Plant Improvement Technician

Please note that M3 is hiring on behalf of another company.

Our client, SAPO, is seeking to appoint a technically strong and highly organised Plant Improvement Technician to join their team based in Stellenbosch. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and able to take responsibility for their duties within a specialised plant improvement environment.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: *Establish and maintain rootstocks and new varieties within SAPO tunnels *Manage tunnel conditions, including irrigation, fertilisation, sanitation, pest and disease control *Maintain tunnel block plans, protocols, SOPs and accurate filing systems *Collect, store, issue and receive plant material, including trees, cuttings, seeds and rooted rootstocks *Ensure compliance of plant material within the South African plant improvement scheme *Report to clients on the condition and status of plant material *Assist with investigations relating to customer complaints *Increase scarce plant material through green multiplication or hardwood rooting techniques *Oversee the maintenance and tidiness of tunnels, equipment, vehicles and premises *Manage tunnel and terrain personnel, including performance, training, health and safety, and support planning *Assist with budgeting, monthly reporting, invoicing, asset management and equipment replacement planning *Manage chemical stock, including ordering, issuing and recordkeeping *Update SAPO and PlantSA databases to ensure accurate and synchronised information *Conduct quarantine inspections and provide feedback reports *Manage import and export applications for plant material, including permits, authorisations and phytosanitary certificates *All other tasks related to the role.

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience:

• BSc Degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Plant Pathology or related field;

• 3–5 years’ cultivation experience, preferably including tunnel experience;

• Good technical knowledge of plant cultivation, tunnel management, tissue culture and plant material handling;

• Knowledge of plant health monitoring, sanitation, pest and disease control;

• Working knowledge of the South African plant improvement scheme will be advantageous;

• Proficient in MS Office, specifically Excel and Access;

• Valid driver’s license and own reliable transport.

Please apply online at www.m3online.co.za before 09:00 on 31 July 2026.

For general enquiries, contact our team at M3 Human Capital Management on 021 863 1444.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If no feedback is received within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application was unsuccessful.