Remote Sensing Specialist - Agricultural Applications

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote-first role

Professional development access to gea

Flexible work-life balance

Virtual team-building activities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Remote Sensing Specialist to join a pioneering tech firm transforming agriculture through data analytics. This fully remote role covers Mpumalanga, focusing on acquiring, processing, and interpreting satellite and drone imagery for precision farming.

You will develop models for crop health and yield forecasting, collaborating with agronomists, data scientists, and software engineers in a remote-first environment to deliver actionable insights.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a geospatial field with focus on geospatial analysis.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in remote sensing data processing and analysis.
• Proficiency in Python or R for geospatial data analysis.
• Experience with agricultural applications of remote sensing and GIS.
• Experience with ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, SNAP.

Responsibilities

• Acquire, process, and analyze satellite, aerial, and drone imagery for agricultural applications.
• Develop and implement algorithms for feature extraction, land cover classification, and change detection for agriculture.
• Utilize remote sensing software and platforms (ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, Google Earth Engine, QGIS).
• Integrate remote sensing data with other geospatial datasets (weather, soil) for analysis.
• Develop models for crop health assessment, stress detection, and yield forecasting.
• Create maps and visualizations of agricultural landscapes and environmental conditions.
• Interpret results and provide clear reports and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Stay current with remote sensing tech and image processing methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a remote setting.
• Contribute to development of new remote sensing-based products for agriculture.

Skills

Python

R

Geospatial analysis

Remote sensing

Education

Master’s degree in Remote Sensing

PhD in Geoinformatics

Tools

ENVI

ERDAS Imagine

SNAP

ArcGIS

Google Earth Engine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering technology firm dedicated to revolutionizing agriculture through data analytics, is seeking a talented Remote Sensing Specialist. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within **Mpumalanga**. You will be responsible for acquiring, processing, analyzing, and interpreting satellite and aerial imagery to provide actionable insights for agricultural applications. Your work will support precision farming, crop health monitoring, yield prediction, and environmental impact assessments. This role demands a strong foundation in remote sensing principles, GIS, image processing software, and a keen understanding of agricultural science. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, detail-oriented, and passionate about leveraging geospatial technologies to drive agricultural sustainability and efficiency. You will collaborate closely with agronomists, data scientists, and software engineers in a dynamic, remote-first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Acquire, process, and analyze satellite, aerial, and drone imagery for agricultural applications.
• Develop and implement algorithms for feature extraction, land cover classification, and change detection relevant to agriculture.
• Utilize various remote sensing software and platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, Google Earth Engine, QGIS).
• Integrate remote sensing data with other geospatial datasets (e.g., weather, soil) for comprehensive analysis.
• Develop models for crop health assessment, stress detection, and yield forecasting using remote sensing data.
• Create accurate maps and visualizations of agricultural landscapes, crop performance, and environmental conditions.
• Interpret results and provide clear, concise reports and recommendations to agricultural stakeholders.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in remote sensing technology, image processing techniques, and agricultural applications.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a remote setting, ensuring timely delivery of projects.
• Contribute to the development of new remote sensing-based products and services for the agricultural sector.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related field with a strong focus on geospatial analysis.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in remote sensing data processing and analysis.
• Proven experience with agricultural applications of remote sensing and GIS.
• Proficiency in image processing and analysis software (e.g., ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, SNAP).
• Strong programming skills in Python or R for geospatial data analysis and automation.
• Experience with cloud-based platforms like Google Earth Engine is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote environment.
• Knowledge of different satellite sensor systems and their applications.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a fully remote position, you will enjoy significant flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including access to online courses and training on the latest geospatial technologies, are provided.
• The company fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, with regular virtual team-building activities.
• Performance-based bonuses and opportunities for career advancement within a rapidly growing tech company are key advantages.