Remote Senior Agronomist specializing in Precision Agriculture

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Remote work from anywhere in South <br

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking aSenior Agronomist to drive precision agriculture initiatives from a remote setting in South Africa, with a focus on Pietermaritzburg region. The role requires deep crop science knowledge and strong data analytics to optimize yields and resource use.

The candidate will collaborate with farm managers, agronomists, and R&D to deploy innovative technologies, train staff remotely, and contribute to sustainable farming practices across SA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in agronomy with emphasis on precision agriculture.
• Proficiency with farm management software and data analysis tools.
• Drone technology proficiency for agricultural surveys and data collection.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement agronomic plans tailored to crops and soil conditions in the Pietermaritzburg agricultural landscape.
• Utilize precision agriculture technologies (GPS, sensors, drones) and data analytics to monitor crop health, soil fertility, and water usage.
• Provide expert recommendations on planting, fertilization, pest and disease management, and irrigation strategies.
• Analyze field data to identify trends, predict issues, and optimize resource allocation for yield and sustainability.
• Conduct virtual field assessments and provide remote guidance to on-site farming teams.
• Stay updated on advancements in agronomy and sustainable farming practices.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with R&D to test and validate new technologies.
• Train and mentor junior agronomic staff remotely.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or related field

Tools

Farm management software

Drone data collection

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in agricultural technology, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Agronomist to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, with a primary focus on supporting agricultural operations in the Pietermaritzburg region and surrounding areas. You will be instrumental in driving the adoption of sustainable and efficient farming practices through cutting‑edge technology. This role demands a deep understanding of crop science, soil health, and the application of data analytics to optimize agricultural yields and resource management. The ideal candidate is a forward‑thinking professional who thrives in a remote‑first environment and is passionate about the future of farming. You will collaborate closely with farm managers, agronomists, and R&D teams to implement and refine precision agriculture strategies. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on the agricultural sector from a flexible, remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive agronomic plans tailored to specific crops and soil conditions in the Pietermaritzburg agricultural landscape.
• Utilize precision agriculture technologies, including GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics software, to monitor crop health, soil fertility, and water usage.
• Provide expert recommendations on planting, fertilization, pest and disease management, and irrigation strategies.
• Analyze field data to identify trends, predict potential issues, and optimize resource allocation for maximum yield and sustainability.
• Conduct virtual field assessments and provide remote guidance to on‑site farming teams.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in agronomy, agricultural technology, and sustainable farming practices.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on agronomic findings and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the R&D department to test and validate new agricultural technologies and methodologies.
• Train and mentor junior agronomic staff remotely.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in agronomy, with a strong emphasis on precision agriculture.
• Proven experience with farm management software and data analysis tools.
• Proficiency in using drone technology for agricultural surveys and data collection.
• Excellent understanding of South African agricultural practices and challenges, particularly relevant to the KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information remotely.
• Must be highly self‑motivated, organized, and able to manage time effectively in a remote work environment.
• Familiarity with remote collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams).

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in South Africa.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Access to state-of-the-art agricultural technology and research.
• Contribution to sustainable agricultural practices and food security.
• Supportive and collaborative remote work culture.