Precision Agriculture Systems Specialist

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package and bonuses

Health and retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng is seeking a Precision Agriculture Systems Specialist to drive deployment of GPS, GIS, remote sensing, and data analytics on farms.

You will work with farmers and consultants to optimize resource use, design VRT prescriptions, analyze field data, and provide training for farm staff. The role blends fieldwork with data science and offers a hybrid work arrangement in Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field with focus on agriculture.
• Hands-on precision agriculture technologies and data management experience (5+ years).
• Proficiency with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and GPS data processing.
• Experience with FMIS and data analysis tools (R, Python).
• Strong understanding of crop physiology, soil science and agronomy.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage precision agriculture systems including GPS guidance, auto-steering, VRT and sensor networks.
• Collect, process, and analyze large datasets from drones, satellites, yield monitors and soil sensors.
• Develop detailed VRT prescription maps for fertilizers, seeds and crop protection.
• Provide technical training to farmers and farm managers on precision ag technologies.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues in precision ag systems.
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance farm management; conduct field trials and demonstrations.
• Collaborate with agronomists to interpret data and provide actionable insights.
• Prepare reports and presentations on findings and system performance.

Skills

Analytical problem-solving

Communication and presentation

Teamwork and independence

Travel to farm sites

Crop physiology & agronomy knowledge

Precision agriculture experience

Data management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Geomatics, CS or related field

Tools

ArcGIS/QGIS

FMIS

R

Python

GPS data processing

Remote sensing platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking agricultural technology firm, is looking for a highly skilled Precision Agriculture Systems Specialist to join their innovative team in **Centurion, Gauteng**. This role is central to enhancing farm efficiency and productivity through the strategic deployment and management of cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies. You will work closely with farmers and agricultural consultants to integrate GPS, GIS, remote sensing, and data analytics into their operations. This position offers a dynamic blend of fieldwork and data analysis, focusing on optimizing resource use and maximizing crop yields in the **Gauteng** region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage precision agriculture systems, including GPS guidance, auto-steering, VRT (Variable Rate Technology), and sensor networks.


• Collect, process, and analyze large datasets from various sources such as drones, satellites, yield monitors, and soil sensors.


• Develop detailed prescription maps for VRT applications of fertilizers, seeds, and crop protection products.


• Provide technical support and training to farmers and farm managers on the use and benefits of precision agriculture technologies.


• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to precision agriculture hardware and software.


• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and solutions to enhance farm management practices.


• Conduct field trials and demonstrations to showcase the effectiveness of precision agriculture techniques.


• Collaborate with agronomists and other agricultural professionals to interpret data and provide actionable insights.


• Stay current with advancements in precision agriculture, IoT, and agricultural data science.


• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing findings, recommendations, and system performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Geomatics, Computer Science, or a related field with a focus on agriculture.


• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience with precision agriculture technologies and data management.


• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS), GPS data processing, and remote sensing platforms.


• Experience with farm management information systems (FMIS) and data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python).


• Strong understanding of crop physiology, soil science, and agronomic principles.


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.


• Effective communication and presentation skills, able to explain complex technical concepts clearly.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.


• Willingness to travel to farm sites within **Gauteng** and potentially other regions.


• Familiarity with various agricultural machinery and their integration with precision systems.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance bonuses, and comprehensive health and retirement benefits. Opportunities for professional growth include attending industry conferences, specialized training, and working with leading agricultural technology providers. The role is based in **Centurion, Gauteng**, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement. Employees enjoy a dynamic and innovative work culture, ample paid time off, and the chance to make a significant impact on the efficiency and sustainability of modern agriculture.