Farm Data Analyst - Precision Agriculture

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and retirement contributed

Hybrid work arrangement

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Farm Data Analyst in Benoni, Gauteng, to help members adopt precision agriculture technologies and optimize yields through data from sensors, drones, satellite imagery and farm software.

You will collect, process and interpret data, develop predictive models, and create dashboards for farmers and management. The role requires collaboration with farmers and agronomists in a hybrid work setting with occasional farm visits in Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field (Agriculture, Agronomy, Data Science, Statistics, CS)
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in data analysis
• Strong data manipulation and analysis skills (Excel, SQL, Python/R)
• Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) is desirable
• Familiarity with GIS/geospatial data analysis is a plus
• Good understanding of agricultural concepts and farm management practices
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a hybrid setting

Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and organize large datasets from diverse agricultural sources (IoT sensors, GPS, weather stations, soil samples)
• Analyze farm data to identify trends in crop performance, soil health, water usage, and pest/disease incidence
• Develop predictive models for yield forecasting and resource optimization
• Create dashboards and reports to communicate findings to farmers and management
• Provide actionable recommendations on planting, fertilization, irrigation, and pest management
• Collaborate with farmers and agronomists to tailor analysis to needs
• Stay updated on precision agriculture technologies and data tools
• Assist in evaluating new data collection tools and platforms
• Ensure data integrity and privacy compliance
• Contribute to farmer training on data usage

Skills

Analytical thinking

Agriculture knowledge

Data visualization

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field

Tools

Excel

SQL

Python/R

Tableau

Power BI

GIS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive agricultural cooperative in Benoni, Gauteng , is seeking a skilled Farm Data Analyst to support its members in adopting and leveraging precision agriculture technologies. This role is central to enhancing farm efficiency, optimizing resource use, and improving crop yields through the insightful analysis of complex agricultural data. You will work closely with farmers to collect, process, and interpret data from various sources, including sensors, drones, satellite imagery, and farm management software. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of agricultural principles, and expertise in data visualization and statistical modeling. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the modernization of agriculture in Gauteng , working within a supportive team environment that values data-driven decision-making. The hybrid nature of this role allows for both on-site collaboration with member farms in the Benoni area and remote data analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and organize large datasets from diverse agricultural sources (e.g., IoT sensors, GPS equipment, weather stations, soil samples).
• Analyze farm data to identify trends, patterns, and insights related to crop performance, soil health, water usage, and pest/disease incidence.
• Develop and implement predictive models for yield forecasting, resource optimization, and risk assessment.
• Create clear and concise data visualizations, dashboards, and reports to communicate findings to farmers and management.
• Provide actionable recommendations to member farms on optimizing planting, fertilization, irrigation, and pest management strategies based on data analysis.
• Collaborate with farmers and agronomists to understand their specific needs and challenges, tailoring data analysis accordingly.
• Stay updated on the latest technologies and methodologies in precision agriculture, data analytics, and farm management software.
• Assist in the evaluation and implementation of new data collection tools and platforms.
• Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with relevant privacy regulations.
• Contribute to training sessions for farmers on understanding and utilizing farm data effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in data analysis, preferably within the agricultural sector or in precision agriculture.
• Strong proficiency in data manipulation and analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Python/R).
• Experience with data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with GIS software and geospatial data analysis is a plus.
• Good understanding of agricultural concepts, crop production, and farm management practices.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work setting.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to farms within the Gauteng province.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package based on experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits scheme including medical aid and retirement contributions.
• The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility, combining on-site farm visits in the Benoni vicinity with remote data processing and analysis.
• We provide opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, including access to industry conferences and training programs focused on agricultural technology and data analytics.