Remote Data Scientist (Geospatial Analytics)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Cutting-edge tools

High autonomy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Data Scientist with strong geospatial analytics expertise to extract actionable insights from vast geological datasets. The role focuses on mineral exploration, resource management, and operational efficiency across mining interests within South Africa.

You will build geospatial data pipelines, apply ML to spatial data, and create dashboards to communicate findings to diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Geospatial Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Five+ years in data science or geospatial analytics, preferably in mining or natural resources.
• Proficiency in Python or R with libraries for data manipulation, ML, and geospatial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop geospatial data analysis pipelines to identify mineral prospects and optimize resource models.
• Apply ML and statistical modeling to large spatial datasets.
• Design and maintain dashboards (Tableau/Power BI) to communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with geologists, metallurgists, and operations teams to address data challenges.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to uncover trends and anomalies.
• Develop predictive models for resource grades and drilling success rates.
• Contribute to centralized data repository and data governance best practices.
• Stay updated with geospatial tech relevant to mining.

Skills

Python

R

Data visualization

Geospatial analytics

Remote collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree or PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

Pandas

NumPy

Scikit-learn

GeoPandas

Rasterio

ArcGIS

QGIS

PostGIS

AWS/Azure/GCP

Spark/Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the mining industry, is actively seeking a highly skilled and results-oriented Remote Data Scientist with expertise in Geospatial Analytics . This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leveraging advanced data science techniques and geospatial tools to extract actionable insights from vast geological and operational datasets. Your work will directly inform strategic decision‑making related to mineral exploration, resource management, and operational efficiency across our client's global mining interests. This role is ideal for an analytical mind passionate about solving complex problems using data in a challenging and rewarding industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sophisticated geospatial data analysis pipelines to identify new mineral prospects and optimize existing resource models.
• Apply machine learning algorithms and statistical modeling techniques to large, complex datasets, focusing on spatial patterns and relationships.
• Design, build, and maintain interactive dashboards and visualizations (e.g., using Tableau, Power BI, or custom web applications) to communicate key findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with geologists, metallurgists, and operations teams to understand their data challenges and provide data-driven solutions.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to uncover hidden trends, anomalies, and opportunities within geological, geophysical, and production datasets.
• Develop predictive models for resource grades, drilling success rates, and operational performance.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a centralized data repository and best practices for data governance.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and geospatial technologies relevant to the mining sector.
• Document methodologies, code, and findings thoroughly.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Geospatial Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Proven track record of at least 5 years in a data science or geospatial analytics role, with demonstrable experience applying these skills within the natural resources or mining sector.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, including relevant libraries for data manipulation, machine learning, and geospatial analysis (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, GeoPandas, Rasterio).
• Extensive experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and spatial databases (e.g., PostGIS).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a significant plus.
• Excellent data visualization and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable business insights.
• Experience working in a remote, collaborative environment using tools like Slack, Zoom, and Git.
• A proactive, self-starter attitude with a strong problem-solving capability.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive private health insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and professional development opportunities are included.
• Employees have access to cutting‑edge tools and technologies and the chance to work on impactful, globally significant projects.
• This role offers substantial autonomy and the ability to shape the future of data utilization in the mining sector from the comfort of your home office.