Senior Agricultural Data Scientist - Remote Analytics

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Home office stipend

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Agricultural Data Scientist for a fully remote position. You will analyze vast agricultural datasets to build predictive models that improve crop yields, optimize resource use, and support sustainable farming practices.

The candidate should have 7+ years in data science with a strong background in Python/R, SQL, and cloud/big data tools, and be able to collaborate with agronomists and stakeholders to translate insights into business value.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Agronomy, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in data science, with a significant focus on agricultural applications.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with relevant libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with SQL and database management.
• Proven ability to apply statistical modeling and machine learning techniques to real-world problems.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for data science workloads.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex findings clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms for agricultural data analysis.
• Extract, clean, and transform large, complex datasets from various agricultural sources (e.g., IoT sensors, satellite imagery, weather data, farm records).
• Build predictive models for crop yield forecasting, disease prediction, and optimal resource allocation.
• Design and conduct A/B tests and experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of new farming strategies.
• Visualize data and model results using dashboards and reports for diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with agronomists and domain experts to understand challenges and identify data-driven solutions.
• Develop data pipelines and automate data processing workflows.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the overall data science strategy.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and their applications in agriculture.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Pandas

NumPy

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Cloud platforms

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in agricultural innovation, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Agricultural Data Scientist to join their remote team. This position is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. You will be instrumental in leveraging vast agricultural datasets to extract actionable insights, drive strategic decision-making, and develop predictive models that enhance crop yields, optimize resource management, and promote sustainable farming practices. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in data science, machine learning, statistics, and a deep understanding of agricultural principles. You will collaborate with agronomists, researchers, and business stakeholders to translate complex data into tangible business value. This role demands excellent analytical capabilities, strong programming skills, and the ability to communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. As a remote-first professional, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our client's mission through data-driven solutions, contributing significantly to the future of agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms for agricultural data analysis.
• Extract, clean, and transform large, complex datasets from various agricultural sources (e.g., IoT sensors, satellite imagery, weather data, farm records).
• Build predictive models for crop yield forecasting, disease prediction, and optimal resource allocation.
• Design and conduct A/B tests and experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of new farming strategies.
• Visualize data and model results using dashboards and reports for diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with agronomists and domain experts to understand challenges and identify data-driven solutions.
• Develop data pipelines and automate data processing workflows.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the overall data science strategy.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and their applications in agriculture.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management and cross-functional teams.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Agronomy, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in data science, with a significant focus on agricultural applications.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with relevant libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with SQL and database management.
• Proven ability to apply statistical modeling and machine learning techniques to real-world problems.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for data science workloads.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex findings clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• As a fully remote employee, you will enjoy unparalleled flexibility in your work environment.
• We provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and a substantial annual leave allowance.
• Continuous professional development is encouraged through access to online courses, conferences, and internal knowledge-sharing sessions.
• You will work with a talented team on cutting-edge projects that are shaping the future of agriculture.
• A dedicated home office stipend and reimbursement for essential work-related expenses are provided.