Head of Precision Farming & AI-Driven Agriculture

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Substantial annual bonus

Excellent medical aid

Pension fund

Hybrid work arrangement

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, invites a Lead Agricultural Engineer specializing in Precision Farming to drive AI, IoT and sensor integration across our client's vineyards and crops.

The role focuses on designing and deploying GPS guidance, variable rate technology, remote sensing and data analytics while developing staff training and collaborating with agronomists to scale sustainable farming across the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
• 8+ years in agricultural engineering focusing on precision farming, automation, and data management.
• Experience with GIS, data analysis tools (R, Python), and agricultural data platforms.
• Expertise in sensor networks, IoT devices, and ML applications in agriculture.
• Hands-on with agricultural machinery, hydraulics, and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage precision agriculture systems, including GPS guidance, variable rate technology, remote sensing, and data analytics platforms.
• Develop and maintain sensor networks for real-time monitoring of soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health across Stellenbosch sites.
• Integrate data from drones, satellites, in-field sensors, machinery to generate actionable insights for crop management, irrigation scheduling, and pest/disease control.
• Oversee selection, procurement, and maintenance of agricultural machinery with focus on automation and efficiency.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farm managers, and research institutions to pilot and scale precision farming technologies.
• Develop and deliver training programs for farm staff on operation and utilization of precision agriculture equipment and software.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainable farming through technology.
• Analyze operational data to identify areas for cost reduction, yield improvement, and resource optimization in Stellenbosch.

Skills

GIS software

Python

IoT devices

Data analytics

Sensor networks

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Eng (Agric/Mech/Electrical)

Tools

GIS software

R/Python

Job description

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, invites a Lead Agricultural Engineer specializing in Precision Farming to drive AI, IoT and sensor integration across our client's vineyards and crops.

The role focuses on designing and deploying GPS guidance, variable rate technology, remote sensing and data analytics while developing staff training and collaborating with agronomists to scale sustainable farming across the Western Cape.