Agricultural Data Scientist - Yield Prediction & Optimization

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly analytical Agricultural Data Scientist to join our innovative team in Upington, Northern Cape. You will develop and deploy advanced data models to predict crop yields, optimize resources, and boost farm productivity using field sensors, weather, satellite imagery and historical farm data.

You will collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to translate complex insights into actionable strategies, design dashboards, and drive data-driven decisions that improve

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in data science, statistics, computer science or agricultural science with quantitative focus.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in data science, ML, and statistical modeling with agriculture focus.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow and Pandas.
• Strong background in statistical modeling, time-series analysis and ML algorithms.
• Experience with agricultural data sources including sensor networks, GIS, and remote sensing is advantageous.
• Knowledge of crop physiology, soil science, and agronomy principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Experience with cloud platforms and big data is a plus.
• Familiarity with the Northern Cape agricultural context is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and deploy ML models for crop yield prediction across crops.
• Analyze diverse agricultural datasets to identify drivers of performance and efficiency.
• Design data-driven strategies to optimize water, fertilizers and inputs.
• Collaborate with agronomists to translate model outputs into farming decisions.
• Develop dashboards to communicate insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Identify new data sources and techniques to improve model accuracy.
• Ensure data quality, integrity and security across the data lifecycle.
• Stay current with advances in agricultural data science and AI technologies.
• Contribute to robust data infrastructure and analytical framework.
• Prepare reports and presentations on findings and methodologies.

Skills

Python

R

Time-series analysis

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Communication

Education

MSc/PhD in Data Science or related

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

Pandas

GIS/Remote Sensing tools

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly analytical Agricultural Data Scientist to join their innovative team, based in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is instrumental in developing and deploying advanced data models to predict crop yields, optimize resource allocation, and enhance farm productivity. You will work with large datasets derived from field sensors, weather stations, satellite imagery, and historical farm records. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in data science, machine learning, and a solid understanding of agricultural principles. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology to drive efficiency and sustainability in agriculture within the unique environment of the Northern Cape . You will collaborate closely with agronomists and farm managers to translate complex data insights into actionable strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and deploy machine learning models for crop yield prediction across various crops.
• Analyze diverse agricultural datasets (weather, soil, satellite imagery, historical yield) to identify key drivers of crop performance and resource efficiency.
• Design and implement data-driven strategies for optimizing the application of water, fertilizers, and other inputs.
• Collaborate with agronomists to integrate model outputs into practical farm management decisions.
• Develop data visualization tools and dashboards to communicate insights effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Identify and implement new data sources and analytical techniques to improve model accuracy and predictive power.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security throughout the data lifecycle.
• Stay current with advancements in agricultural data science, AI, and relevant technologies.
• Contribute to the development of a robust data infrastructure and analytical framework for the organization.
• Prepare reports and presentations on findings, methodologies, and recommendations.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Agricultural Science with a strong quantitative focus, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data science, machine learning, and statistical modeling, with a significant portion applied to agriculture.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Pandas).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, time-series analysis, and machine learning algorithms (regression, classification, clustering).
• Experience with agricultural data sources, including sensor networks, GIS, and remote sensing, is highly advantageous.
• Knowledge of crop physiology, soil science, and general agronomic principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex results clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies is a plus.
• Familiarity with the agricultural context of the Northern Cape is beneficial.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement savings. Opportunities for professional development, attending conferences, and pursuing further education are supported. This hybrid role allows for a balance of on-site collaboration in Upington and remote work flexibility. You will work with a team of dedicated professionals at the forefront of agricultural innovation. Be part of an organization committed to enhancing agricultural sustainability and efficiency in South Africa .