GIS Technology Specialist

AFGRI is seeking an experienced and skilled GIS Technology Specialist to advance the organisation's geospatial capabilities. The successful candidate will lead the design, implementation, and optimisation of Geographic Information Systems to support strategic decision-making in agricultural, commercial, and environmental projects. This includes spatial data analysis, mapping and predictive modelling, remote sensing applications, and development of GIS tools and platforms to drive innovation and efficiency.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Geographic Information Systems, Geoinformatics, Environmental Science, Geospatial Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Honours degree or higher in Geographic Information Systems, Geoinformatics, Environmental Science, Geospatial Sciences, or a related discipline would be an advantage.
• Registration with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC) is mandatory.
• Certifications in Remote Sensing, Database Management, Cloud GIS, or Programming are advantageous.
• 5 to 7 years of professional GIS experience, preferably in agriculture, environment, or natural resources.
• Experience with enterprise GIS systems and spatial data infrastructures.
• Proven expertise in remote sensing, LiDAR, UAV/drone data, and large raster datasets.
• Experience in delivering Web GIS, dashboards, and production-ready GIS applications.
• Strong background in map algebra, spatial analysis, and spatial statistics.

Key Performance Areas:

• Design, manage, and optimise enterprise-level GIS databases and spatial data infrastructure (SDI) to ensure integration of multiple data sources, enforce metadata standards and implement data governance.
• Conduct complex spatial analyses and develop predictive models using geospatial machine learning techniques to support strategic decision-making in agricultural and environmental contexts.
• Design and produce high-quality maps, dashboards, and data visualisations tailored to operational and strategic stakeholders
• Develop and maintain scripts, geoprocessing models, and custom GIS tools using Python, R, and SQL. Automate workflows to improve efficiency and enable repeatable, scalable geospatial analysis.
• Lead the processing and analysis of satellite, LiDAR and UAV/drone imagery for land use, crop health and environmental monitoring.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to define GIS requirements, lead project delivery, and provide expert advisory services.

Technical Competencies:

• Expert proficiency in QGIS and ESRI ArcGIS (Desktop, Pro, Enterprise).
• Geospatial database design and administration (PostGIS, ArcSDE).
• Advanced knowledge of geostatistics, map algebra, and machine learning.
• Remote sensing, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and high-resolution raster analysis.
• Programming skills in Python (PyQGIS, ArcPy), R, and SQL.
• Experience with cloud platforms (Google Earth Engine, AWS, Azure).
• Web GIS development (APIs, ArcGIS Online/Enterprise, Leaflet).
• Dashboard and custom application development.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking
• Innovation and Creativity
• Leadership and Mentorship
• Analytical Excellence
• Collaboration and Communication
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Attention to Detail

Closing Date: 12 December 2025

Please note that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Applicants who have not heard from us within 30 days of the closing date may assume that their applications have been unsuccessful and are hereby thanked for their interest.

The filling of this position will be aligned with AFGRI's Employment Equity Policy.

Applicants are informed that in order to be considered for any application for employment, we will have to process their personal information. A law, known as the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA), provides that when one processes another's personal information, such collection, retention, dissemination and use of that person's personal information must be done in a lawful and transparent manner.

In order to give effect to this right, we are under a duty to provide you with a number of details pertaining to the processing of your personal information. These details are housed under the HR Processing Notice, which can be accessed and viewed on the AFGRI Group website,  which HR Processing Notice, we request that you kindly download and read.