Precision Agriculture Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work

Professional development

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Precision Agriculture Specialist based in Paarl, Western Cape, for a hybrid role combining on-site field support with remote data analysis and client consultations.

You will help farmers implement GPS guidance, variable rate technology, soil mapping, and drone imaging to improve yields, reduce inputs, and promote sustainable farming practices. The role requires hands-on field work and strong data analytics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Geomatics or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience with precision agriculture technologies and concepts.
• Proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and precision ag data management platforms.
• Experience with drone operations for agricultural imaging is a strong plus.
• Strong agronomic knowledge, analytical skills and client-facing ability.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage precision agriculture technologies on client farms.
• Collect, analyze and interpret soil, yield, drone imagery and sensor data.
• Develop management zone maps and variable rate prescription maps.
• Provide on-site training and technical support to farmers and staff.
• Advise clients on suitable precision agriculture solutions and troubleshoot issues.
• Stay updated on advancements in remote sensing, IoT and data analytics.
• Collaborate with manufacturers, developers and agronomists for integrated solutions.
• Visit farms to assess needs and demonstrate technologies.

Skills

GIS analysis

Data interpretation

Drone operations

Technical troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Drone imaging software

Precision ag platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a forward-thinking agricultural technology company dedicated to enhancing farm efficiency and sustainability through data-driven solutions. We are seeking a skilled Precision Agriculture Specialist to join our team. Based in Paarl, Western Cape , this role offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a balance between on-site field support and remote data analysis and client consultations. You will be instrumental in helping farmers implement and optimize precision agriculture technologies, such as GPS guidance, variable rate application, soil mapping, and drone imaging. Your expertise will enable clients to make more informed decisions, reduce input costs, improve yields, and minimize environmental impact. This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the intersection of agriculture and technology in a beautiful region.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and manage precision agriculture technologies on client farms, including GPS guidance systems, VRT controllers, and yield monitors.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret various forms of agricultural data, including soil samples, yield data, drone imagery, and sensor readings.
• Develop detailed management zone maps and variable rate prescription maps for inputs like fertilizer, seeds, and crop protection.
• Provide on-site technical support and training to farmers and farm staff on the operation and benefits of precision agriculture tools.
• Advise clients on selecting the most appropriate precision agriculture technologies for their specific needs and operations.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to precision agriculture equipment and software.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in precision agriculture, remote sensing, IoT, and data analytics in agriculture.
• Collaborate with equipment manufacturers, software developers, and agronomists to ensure integrated solutions.
• Conduct farm visits to assess needs, demonstrate technologies, and follow up on implementation success.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Geomatics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience working with precision agriculture technologies and concepts.
• Proficiency in using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and precision agriculture data management platforms.
• Experience with drone operations for agricultural imaging and data collection is a strong plus.
• Strong understanding of agronomic principles and crop production practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel to client farms within the region.
• Ability to work effectively in both field and office environments as part of a hybrid model.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work arrangement for optimal work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge agricultural technology.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Travel allowance for farm visits.
• Be part of a team driving innovation in agriculture.