Senior Agronomist - Remote Operations Lead

Placements24; Johannesburg; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home office stipend

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a senior agronomist to lead remote operations, applying data analytics, satellite imagery and predictive modeling to optimise crop performance. You will develop strategies across diverse regions, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with distributed teams to drive sustainable farming, efficiency and innovation from a home office.

The role emphasizes autonomy, strong communication, and a track record in crop management and sustainable practices, with global exposure and

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Agronomy or related field is required.
• 7+ years progressive agronomy experience with crop management
• Strong skills in remote sensing, GIS, and data analytics tools

Responsibilities

• Develop agronomic strategies using remote sensing data and analytics.
• Analyze satellite imagery, weather, and soil data for crop management insights.
• Lead precision agriculture initiatives and collaborate with remote teams.
• Mentor junior agronomists and share technical expertise.

Skills

Remote sensing

GIS

Data analytics

Python

ArcGIS

QGIS

Satellite imagery

Crop management

Communication skills

Leadership potential

Education

Master's or PhD in Agronomy

Tools

R

Python

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Agronomist to join their pioneering remote operations team. This is a crucial role that will leverage advanced data analytics, satellite imagery, and predictive modeling to optimize agricultural practices across diverse geographical regions. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing and implementing strategies that enhance crop yields, improve resource efficiency, and promote sustainable farming. As a remote-first position, this role requires exceptional self-discipline, proactive communication, and a proven ability to thrive in a distributed work environment. You will be at the forefront of agricultural innovation, driving impactful changes through technology and expertise. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of agriculture from the comfort of your home office, collaborating with a dedicated team of professionals passionate about the industry. The role offers significant autonomy and the chance to make a tangible difference in food production and environmental stewardship. We are looking for an individual with a strong leadership aptitude and a deep understanding of agronomic principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive agronomic strategies tailored to various crop types and environmental conditions, utilizing remote sensing data and advanced analytics.
• Analyze satellite imagery, weather patterns, and soil data to provide actionable insights and recommendations for crop management, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Oversee the implementation of precision agriculture techniques, including variable rate application of inputs and optimized planting strategies.
• Collaborate with field operations teams (virtually) to troubleshoot issues, provide guidance, and ensure adherence to best practices.
• Conduct research and evaluate new technologies and methodologies to continuously improve crop performance and sustainability.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on findings, recommendations, and project outcomes for management and stakeholders.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively for assigned agronomic initiatives.
• Mentor junior agronomists and provide technical expertise across the organization.
• Ensure compliance with relevant agricultural regulations and environmental standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, scientific advancements, and emerging agricultural technologies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in agronomy, with a strong emphasis on crop management, soil health, and sustainable practices.
• Proven experience with remote sensing technologies, GIS, and agricultural data analytics software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, R, Python for data analysis).
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and utilize satellite imagery, drone data, and other geospatial information for agricultural applications.
• Excellent understanding of crop physiology, pest and disease management, and nutrient management principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex data into practical solutions.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven experience working effectively in a remote or hybrid work environment, demonstrating strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Leadership experience or demonstrated potential to lead technical projects or teams.
• A passion for innovation and a commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Professional development opportunities, including conferences and training.
• Home office stipend for setting up a productive remote workspace.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge agricultural technology and make a significant impact.
• Flexible working hours within a supportive and collaborative remote team culture.
• Exposure to international agricultural practices and markets.