AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH ANALYST – AGRICULTURAL COMMODOTIES – STELLENBOSCH

Agricruitment Limited; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural recruitment firm is seeking an Agricultural Research Analyst to collect, analyze, and interpret agricultural data for strategic decision-making. The role involves crop estimation, data integration, and stakeholder collaboration. Ideal candidates possess a graduate degree in Agronomy and have 5-7 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in statistical tools and a valid driver’s license are required. This position is based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in agricultural data analysis, forecasting, and modeling.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to field sites and events.

Responsibilities

• Assist in accurate crop yield forecasting across regions and seasons.
• Deliver insights on regional agricultural performance and climate-related risks.
• Assist in the development of predictive models to support trade decisions.
• Facilitate productive collaboration between stakeholders.
• Provide timely, evidence-based findings to support decisions.

Skills

Agricultural data analysis

Predictive modeling

Data integration

Stakeholder engagement

Reporting

Education

Graduate level degree (BSc/BA/MSc) in Agronomy or related fields

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics or equivalent

Tools

MS Excel

GIS software

R

Python

SPSS

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Agricultural Research Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting agricultural data to support strategic decision-making and innovation in crop estimations, forecasts, and impact of climate on crop production. This role contributes to the development of evidence-based recommendations that improve crop prediction and availability for trading decisions

Key Responsibilities

• Crop Estimation and Forecasting
  Assist in accurate crop yield forecasting across regions and seasons.
• Regional Analysis and Climate Impact
  Deliver insights on regional agricultural performance and climate‑related risks and interventions.
• Data Integration and Predictive Modeling
  Assist in the development of predictive models to support trade decisions.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
  Facilitate productive collaboration between stakeholders to support effective decisions.
• Reporting and Strategic Recommendations
  Provide timely, evidence‑based findings to support operational and strategic decisions.

Task Descriptions for Key Performance Areas

1. Crop Estimation and Forecasting

• Collect and validate data from field reports, satellite imagery, and weather stations.
• Develop and maintain forecasting models using historical and real‑time data.
• Compare forecast outputs with actual harvest data to refine model accuracy.
• Report forecast results to internal stakeholders for planning and trade decisions.

2. Regional Analysis and Climate Impact

• Analyze regional differences in soil, rainfall, and temperature patterns.
• Assess the impact of climate variability on crop cycles and yields.
• Create regional profiles highlighting strengths, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with climate scientists and agronomists to integrate findings.

3. Data Integration and Predictive Modeling

• Integrate multiple data sources (e.g., market trends, weather forecasts, planting schedules).
• Use statistical and machine learning tools to build predictive models.
• Test and validate models for reliability and scalability.
• Present model outputs in user‑friendly formats for decision‑makers.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Liaise with traders, agronomists, and data providers to gather insights.
• Participate in cross‑functional meetings to align research with business needs.
• Share findings through presentations, dashboards, and technical reports.

5. Reporting and Strategic Recommendations

• Prepare daily and weekly reports on crop forecasts and regional trends.
• Highlight risks and opportunities for procurement and trade teams.
• Contribute to strategic planning sessions with data‑driven insights.

Education & Qualifications

• Education
  Graduate level degree (BSc/BA/MSc) in Agronomy, Meteorology, or related fields.
• Teaching Qualification
  Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Data Science, or equivalent.
• Software Proficiency
  MS Excel, GIS software, statistical and predictive modeling tools (R, Python, SPSS).
• Experience
  5–7 years in agricultural data analysis, forecasting, and modeling.
• Other (e.g., Driver’s licence)
  Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to field sites and events.

EMAIL CV IN WORD FORMAT: [e-mail]

Please consider your application as unsuccessful if you have not been contacted within 2 weeks.

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