Agro-Meteorologist & Climate Specialist

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Professional training funding

Generous paid time off

Access to analytical tools

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington invites applications for an Agro-Meteorologist & Climate Specialist. You will analyze meteorological data and climate trends to support agricultural planning, risk management, and crop production optimization for the Northern Cape region.

The ideal candidate holds a master's or PhD in meteorology or climatology, at least five years of relevant experience, and familiarity with GIS, weather forecasting, and data analysis software.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Meteorology, Climatology, Atmospheric Science, with focus on agricultural applications.
• Minimum 5 years of agro-meteorology or climate science experience applied to agriculture.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex meteorological and climate datasets.
• Strong understanding of agricultural principles, crop physiology, and soil science.
• Experience with climate modeling, forecasting techniques, and statistical software (R, Python).
• Familiarity with GIS and remote sensing data analysis is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collect, process, and analyze meteorological and climate data for agriculture.
• Develop weather forecasts and climate projections for farming applications.
• Assess climate variability impacts on crop production, soil health, and water resources.
• Develop climate-smart strategies, including planting dates, crop selection, and irrigation management.
• Advise on risk management related to weather events (hail, drought, frost).
• Collaborate with research teams on climate-change effects on local agriculture.
• Maintain agro-meteorological databases and documentation.
• Prepare reports and presentations for farmers and agricultural professionals.
• Stay updated on advances in agro-meteorology, climate modeling, and adaptation techniques.
• Use GIS/remote sensing to visualize and analyze spatial climate data.
• Provide guidance on climate-related policy impacts on agriculture.
• Assist in installation and maintenance of on-farm weather monitoring equipment.

Skills

Data analysis

Climate data interpretation

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in Meteorology/Climatology/Atmospheric Science

PhD in Meteorology/Climatology/Atmospheric Science

Tools

R

Python

GIS

Remote sensing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural research and development organization in the Northern Cape region, is seeking an Agro-Meteorologist & Climate Specialist to join their team. This critical role involves analyzing meteorological data and climate trends to provide actionable insights for agricultural planning, risk management, and crop production optimization. You will work closely with agronomists, farmers, and other stakeholders to develop climate-resilient strategies and advise on best practices for adapting to changing weather patterns. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in meteorology or climatology, coupled with a solid understanding of agricultural systems and the challenges posed by climate variability. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture in a region heavily influenced by its climate, based in or near Upington.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, process, and analyze meteorological and climate data relevant to agricultural operations.
• Develop and interpret weather forecasts and climate projections specifically for agricultural applications.
• Assess the impact of climate variability and extreme weather events on crop production, soil health, and water resources.
• Develop climate-smart agricultural strategies, including recommendations for planting dates, crop selection, and irrigation management.
• Advise on risk management strategies related to weather and climate, such as hail, drought and frost.
• Collaborate with research teams to conduct studies on the effects of climate change on local agriculture.
• Develop and maintain databases of agro-meteorological information.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and communication materials to disseminate climate-related information to farmers and agricultural professionals.
• Stay current with advancements in agro-meteorology, climate modeling, and agricultural adaptation techniques.
• Work with GIS and remote sensing tools to visualize and analyze spatial climate data.
• Provide expertise on climate-related policy and its impact on the agricultural sector.
• Assist in the installation and maintenance of on-farm weather monitoring equipment.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Meteorology, Climatology, Atmospheric Science, or a related field with a strong focus on agricultural applications.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agro-meteorology or climate science applied to agriculture.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex meteorological and climate datasets.
• Strong understanding of agricultural principles, crop physiology, and soil science.
• Experience with climate modeling, forecasting techniques, and statistical analysis software (e.g., R, Python).
• Familiarity with GIS and remote sensing data analysis is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Experience working with agricultural stakeholders is a plus.
• Must be able to conduct fieldwork in the Northern Cape region as needed.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with your qualifications and experience, along with performance-based bonuses.
• Employees receive comprehensive health insurance, including medical aid and hospital cover.
• A contribution to a retirement fund is provided.
• Our client supports professional growth through funding for relevant training, workshops, and conferences.
• Employees benefit from generous paid time off, including annual leave and study leave.
• Our client provides access to advanced analytical tools and resources.
• The work environment is collaborative and intellectually stimulating, focused on addressing critical challenges in agriculture.
• We are committed to fostering innovation and supporting our employees' career development.