Remote Agricultural Data Scientist - Predictive Analytics

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Medical coverage

Learning opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly analytical Remote Agricultural Data Scientist to advance predictive models for crop yields, resource management, and profitability. Work with weather, soil, crop, and market data to drive strategic decisions from your own workspace.

The role emphasizes statistical modeling, machine learning, and geospatial data expertise, with collaboration across a global team and opportunities for continuous learning and career growth in a leading AgTech firm.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field related to data science or agriculture.
• 3+ years experience building predictive models in data science roles.
• Strong Python or R programming skills with common libraries.
• Experience with SQL/NoSQL and big data platforms (Spark, Hadoop) desirable.
• Background in statistical modeling, ML algorithms, and experimental design.
• Experience with geospatial data or remote sensing is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy ML and statistical models to predict crop yields and optimize resources.
• Collect, clean, and preprocess large multi-source datasets (IoT, weather, soil, imagery).
• Perform exploratory data analysis to identify trends and anomalies.
• Design experiments and A/B tests to evaluate agronomic strategies.
• Collaborate with agronomists, engineers, and PMs to translate needs into data products.
• Visualize findings in clear reports and dashboards for diverse audiences.
• Stay updated on data science advances and scalable analytics infrastructure.

Skills

Python

R

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Data visualization

Problem solving

Communication

Education

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

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

pandas

NumPy

SQL

NoSQL

Spark

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge agricultural technology company, is seeking a highly analytical and innovative Remote Agricultural Data Scientist. This fully remote position will leverage advanced data science techniques to develop predictive models that optimize crop yields, resource management, and farm profitability. You will work with vast datasets encompassing weather patterns, soil conditions, crop performance, and market trends to generate actionable insights and drive strategic decision-making for our clients. This role requires a strong background in statistical modeling, machine learning, and a passion for applying these skills to the agricultural domain. As a remote team member, you will collaborate with a global network of experts, contributing to the digital transformation of agriculture from your own workspace, impacting farming operations across various regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and deploy machine learning and statistical models for predicting crop yields, disease outbreaks, and optimal resource allocation.
• Collect, clean, and preprocess large, complex datasets from diverse sources, including IoT sensors, satellite imagery, historical farm data, and weather services.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to identify key trends, patterns, and anomalies relevant to agricultural productivity and sustainability.
• Design and implement A/B tests and experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of different agronomic strategies and technologies.
• Collaborate with agronomists, software engineers, and product managers to translate business needs into data science solutions.
• Visualize data and model results in clear, compelling reports and dashboards for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and their applications in agriculture.
• Contribute to the development of scalable data pipelines and analytical infrastructure.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Agricultural Science with a strong quantitative focus, or a related field.
• Proven experience (3+ years) in data science, with a focus on developing and implementing predictive models.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science, such as Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas, NumPy).
• Experience with database technologies (SQL, NoSQL) and big data platforms (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and experimental design.
• Experience working with geospatial data and remote sensing is a significant plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, essential for effective remote teamwork.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote environment.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering a highly competitive salary and the flexibility to work from anywhere. Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical coverage, retirement savings contributions, and performance incentives. Employees have access to continuous learning opportunities, including funding for relevant courses, certifications, and conference attendance. The company fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a leading AgTech firm. You will contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of sustainable and efficient agriculture globally, all while enjoying the benefits of a remote work setup.