Remote Agricultural Data Scientist - Farm Optimization

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,317,000 - 2,635,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Remote work stipend

Professional growth opportunities

Global team collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Agricultural Data Scientist to join its global team. You will develop and deploy advanced ML models to optimize farm operations, predict yields, and improve resource management across client sites worldwide.

You will work with IoT, satellite imagery, and historical farm data to build scalable data pipelines, validate models, and communicate insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders in a fully remote setting.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in data-related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional data science experience, with agriculture focus.
• Strong ML algorithms experience (regression, classification, time series, deep learning).
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Strong SQL and big data tech (Spark, Hadoop).
• Solid statistics and experimental design understanding.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills for remote teams.
• Experience with agricultural data sources ( imagery, sensor data ) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and deploy ML models for crop yield prediction and resource optimization.
• Analyze large agricultural datasets to identify trends and insights.
• Design and implement statistical analyses to validate model performance.
• Collaborate with agronomists and software engineers to integrate models into platforms.
• Develop data visualizations and dashboards for stakeholders.
• Stay current with data science and agricultural technology advances.
• Contribute to data collection strategies and ensure data quality.
• Automate data pipelines and model retraining processes.

Skills

Machine learning

Python

R

SQL

Statistical modeling

Communication

Remote collaboration

Agricultural data knowledge

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Agricultural Science

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in agricultural technology and analytics, is seeking an exceptional Remote Agricultural Data Scientist to join their innovative team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. You will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing advanced analytical models to optimize farm operations, predict crop yields, and enhance resource management for our clients worldwide. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in data science, machine learning, statistical modeling, and a deep understanding of agricultural principles. You will work with massive datasets generated from IoT devices, sensors, satellite imagery, and historical farm data to derive actionable insights. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of farming by harnessing the power of data and artificial intelligence, driving sustainability and efficiency on a global scale. We are looking for a highly motivated and self-directed individual who can thrive in a remote, collaborative environment and make a significant impact on agricultural innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, train, and deploy machine learning models for crop yield prediction, disease detection, and resource optimization.
• Analyze large, complex agricultural datasets to identify trends, patterns, and actionable insights.
• Design and implement statistical analyses to validate model performance and guide decision-making.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (agronomists, software engineers) to integrate data models into user-facing applications and platforms.
• Develop data visualizations and dashboards to effectively communicate complex findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay current with advancements in data science, machine learning, and agricultural technology.
• Contribute to the development of data collection strategies and ensure data quality.
• Automate data pipelines and model retraining processes.
• Participate in research and development to explore new applications of data science in agriculture.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Agricultural Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in data science, with a significant portion focused on agricultural applications.
• Proven expertise in machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, time series forecasting, deep learning).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Strong SQL skills and experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Solid understanding of statistical principles and experimental design.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fully remote team environment.
• Prior experience with agricultural data sources (e.g., imagery, sensor data) is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a generous remote work stipend.
• This role provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and working on cutting-edge projects at the forefront of agricultural technology.
• You will be part of a dynamic, globally distributed team of experts passionate about transforming agriculture.
• We offer a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance, supporting your success in this remote-first role.