Remote Lead Precision Agriculture Specialist

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote working equipment provided

Software licenses for remote work

Professional growth opportunities

Flexible work schedule

Attendance at industry conferences

Innovative virtual team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Precision Agriculture Specialist to drive data-driven farming initiatives in a remote-first environment. You will lead projects integrating GPS, drone imagery, variable rate application, and sensor networks to boost farm productivity and resource efficiency.

You will mentor teams, analyze large multi-source datasets, and collaborate across locations to deploy scalable precision agriculture solutions while advancing sustainable farming practices.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field with a strong focus on precision agriculture.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in precision agriculture with leadership.
• Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, GPS technology, and data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and management of precision agriculture programs across diverse farm operations.
• Analyze large datasets from soil sensors, yield monitors, and satellite imagery for actionable insights.
• Develop and deploy variable rate application solutions for fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of precision agriculture equipment and software.
• Train and mentor farm managers and agronomists on precision agriculture tools.

Skills

Precision agriculture

GIS

Remote sensing

GPS technology

Data analytics

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering / Agronomy / Geomatics

Tools

FMS

Data visualization tools

Job description

About the Role Our client is at the forefront of agricultural innovation and is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Lead Precision Agriculture Specialist to join their fully remote team. This role is crucial in driving the adoption and optimization of data-driven farming techniques. You will be responsible for leading projects that integrate cutting-edge technologies such as GPS guidance, drone imagery, variable rate application, and sensor networks to enhance farm productivity and resource efficiency. As a remote-first organization, you will have the autonomy to manage your work and collaborate with teams across various locations, contributing to a more sustainable and profitable agricultural future. This is an unparalleled opportunity to influence the direction of modern farming practices from a decentralized work environment, shaping how data is leveraged in agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of precision agriculture programs across diverse farm operations.
• Analyze large datasets from various sources (e.g., soil sensors, yield monitors, satellite imagery) to provide actionable insights for farm management.
• Develop and deploy customized solutions for variable rate application of fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds.
• Oversee the calibration and maintenance of precision agriculture equipment and software.
• Train and mentor farm managers and agronomists on the effective use of precision agriculture tools and techniques.
• Conduct field assessments and develop strategies to optimize water and nutrient management based on real-time data.
• Evaluate new technologies and software for their potential application in precision farming.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of precision agriculture data into broader farm planning.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting for precision agriculture systems.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Geomatics, or a related field with a strong focus on precision agriculture.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in precision agriculture, including significant leadership experience.
• Deep understanding of GIS, remote sensing, GPS technology, and data analytics within an agricultural context.
• Proficiency with various farm management software (FMS) and data visualization tools.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex data and translate it into practical farming recommendations.
• Experience in managing projects and leading teams, preferably in a remote setting.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a remote work environment.
• Strong commitment to advancing sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary commensurate with your expertise and leadership.
• Provision of all necessary remote working equipment and software licenses.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and attending industry conferences.
• A flexible work schedule that supports work-life integration.
• The chance to work on transformative projects that are shaping the future of agriculture.
• Be part of an innovative and supportive virtual team environment.