Precision Agriculture Specialist

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid and retirement plans

Company vehicle for field work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Precision Agriculture Specialist to join a Gauteng-based team in Tembisa. You will leverage GPS guidance, drone mapping, and sensor data to optimize crop inputs and profitability.

You will design, implement, and monitor precision farming programs, collaborate with agronomists, and train farm staff in advanced technologies. The role emphasizes data-driven agronomic recommendations, geospatial analysis, and continuous improvement, with a hybrid working arrangement in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with agricultural focus.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on experience with precision agriculture technologies.
• Proven GIS software proficiency (ArcGIS, QGIS) and data analysis.
• Drone operation experience for agricultural mapping and data collection (certification preferred).
• Strong agronomic knowledge and sensor technology familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage precision agriculture programs across farm operations.
• Operate and maintain GPS guidance, auto-steer systems, and precision farming equipment.
• Use drones for crop monitoring, aerial mapping, and data collection.
• Create variable rate application maps from geospatial data, soil results, and yield maps.
• Calibrate sensors and monitor soil moisture, nutrients, and weather data.
• Provide training to farm staff on precision agriculture tools and software.
• Troubleshoot precision farming hardware and software issues.
• Collaborate with agronomists to interpret data and make data-driven recommendations.
• Keep detailed records of activities, data, and outcomes.

Skills

GIS analysis

Drone operation

Data analytics

Agricultural engineering

Field and office work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering / Agronomy / Geomatics

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

GPS guidance systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the agricultural sector, is looking for a highly skilled Precision Agriculture Specialist to join their dynamic team in Tembisa, Gauteng. This role is crucial for leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics to enhance farming efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. The specialist will be responsible for implementing and managing cutting-edge precision farming techniques, including GPS guidance, drone technology, variable rate application, and sensor-based monitoring. This is an exceptional opportunity to work at the forefront of agricultural technology and contribute to a more efficient and environmentally conscious farming future within the Tembisa operational region. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in modern agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage precision agriculture programs across various farm operations.
• Operate and maintain GPS receivers, guidance systems, auto-steer technology, and other precision farming equipment.
• Utilize drone technology for crop monitoring, aerial mapping, and data collection.
• Analyze geospatial data, soil sample results, and yield maps to create variable rate application prescription maps for fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds.
• Calibrate and manage sensors and monitoring equipment to gather real-time data on soil moisture, nutrient levels, and weather conditions.
• Provide training and support to farm staff on the use of precision agriculture technologies and software.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to precision farming equipment and software.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to interpret data and develop data-driven agronomic recommendations.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and trends in precision agriculture technology and sustainable farming practices.
• Maintain detailed records of all precision agriculture activities, data, and outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Geomatics, Computer Science, or a related field with a strong focus on agricultural applications.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience with precision agriculture technologies and farm management systems.
• Proven expertise in using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and data analysis tools.
• Experience with drone operation for agricultural mapping and data acquisition (certification preferred).
• Solid understanding of agronomic principles and crop production.
• Familiarity with various types of agricultural sensors and their applications.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in both field and office environments.
• Knowledge of the agricultural landscape in Gauteng is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package with performance incentives and comprehensive benefits, including medical aid and retirement contributions.
• This role provides a unique opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technology and contribute to sustainable agriculture.
• Professional development opportunities, including advanced training in new technologies, are provided.
• The role is based in Tembisa, with a hybrid work arrangement allowing for flexibility.
• Our client values innovation and offers a supportive work culture.
• Access to company vehicles for field work is included.
• We foster an environment of continuous learning and growth.