Remote Precision Agriculture Specialist - Drones & Sensors

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,482,000 - 2,470,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Performance-based bonuses

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Home office equipment allowance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Precision Agriculture Specialist to manage drone-driven data collection, sensor integration and analytics for crop optimization. You will translate complex datasets into practical recommendations for farmers worldwide from a fully remote role.

The candidate should have a strong background in geospatial analysis, drone technology, and Python, with 5+ years in precision agriculture and a degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in a relevant field; Master's preferred.
• 5+ years hands-on experience with precision agriculture tech (drones, sensors, data analysis).
• Proficiency with geospatial data processing (ArcGIS, QGIS, Metashape).
• Experience with drone flight control software & analytics platforms for agriculture.
• Strong understanding of crop physiology, soil science & agronomy.
• Excellent problem solving & ability to work remotely.
• Effective communication & presentation skills.
• Python for data analysis is a plus.
• Knowledge of UAV regulations & safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Develop drone-based data acquisition strategies including flight planning and sensor calibration.
• Analyze aerial imagery and sensor data to assess crop health and map field variability.
• Integrate data from drones, ground sensors and satellites into a unified precision agriculture platform.
• Provide tailored recommendations for variable rate application of inputs.
• Troubleshoot drone hardware, software and sensor performance.
• Create training materials and provide remote support to farmers and agronomists.
• Stay current with drone tech, sensors, software and regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D to test new tools and methodologies.
• Contribute to AI-driven insights and automated decision support systems.

Skills

Precision agriculture

Geospatial data analysis

Drone technology

Python programming

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering / Agronomy / Geomatics / Computer Science

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Agisoft Metashape

Drone flight software

Data analytics platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in agricultural technology, is seeking an innovative Remote Precision Agriculture Specialist. This is a fully remote position, empowering you to leverage cutting-edge technologies to optimize farm management from anywhere. You will be responsible for the integration and application of drone technology, sensor networks, and data analytics to enhance crop monitoring, yield prediction, and resource efficiency for farms across various regions. This role requires a deep understanding of both agricultural science and advanced technological tools, with a focus on providing actionable insights to farmers remotely. You will play a key part in driving the adoption of smart farming solutions, contributing to more sustainable and profitable agricultural practices globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement drone-based data acquisition strategies, including flight planning and sensor calibration.
• Analyze aerial imagery and sensor data (e.g., NDVI, thermal, LiDAR) to assess crop health, identify stress factors, and map field variability.
• Integrate data from various sources, including drones, ground sensors, and satellite imagery, into a cohesive precision agriculture platform.
• Interpret complex datasets to provide farmers with tailored recommendations for variable rate application of fertilizers, pesticides, and water.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to drone hardware, software, and sensor performance.
• Develop training materials and provide remote support to farmers and agronomists on utilizing precision agriculture technologies.
• Stay current with advancements in drone technology, sensor capabilities, agricultural software, and relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to test and validate new precision agriculture tools and methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of AI-driven insights and automated decision support systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Geomatics, Computer Science, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience with precision agriculture techniques, including the use of drones, sensors, and data analysis software.
• Proficiency in processing and analyzing geospatial data (e.g., using ArcGIS, QGIS, Agisoft Metashape).
• Experience with drone flight control software and data analytics platforms relevant to agriculture.
• Strong understanding of crop physiology, soil science, and agronomic principles.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a remote setting.
• Effective communication and presentation skills to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Knowledge of programming languages like Python for data analysis is a significant asset.
• Familiarity with UAV regulations and safety protocols is essential.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement with significant flexibility.
• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Allowance for home office equipment and professional development courses.
• Opportunity to work with leading-edge agricultural technology and influence industry standards.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Access to a global network of agricultural technology experts.