Remote Agricultural Data Scientist - Predictive Analytics

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly analytical Agricultural Data Scientist to work remotely on big data projects for the global agriculture sector. You will collect, clean, and analyze diverse datasets, develop predictive models for yields, disease risk, and efficiency, and communicate insights to varied stakeholders.

The role emphasizes collaboration with agronomists and engineers, ongoing learning in ML advances, and delivering data-driven strategies that improve productivity and sustainability from

Qualifications

• Requires a Master's or PhD in a quantitative field with strong agricultural knowledge.
• Minimum 5 years of data science experience with ML/statistical modeling in real-world projects.
• Proficiency in Python or R and relevant libraries; strong SQL/NoSQL and big data tooling.

Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and analyze large agricultural datasets from multiple sources.
• Build, validate, and deploy predictive models for crop yields, diseases, pests, and resource use.
• Design experiments and A/B tests to evaluate interventions and optimize outcomes.
• Create data visualizations and reports for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with agronomists, engineers, and product teams to implement insights.

Skills

Python

R

Big data analytics

Data storytelling

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science/Statistics/CS/Agri Science

Tools

Pandas

NumPy

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

SQL

NoSQL

Spark

Hadoop

Tableau/Power BI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in AgTech solutions, is seeking a highly analytical and innovative Remote Agricultural Data Scientist. This fully remote role is pivotal in harnessing the power of big data to drive intelligent decision-making across the agricultural value chain. You will be responsible for collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting vast datasets related to crop yields, weather patterns, soil conditions, market trends, and farm operations. Your work will involve developing sophisticated predictive models to forecast outcomes, optimize resource allocation, and identify opportunities for improvement in agricultural productivity and sustainability. This is an exciting opportunity for a data science expert with a passion for agriculture to contribute to transformative solutions from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, process, and manage large and complex agricultural datasets from diverse sources, including farm management systems, sensors, satellite imagery, and market data.
• Apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to identify trends, patterns, and correlations within the data.
• Develop, validate, and deploy predictive models for crop yield, disease risk, pest infestation, optimal planting times, and resource efficiency.
• Design and conduct A/B testing and experiments to evaluate the impact of various agricultural interventions.
• Create compelling data visualizations and reports to communicate complex findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with agronomists, software engineers, and product managers to integrate data-driven insights into product development and client solutions.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and agricultural technology.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security across all analytical processes.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the company's data analytics capabilities.

Requirements

• A Master's or PhD degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Agricultural Science with a strong quantitative focus, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data science, with a proven track record of applying machine learning and statistical modeling to real-world problems, preferably in agriculture.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant data science libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong proficiency in database management (SQL, NoSQL) and experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib, Seaborn).
• Solid understanding of agricultural principles, crop science, and farming practices.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly and concisely.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, significant bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including excellent health insurance and retirement planning options. This is a fully remote position, providing ultimate flexibility. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and resources, continuous learning opportunities through online platforms and conferences, and the chance to work on impactful projects shaping the future of global agriculture. The role requires collaboration with teams internationally, though candidates should ideally be based within proximity to Centurion, Gauteng for potential periodic team gatherings.