Remote Agricultural Data Scientist

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Equity options

Professional development budget

Cloud computing resources

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Agricultural Data Scientist to drive data-driven insights for agriculture and forestry. Position involves collecting and analyzing diverse data sources, building predictive models, and communicating results to stakeholders across a global team.

The ideal candidate has a strong statistics and ML background, experience with geospatial data, and a passion for applying analytics to sustainable farming.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in a quantitative field.
• 4+ years as a Data Scientist applying analytics to real-world problems.
• Proficiency in Python or R with AI/ML libraries.
• Experience with SQL and database management.
• Geospatial data analysis experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and analyze large agricultural datasets from sensors, satellite imagery, and weather data.
• Develop, validate, and deploy statistical models and ML algorithms for predictive analytics (yield, disease, planting times).
• Create visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with agronomists, engineers, and product managers to translate insights into farming solutions.
• Document methodologies and code for reproducibility.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Pandas

NumPy

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

Geospatial analysis

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge agricultural technology company, is seeking a talented Remote Agricultural Data Scientist to revolutionize farming through data-driven insights. This fully remote position allows you to work from anywhere, collaborating with a global team to develop advanced analytical models and solutions for the **agriculture & forestry** sector. You will be responsible for collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting vast datasets from various agricultural sources, including sensors, satellite imagery, historical yield data, and weather patterns. The goal is to extract actionable intelligence that optimizes crop yields, improves resource management, and enhances farm sustainability. The ideal candidate is a highly analytical individual with a strong background in statistics, machine learning, and a passion for applying these skills to agricultural challenges. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of smart farming, supporting operations that may span regions like **Mahikeng, North West, ZA**, and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, process, and manage large, complex agricultural datasets from diverse sources.
• Develop, implement, and validate statistical models and machine learning algorithms for predictive analytics (e.g., yield forecasting, disease prediction, optimal planting times).
• Analyze geospatial data to identify patterns and correlations related to soil health, environmental conditions, and crop performance.
• Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses and improve data-driven recommendations.
• Develop data visualizations and dashboards to communicate complex findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with agronomists, engineers, and product managers to translate data insights into practical farming solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, AI, and agricultural technology.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security across all analytical processes.
• Contribute to the development of data infrastructure and best practices within the organization.
• Effectively document methodologies, findings, and code for reproducibility and knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven experience (4+ years) as a Data Scientist, with a demonstrated ability to apply advanced analytical techniques to real-world problems.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, including relevant libraries for data manipulation, analysis, and machine learning (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow/PyTorch).
• Experience with SQL and database management.
• Expertise in statistical modeling, experimental design, and machine learning techniques.
• Familiarity with geospatial data analysis and GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with large, unstructured datasets.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly in a remote setting.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• A genuine interest in the **agriculture & forestry** sector and its technological advancements.

Benefits

• This fully remote role offers a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and equity options.
• Our client provides state-of-the-art data science tools, access to cloud computing resources, and a generous budget for professional development, including conferences and online courses.
• You will be part of an innovative and collaborative team pushing the boundaries of AgTech.
• The flexibility of a remote role allows for excellent work-life balance, enabling you to contribute impactful work from Mahikeng, North West, ZA, or any location that suits you.
• This is a prime opportunity to advance your career in data science while making a significant contribution to the future of sustainable agriculture & forestry.