Remote Agricultural Data Scientist - Predictive Analytics & Farm Management

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Home office stipend

Professional development

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Data Scientist to join a remote-first team. You will leverage big data, ML, and predictive analytics to improve farm management and crop yields, collaborating with agronomists and farm managers to turn data into actionable strategies.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in statistics, programming (Python/R), and experience deploying predictive models on large datasets from diverse sources such as IoT sensors and satellite imagery.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a quantitative field is required.
• 5+ years of data science experience with predictive modeling.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with large datasets and distributed computing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain ML models for predictive analytics in agriculture.
• Analyze large and diverse datasets from IoT, satellite imagery, weather data.
• Design data mining strategies to uncover patterns for productivity and sustainability.
• Create visualizations and dashboards for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with agronomists to define metrics and analytical approaches.
• Evaluate model performance and iteratively improve accuracy and reliability.
• Stay updated with advances in data science and agricultural tech.
• Contribute to data infrastructure and pipelines for agricultural data.
• Document methodologies, code, and analyses clearly.
• Identify opportunities to apply data science to agricultural challenges.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine learning algorithms

Data mining techniques

Remote work experience

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Data Science or related field

Tools

Python

R

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly analytical and innovative Agricultural Data Scientist to join their dynamic, fully remote team. This role is central to leveraging big data, machine learning, and predictive analytics to enhance farm management practices and optimize agricultural outcomes. As a remote‑first company, we empower our data scientists to contribute impactful insights from anywhere in the world. You will work with diverse datasets, including sensor data, satellite imagery, weather patterns, and historical yield information, to develop sophisticated models that predict crop yields, disease outbreaks, and resource needs. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in data science, statistics, and programming, with a passion for applying these skills to the agricultural domain. You will collaborate closely with agronomists, researchers, and farm managers to translate complex data findings into actionable strategies for improving efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of agricultural innovation, driving data‑informed decision‑making in a flexible, remote work environment. Your expertise will shape the future of precision agriculture and contribute to global food security. We provide a collaborative virtual environment and the tools necessary to excel.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain machine learning models for predictive analytics in agriculture (e.g., yield prediction, disease forecasting, optimal planting times).
• Analyze large and complex datasets from various agricultural sources (IoT sensors, satellite imagery, weather stations, farm management software).
• Design and execute data mining strategies to identify patterns, trends, and correlations relevant to farm productivity and sustainability.
• Build data visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings effectively to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with domain experts (agronomists, plant scientists) to define key metrics and analytical approaches.
• Evaluate the performance of predictive models and iteratively improve their accuracy and reliability.
• Stay current with advancements in data science, machine learning, and their applications in agriculture.
• Contribute to the development of data infrastructure and pipelines for agricultural data.
• Document methodologies, code, and analytical processes clearly.
• Proactively identify opportunities to apply data science techniques to solve agricultural challenges.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Agricultural Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data science, with a focus on developing and deploying predictive models.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques.
• Experience working with large datasets and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark) is a plus.
• Familiarity with agricultural data sources and challenges (e.g., remote sensing data, precision agriculture data) is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively and independently in a fully remote setting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers exceptional work‑life balance and flexibility. Our client provides a competitive salary and performance‑based incentives. Employees receive comprehensive health insurance, including medical and dental coverage, and a retirement savings plan. Professional development is strongly supported through online learning platforms, virtual workshops, and opportunities to attend leading data science and agricultural technology conferences. A generous home office stipend is provided to ensure a comfortable and productive workspace. Our client fosters an innovative and collaborative culture, where your contributions are highly valued. You will be part of a team that is transforming agriculture through data.