Grower (Soft Fruit)
Our client is recruiting an experienced, self-motivated, and target-driven Grower to lead berry production across protected- and open-field environments. The role reports to the Farm Business Manager and owns fruit quality, yield, and productivity per crop, per field.
Start date: 1 January 2026 (earlier start in December 2025 welcome)
Type: Permanent. Full-time, on-site. Farm is based in George (no housing or housing benefit is included in the package for this position)
Salary: Market-related and negotiable depending on the ideal candidate's experience and background.
Role purpose
Deliver consistently high-quality fruit by setting the right growth strategy for each crop and block, and executing it through disciplined husbandry, climate control, irrigation/fertigation, and team leadership.
Key responsibilities
Irrigation, Fertigation & Nutrition
- Set, monitor, and adjust irrigation and fertigation programs per crop/field (including EC/pH targets and distribution uniformity).
- Maintain dosing systems and lines; investigate anomalies promptly and document corrective actions.
Crop Husbandry & Field Execution
- Translate growth-stage needs into clear weekly plans (training, pruning, tipping, sanitation, canopy management).
- Determine the daily cropping system per crop to meet quality and yield targets.
- Plan, brief, and supervise labour to meet deadlines, productivity, and quality standards.
Protected-Cropping & Climate
- Run tunnel operations and upkeep; execute climate actions (venting/de-venting) according to crop and field strategy.
- Monitor microclimate and adjust to protect fruit quality and plant health.
Crop Protection & IPM
- Scout fields; design and execute spray programs to minimise pest/disease pressure.
- Implement and evaluate biological control measures; refine programs based on monitoring data.
Pollination & Field Maintenance
- Develop, implement, and track pollination strategies per field/crop while enforcing relevant safety standards.
- Drive neat, compliant blocks via structured maintenance programs and preventative repairs.
Procurement, Maintenance & Services
- Plan and procure materials/equipment to ensure uninterrupted operations.
- Establish and run preventative maintenance plans for equipment and structures.
- Coordinate internal/external services to meet agreed timelines and outcomes.
Documentation, Reporting & Compliance
- Keep accurate, timely records (irrigation, fertigation, sprays, labour, yields, QC).
- Support food-safety and health & safety practices; present audit-ready documentation.
- Report weekly on KPIs (yields, quality, inputs, labour productivity) and recommend corrective actions.
Requirements
Minimum requirements
- Tertiary qualification: Agricultural/Horticultural management diploma/degree.
- 3+ years’ soft-fruit growing/production experience (role suits a young, energetic professional ready to take ownership).
- Strong literacy, numeracy, and computer skills with excellent report writing.
- Valid driver’s licence and own transport.