants that support the organisation’s ecological and commercial objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

Plant Production & Nursery Operations

• Assist with daily horticultural operations including propagation, planting, watering, scouting, rogueing, and plant maintenance.
• Support the maintenance of optimal growing conditions through proper irrigation, fertilization, and environmental management, ensure plants meet PQI requirements.
• Assist with the movement, sorting, and preparation of plants for dispatch.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation within nursery production areas.
• Follow established nursery procedures and production schedules.

Plant Health & Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Support

• Assist with routine plant inspections to identify signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies.
• Report plant health concerns promptly to management.
• Support basic pest and disease control activities under supervision in line with GHS and SGASA compliance.
• Assist with the safe handling and application of approved agrochemicals in accordance with safety guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records related to plant health observations.

Quality Control

• Support the maintenance of nursery quality standards throughout the production process.
• Assist with checking plant condition, size, and uniformity before dispatch.
• Handle plants carefully to prevent damage and ensure survival rates.
• Report quality issues or irregularities to management.

Nursery Systems, Infrastructure & Equipment

• Assist with basic maintenance of irrigation systems and nursery equipment.
• Ensure tools and equipment are used correctly and stored safely after use.
• Report equipment faults or maintenance needs promptly.
• Support general nursery upkeep and infrastructure care.

Learning & Professional Development

• Participate actively in training sessions and on-the-job learning opportunities.
• Develop practical skills in plant propagation, plant care, and nursery management.
• Demonstrate willingness to learn and apply new horticultural techniques.
• Seek feedback to improve performance and professional growth.

Health, Safety & Environmental Stewardship

• Follow all health and safety procedures within the nursery.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and environmentally responsible work environment.
• Support responsible water use, waste management, and chemical handling practices

General

• Embrace a culture of continuous learning by adapting to evolving job responsibilities, driven by NatCarbon Africa’s commitment to innovation, personal growth, and shifting operational priorities 
• Some travel within the Eastern and Western Cape may be required, including to remote locations, with occasional weekend or holiday work to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.

• This outline of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. The employer reserves the right to assign additional duties or responsibilities at any time, provided they are reasonably aligned with the scope of the role or necessitated by operational requirements. The functions and responsibilities detailed within this job description may be subject to modification at the employer’s discretion, based on evolving operational requirements, while remaining consistent with the parameters of the employee’s position 

Skills: 

• Advanced horticultural knowledge and practical plant care skills
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Computer literacy (MS Office package)
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
• Physical stamina and ability to work outdoors
• Reliable, punctual, and responsible work behaviour
• Good communication skills
• Positive attitude and professional conduct

Qualifications: 

• Degree or National Diploma in Horticulture (Essential)
• Valid driver’s license (advantageous but not essential)

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Entry-level position suitable for recent graduates, with at least one-year practical experience in the relevant field. 
• Advanced understanding of plant propagation and nursery operations
• Hands on experience with plant care, irrigation, and plant health principles
• Practical training or internship experience in horticulture (Essential)
• Good recordkeeping and organisational skills

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel within the Eastern and Western Cape anticipated, including to remote locations. Travel may on occasion cross weekends and holidays to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.     
• You will join a great team! We are:
• From diverse locations and backgrounds, but all experts in our respective fields. We bring together a wide range of cross-sector experiences, ideas, and skills
• Relentless in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, always pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. But it is not all work for us – we also believe in celebrating our successes, recognising individual contributions, and taking time to support each other’s growth and development
• At our core, explorers, constantly learning, evolving, and seeking new ways to deliver impactful solutions. We are not afraid to dream big, take risks, and step out of our comfort zones because we know that together, we can achieve great things

Compensation

To help us attract and retain top talent, NatCarbon Africa pays employees competitively to the market, depending on experience. Salary is one component of NatCarbon Africa’s total compensation package which also includes health care and life insurance, contributions to each employee’s retirement plan, paid time off and funds to support professional development. We will recognise employees who go beyond expected performance with salary increases and/or promotions.

In return, we expect each employee to, at a minimum:

• Meet expectations in terms of work effort and performance.
• Take the initiative to build the skills and knowledge needed to do their job effectively; and
• Embody the values of NatCarbon Africa.

How to Apply

To apply, please send us the following:

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page).
• Resume/CV (not to exceed three pages).

Please add app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure you receive emails from us

NatCarbon Africa provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination.

Only applications received online via the NatCarbon website or LinkedIn Page will be considered