Agricultural Data Scientist

Placements24; Rustenburg; Híbrido; ZAR 900.000 - 1.200.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is partnering with a leading agriculture tech company in Rustenburg, North West, to hire an Agricultural Data Scientist. The role blends in-office collaboration with a hybrid work model, focused on turning soil, weather, and sensor data into actionable insights for farm optimization.

You will build models, design experiments, and develop dashboards that inform planting, irrigation, and harvest decisions, empowering farmers with data-driven strategies.

Formación

• Master's or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, CS, Agricultural Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years experience as a Data Scientist with agricultural applications.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Pandas.
• Strong statistical modeling, ML techniques (regression, classification, clustering, DL) and experimental design.
• Experience with big data technologies and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Familiarity with crop science, soil science, and farm management.
• Data visualization skills using Tableau, Power BI, or Matplotlib.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and ability to work in a hybrid team.

Responsabilidades

• Collect, clean, and preprocess large agricultural datasets from various sources.
• Develop and implement statistical models and ML algorithms to predict yields and other outcomes.
• Analyze soil health and weather data to improve farm efficiency and sustainability.
• Design experiments to validate models and assess interventions.
• Create dashboards and reports to track KPIs for agricultural operations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, researchers, and farm managers on data-driven solutions.
• Build and maintain data pipelines and databases for agricultural analytics.
• Stay updated on advances in data science and agri-tech.

Conocimientos

Python

R

Pandas

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

Educación

Master's or PhD in Data Science or related field

Herramientas

AWS

Azure

GCP

Tableau

Power BI

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client is at the forefront of revolutionizing agriculture through data and analytics, and they are looking for a highly skilled Agricultural Data Scientist to join their innovative team. This role offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration in **Rustenburg, North West**. You will be responsible for extracting actionable insights from vast agricultural datasets, including soil health, weather patterns, crop yields, and sensor data. Your work will directly influence strategic decisions, optimize farm management practices, and drive the development of next-generation agricultural technologies. This position requires a unique combination of advanced statistical modeling, machine learning expertise, and a deep understanding of agricultural principles. You will play a pivotal role in empowering farmers and agricultural businesses with data-driven solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability. Join us in shaping the future of farming through intelligent data analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and preprocess large agricultural datasets from various sources (e.g., IoT sensors, satellite imagery, farm management systems).
• Develop and implement statistical models and machine learning algorithms to predict crop yields, disease outbreaks, and optimal planting/harvesting times.
• Analyze soil health, weather patterns, and resource management data to provide recommendations for improving farm efficiency and sustainability.
• Design and conduct experiments to validate models and assess the impact of different agricultural interventions.
• Visualize complex data and communicate findings clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with agronomists, researchers, and farm managers to understand their challenges and develop data-driven solutions.
• Build and maintain data pipelines and databases for agricultural analytics.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and agricultural technology.
• Develop dashboards and reports to track key performance indicators for agricultural operations.
• Contribute to the design and development of new data-driven agricultural products and services.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) as a Data Scientist, with a strong emphasis on agricultural applications.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant data science libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Pandas).
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning techniques (regression, classification, clustering, deep learning), and experimental design.
• Experience with big data technologies and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Familiarity with agricultural concepts, including crop science, soil science, and farm management practices.
• Excellent data visualization skills using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Matplotlib.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge agricultural technology.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Contribute to sustainable and efficient farming practices.
• Access to advanced analytical tools and datasets.
• Collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Be part of a company driving significant impact in the agricultural sector.