Agricultural Data Scientist

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Agricultural Data Scientist in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on leveraging large agricultural datasets from sensors, satellite imagery, and farm management systems to build predictive models and data-driven solutions.

You will collaborate with agronomists and software engineers to optimize crop yields, resource allocation, and sustainable farming methods in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, CS, Agricultural Science, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 5 years of data science experience in agricultural problems.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Pandas.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ML models for crop yields, disease outbreaks, and planting times.
• Analyze large datasets from sensors, satellite imagery, and farm systems for trends.
• Design data mining strategies to extract insights from agricultural data.
• Visualize data and communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with agronomists, researchers, and software engineers to integrate data-driven solutions.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and databases for agricultural information.
• Evaluate model performance and improve accuracy and reliability.
• Stay current with data science and AgTech advancements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Problem solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science

Tools

Python

R

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

Pandas

SQL

NoSQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering AgTech company, is seeking a highly analytical Agricultural Data Scientist to join their growing team in **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape**. This role involves leveraging large datasets to drive insights and improve agricultural practices. You will work with data from various sources, including sensors, satellite imagery, farm management systems, and historical records, to develop predictive models and data-driven solutions. This position offers a hybrid work model, allowing for flexibility and collaboration. The ideal candidate has a strong background in data science, statistics, and a deep understanding of agricultural principles. You will play a critical role in enhancing crop yields, optimizing resource allocation, and promoting sustainable farming methods through advanced data analytics. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the digital transformation of agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement machine learning models for predicting crop yields, disease outbreaks, and optimal planting times.
• Analyze large datasets from diverse agricultural sources to identify trends, patterns, and actionable insights.
• Design and execute data mining strategies to extract valuable information from complex agricultural data.
• Visualize data and communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with agronomists, researchers, and software engineers to integrate data-driven solutions into farm management practices.
• Develop and maintain data pipelines and databases for agricultural information.
• Evaluate the performance of predictive models and continuously improve their accuracy and reliability.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and agricultural technology.
• Contribute to the development of data-driven products and services.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Agricultural Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data science, with a focus on applying analytical techniques to agricultural problems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant data science libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Pandas).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and experimental design.
• Experience with big data technologies and database management (SQL, NoSQL).
• Familiarity with agricultural concepts, crop science, and farming practices.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex findings clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment, collaborating remotely and on-site.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans.
• You will work in a stimulating and innovative environment at the forefront of AgTech.
• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement, balancing remote work with essential on-site collaboration in **Port Elizabeth**.
• Professional development opportunities, including access to training and conferences, are provided.
• Join a team that is passionate about using data to revolutionize agriculture and contribute to a more sustainable future.