Remote Agricultural Data Scientist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Data Scientist to join a fully remote team. You will develop predictive models on large agricultural datasets, from sensor data to satellite imagery, to drive farm optimization and decision support.

Responsibilities include building and validating ML models for yield forecasting, data cleaning, designing analytics dashboards, and collaborating with agronomists, software engineers, and product managers. Strong Python/R skills and cloud experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, CS or Agricultural Science with quantitative focus.
• Minimum of 5 years as a Data Scientist, with a significant focus on agricultural data or similar domains.
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong SQL and database management experience.
• Familiarity with big data tech (Spark/Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP).
• Proven ability to apply statistical modeling and ML techniques to complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and deploy ML models for predictive analytics (crop yield, disease, timing, resource management).
• Clean and transform large agricultural datasets from multiple sources.
• Conduct data mining and statistics to identify patterns and correlations.
• Create data visualizations and reports for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with agronomists, software engineers, and product managers to translate needs into data solutions.
• Evaluate new data science technologies and methodologies for agriculture.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security across the data lifecycle.
• Contribute to data infrastructure and pipelines for agricultural analytics.

Skills

Python

R

Pandas

NumPy

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

SQL

Spark

Cloud computing

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Agricultural Science degree

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in agricultural technology solutions, is seeking a highly analytical and skilled Agricultural Data Scientist to join their fully remote team. This role is essential in harnessing the power of large agricultural datasets to drive innovation, optimize farm operations, and improve decision‑making for farmers and agricultural businesses. You will be responsible for developing predictive models, analyzing trends, and extracting actionable insights from diverse data sources, including sensor data, satellite imagery, weather patterns, and farm management records. This is an exceptional opportunity to apply advanced data science techniques to real-world agricultural challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and deploy machine learning models for predictive analytics in areas such as crop yield forecasting, disease prediction, optimal planting/harvesting times, and resource management (water, fertilizer).
• Clean, process, and transform large, complex agricultural datasets from various sources to prepare them for analysis.
• Design and conduct data mining and statistical analysis to identify key patterns, trends, and correlations in agricultural data.
• Create compelling data visualizations and reports to communicate findings and insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with agronomists, software engineers, and product managers to understand business needs and translate them into data-driven solutions.
• Evaluate and implement new data science technologies and methodologies relevant to the agricultural domain.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security throughout the data lifecycle.
• Contribute to the development of data infrastructure and pipelines supporting agricultural analytics.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Agricultural Science with a strong quantitative focus, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Data Scientist, with a significant portion focused on agricultural data or similar complex scientific domains.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and expertise in relevant data science libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with SQL and database management.
• Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven ability to apply statistical modeling and machine learning techniques to solve complex problems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a retirement savings plan.
• They provide ample opportunities for professional development, including access to online courses, workshops, and conferences.
• This is a fully remote position, allowing for maximum flexibility and work-life integration.
• You will be contributing to the digital transformation of agriculture, working with a cutting-edge team from your location near Nelspruit or any other remote setting.