Precision Agriculture Specialist - Farm Technology Lead

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Professional development

Remote-first with travel to client/s

Access to latest technologies

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a innovative Precision Agriculture Specialist to join its Pretoria team. You will design and manage precision farming programs, collect and analyze data from drones, sensors, and satellites, and translate insights into actionable farming strategies.

The role emphasizes GIS, remote sensing, and data analytics with collaboration with researchers and tech providers to drive sustainable, data-driven outcomes for diverse clients across South Africa.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Precision Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, GIS, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in precision agriculture, farm technology, or a closely related role.
• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS), remote sensing platforms, and data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python).
• Strong understanding of various farm machinery, sensors, and data loggers used in precision farming.
• Knowledge of crop physiology, soil science, and agronomic principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Experience in providing technical training and customer support.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape in Pretoria and surrounding regions is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage precision agriculture programs for clients, including the use of GPS, VRT, and sensor-based systems.
• Collect, process, and analyze agricultural data from drones, satellite imagery, soil sensors, and farm machinery.
• Utilize GIS and mapping software to create detailed field maps, yield maps, and soil analysis reports.
• Develop and recommend data-driven strategies for crop management, including fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and planting optimization.
• Evaluate and integrate new agricultural technologies and software solutions.
• Provide technical training and support to farmers and farm managers on precision agriculture tools and practices.
• Collaborate with research institutions and industry partners to stay current with technological advancements.
• Assess farm operations and provide recommendations for technology adoption and efficiency improvements.
• Develop compelling reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to clients and stakeholders.

Skills

GIS

Remote sensing

Data analytics

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Precision Agriculture or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Python

R

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking agricultural technology company, is seeking an innovative Precision Agriculture Specialist to join their team in **Pretoria, Gauteng**. This role is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, focusing on leveraging technology to optimize farm efficiency, resource management, and crop yields. The specialist will be responsible for implementing and managing precision farming tools, data analysis platforms, and smart farming solutions for a diverse client base. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agricultural science, coupled with expertise in GIS, remote sensing, data analytics, and relevant farming technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in the agricultural sector, promoting sustainable and data-driven farming practices. You will work closely with farmers, agronomists, and technology providers to develop tailored solutions that enhance productivity and profitability. Your expertise will be crucial in interpreting complex data and translating it into actionable insights for improved farm management decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage precision agriculture programs for clients, including the use of GPS, VRT (Variable Rate Technology), and sensor-based systems.


• Collect, process, and analyze agricultural data from various sources, such as drones, satellite imagery, soil sensors, and farm machinery.


• Utilize GIS and mapping software to create detailed field maps, yield maps, and soil analysis reports.


• Develop and recommend data-driven strategies for crop management, including fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and planting optimization.


• Evaluate and integrate new agricultural technologies and software solutions.


• Provide technical training and support to farmers and farm managers on precision agriculture tools and practices.


• Collaborate with research institutions and industry partners to stay current with technological advancements.


• Assess farm operations and provide recommendations for technology adoption and efficiency improvements.


• Develop compelling reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to clients and stakeholders.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Precision Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, GIS, or a related field.


• Minimum of 6 years of experience in precision agriculture, farm technology, or a closely related role.


• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS), remote sensing platforms, and data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python).


• Strong understanding of various farm machinery, sensors, and data loggers used in precision farming.


• Knowledge of crop physiology, soil science, and agronomic principles.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.


• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.


• Experience in providing technical training and customer support.


• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively.


• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape in **Pretoria** and surrounding regions is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional development through certifications and advanced training.


• As a remote-first role, you will enjoy the flexibility of working from home, with occasional travel to client sites as needed.


• The company provides access to the latest technologies and software, fostering an environment of continuous learning and innovation.


• You will be part of a pioneering team that is shaping the future of agriculture, making a tangible difference in efficiency, sustainability, and profitability for farms across South Africa.


• This position offers significant career growth potential within a rapidly evolving field.