Precision Agriculture Specialist - Farm Technology Lead

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company vehicle

Health insurance

Retirement savings

Professional development

Impactful role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Precision Agriculture Specialist to lead the adoption and management of GPS, drone imaging, soil mapping, and data analytics for farms in Vereeniging and broader Gauteng.

You will guide farmers on technology deployment, analyze outputs like yield maps, and develop tailored farm plans to optimize crop production and resource efficiency. Strong communication and field travel are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, IT or related field.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage precision agriculture technologies on client farms, including GPS, VRT, and sensor systems.
• Analyze farm data (yield maps, soil samples, imagery) to provide actionable insights for farmers.
• Develop customized farm management plans leveraging precision agriculture techniques.
• Train farmers and farm staff on operation and benefits of new agricultural technologies.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to precision agriculture equipment and software.
• Stay abreast of latest advancements in agricultural technology and recommend suitable solutions.
• Conduct field assessments and provide recommendations for optimizing farm operations based on data.
• Collaborate with technology providers and equipment manufacturers for system performance.
• Prepare reports and presentations on impact and benefits of precision agriculture implementation.
• Promote adoption of sustainable and data-driven farming practices.

Skills

Data analysis

Visualization

Training/teaching

Independent work

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering/ Agronomy/ IT

Tools

GPS systems

Variable rate applicators

Yield monitors

Farm management software

GIS software

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive agricultural technology company servicing farmers in the Gauteng region, is looking for a skilled Precision Agriculture Specialist. This role, based in the Vereeniging area, will focus on implementing and managing cutting-edge farm technologies designed to optimize crop production and resource efficiency. You will be instrumental in guiding farmers on the adoption and effective use of GPS guidance systems, variable rate technology, drone imaging, soil mapping, and data analytics. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical aptitude, a deep understanding of agricultural practices, and excellent communication skills to train and support growers. This is a significant opportunity to drive the adoption of smart farming techniques in Gauteng , enhancing productivity and sustainability for farms around Vereeniging .

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and manage precision agriculture technologies on client farms, including GPS, VRT, and sensor systems.
• Analyze farm data (e.g., yield maps, soil samples, imagery) to provide actionable insights for farmers.
• Develop customized farm management plans leveraging precision agriculture techniques.
• Train farmers and farm staff on the operation and benefits of new agricultural technologies.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to precision agriculture equipment and software.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in agricultural technology and recommend suitable solutions.
• Conduct field assessments and provide recommendations for optimizing farm operations based on data.
• Collaborate with technology providers and equipment manufacturers to ensure optimal system performance.
• Prepare reports and presentations on the impact and benefits of precision agriculture implementation.
• Promote the adoption of sustainable and data-driven farming practices among clients.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in precision agriculture, farm technology, or agricultural data management.
• Hands-on experience with GPS systems, variable rate applicators, yield monitors, and farm management software (e.g., John Deere Operations Center, AgLeader, Trimble Ag).
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., GIS software, Excel, specialized ag-tech platforms).
• Strong understanding of crop physiology and soil science in relation to precision farming.
• Excellent communication, training, and customer support skills.
• Ability to work independently and travel frequently within the Vereeniging and wider Gauteng agricultural areas.
• Problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to technical challenges.
• A valid driver's license.
• Passion for leveraging technology to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• A company vehicle and fuel allowance will be provided for travel.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan contributions are included.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development in the rapidly evolving field of AgTech are prioritized.
• Employees will work with leading technologies and have the chance to significantly impact farming practices in the Vereeniging region and across Gauteng .

Our client is committed to innovation and sustainability in agriculture.