Grower (Soft Fruit)

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.