Field Operations & Agronomic Data Associate at Kaplo Africa

Role Overview


We are seeking a Field Operations & Agronomic Data Associate to support the deployment and management of a structured productivity pilot.
The role involves overseeing sensor installation, field data collection, environmental monitoring, and coordination with farm operators to ensure disciplined implementation of monitoring protocols.
This position sits at the intersection of agriculture, field operations, and data-driven decisionsupport.


Key Responsibilities
Sensor Deployment & Maintenance:


Support installation of soil moisture, EC, and ambient sensors.
Ensure correct sensor placement at appropriate root-zone depths.
Conduct routine checks to ensure sensors are functioning properly.
Maintain accurate records of sensor IDs, locations, and installation details.


Field Monitoring & Data Logging:


Conduct weekly field visits to:
Monitor soil moisture patterns.
Document irrigation timing.
Track environmental conditions.


Maintain structured logs of:


Irrigation events
Weather observations
Crop growth stages
Stress indicators


Farmer Coordination:


Liaise directly with farm managers.
Communicate monitoring observations and recommended irrigation timing adjustments.
Ensure farmer feedback is captured and documented.
Track compliance with agreed monitoring protocols.


Performance Tracking:


Assist in documenting baseline conditions.
Support yield measurement and harvest data collection.
Compare monitored vs non-monitored zones (if applicable).
Contribute to pilot reporting and analysis.


Reporting & Documentation:


Submit weekly structured field reports.
Photograph installation and crop progress.
Maintain organized data records for analysis.
Highlight anomalies or risks early.


Success Metrics for This Role


Accurate sensor deployment.
Consistent weekly monitoring reports.
Clear documentation of irrigation timing changes.
Structured harvest data collection.
Professional farmer engagement.


Required Qualifications


Interested candidates should possess a Degree or diploma in:

Agronomy
Agricultural Engineering
Crop Science
Soil Science
Agricultural Technology


1 - 3 years field experience preferred.
Practical understanding of irrigation systems.
Basic understanding of soil moisture and crop stress concepts.


Technical Competencies:


Comfortable using digital tools for data logging.
Ability to interpret basic soil moisture trends.
Familiarity with GPS mapping is an advantage.
Basic Excel or data entry skills.


Soft Skills:


High field discipline and reliability.
Strong observational skills.
Structured thinker.
Comfortable engaging with commercial farmers.
Detail-oriented.