Remote Lead Soil Scientist: Digital Ag & Data Insight

Placements24; Kempton Park; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive remuneration package

State-of-the-art technology and R&D

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Soil Scientist to spearhead digital soil analysis platforms and advisory services for farmers. This fully remote role combines advanced soil science with data-driven agriculture to deliver actionable insights and scalable solutions.

You will lead a team of scientists, collaborate with software engineers and data analysts, and help shape the future of digital farming while maintaining high scientific rigor and remote collaboration excellence.

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science, Soil Chemistry, Soil Physics, or related field.
• At least 10 years of professional soil science experience with an agriculture focus.
• Experience developing or applying digital soil analysis tools.
• Expertise in soil health indicators and nutrient cycling.
• Proficient in statistical analysis and data visualization software.
• Strong leadership, communication and collaboration for remote teams.
• Ability to work autonomously in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of digital soil analysis tools and methodologies.
• Interpret soil data to generate strategic recommendations.
• Collaborate with data scientists and software engineers to integrate soil science into platforms.
• Develop and validate models for soil health, nutrients, and water retention.
• Guide soil sampling strategies and lab protocols for large operations.
• Stay updated on trends in soil science and precision agriculture.
• Communicate findings to internal teams, clients and partners in reports.
• Mentor junior soil scientists and drive scientific growth.
• Ensure accuracy and practical applicability of digital soil solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Data interpretation

Project management

Remote team leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Data visualization

Statistical analysis

Agricultural knowledge

Independent work

Education

PhD in Soil Science

Tools

R

Python

GIS

Tableau

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Lead Soil Scientist to spearhead digital soil analysis platforms and advisory services for farmers. This fully remote role combines advanced soil science with data-driven agriculture to deliver actionable insights and scalable solutions.

You will lead a team of scientists, collaborate with software engineers and data analysts, and help shape the future of digital farming while maintaining high scientific rigor and remote collaboration excellence.