Job Description
Position: Precision Agriculture Specialist
Company: Cargill Eswatini
Location: Matsapha, Eswatini
Experience: 3-5 years in precision farming, GIS, remote sensing
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, or related field
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Agriculture
Department: Agronomy & Technology
Salary: SSP 250,000 – 350,000 per annum
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
Cargill Eswatini is a leading global agribusiness company dedicated to sustainable food production and innovative agricultural solutions across Africa. With a strong presence in Eswatini, Cargill partners with local farmers to enhance productivity, improve market access, and promote environmentally responsible practices. The company’s commitment to technology-driven agriculture makes it a top employer for professionals seeking to shape the future of farming in Eswatini. As part of Cargill’s regional network, employees benefit from international expertise, robust training programs, and a collaborative culture that values diversity and continuous improvement. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of Eswatini’s agricultural sector while advancing your career in a globally recognized organization.
Job Overview
The Precision Agriculture Specialist will lead the implementation of data‑driven farming techniques, integrating satellite imagery, drone technology, and advanced analytics to optimize crop yields and resource use. Working closely with the Agronomy & Technology department, you will design and execute field trials, provide actionable insights to farmers, and support Cargill’s mission of delivering high‑quality, sustainable food products. This position plays a critical role in enhancing the competitiveness of Eswatini’s agricultural landscape and aligns with the broader goals of food security and economic development. For more information about Cargill’s vision and values, visit https://eswatinijobsearch.com/.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement precision farming strategies using GIS, remote sensing, and IoT sensors.
- Analyze spatial data to provide recommendations on variable rate seeding, fertilization, and irrigation.
- Collaborate with local farmer cooperatives to pilot technology solutions and monitor performance.
- Prepare detailed reports and visual dashboards for stakeholders, highlighting yield improvements and cost savings.
- Train field staff and partner farmers on the use of precision agriculture tools and best practices.
- Stay updated on emerging agricultural technologies and assess their applicability to Eswatini’s climate and soil conditions.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and remote sensing platforms.
- Experience with drone operations and data processing for agricultural applications.
- Strong analytical abilities and familiarity with statistical software (R, Python, or similar).
- Excellent communication skills to convey technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
- Project management experience, including planning, budgeting, and timeline adherence.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related discipline is required. Advanced certifications in precision agriculture, GIS, or data analytics are considered a strong advantage.
Experience
Applicants should have 3‑5 years of hands‑on experience in precision farming, crop monitoring, or related agronomic roles. Experience working with smallholder farmers in Sub‑Saharan Africa is highly desirable.
Salary
The compensation package ranges from SSP 250,000 to SSP 350,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The package includes performance‑based incentives and benefits outlined below.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
- Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
- Paid annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays in accordance with Eswatini labor law.
- Professional development allowance for certifications, conferences, and training.
- Employee assistance program supporting work‑life balance.
Training
- On‑boarding program covering Cargill’s safety standards, corporate policies, and technology platforms.
- Continuous learning modules on advanced GIS, drone operations, and data analytics.
- Mentorship opportunities with senior agronomists and data scientists across Cargill’s global network.
Working Environment
The role is based in Matsapha with a hybrid work model, combining office‑based analysis and field visits to farms across Eswatini. Employees enjoy a collaborative workspace equipped with modern computing resources, as well as the opportunity to work outdoors in diverse agricultural settings.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application through the Cargill careers portal. The process includes an online questionnaire, submission of a resume and cover letter, followed by a technical interview and a final assessment center. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Cargill Eswatini is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.