Data Operations Specialist

About the role

Halter is seeking a dedicated Data Operations Specialist to join our team in Auckland HQ. This position plays a crucial role in collecting and managing the real-world data that fuels our machine learning models. As part of a hands-on team, you will engage directly with farmers to gather essential measurements and observations, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data collected. This role is vital for driving innovation in agricultural practices, enabling farmers to operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Engage with farmers to respectfully collect data that will enhance our products and services tailored for their needs.
• Conduct ground-truth data collection on various farms, including pasture biomass measurements, sensor readings, and animal behavior observations, adhering to established protocols.
• Safely operate and maintain collection equipment in diverse field conditions, ensuring readiness for data collection campaigns.
• Follow precise sampling plans to ensure that data collected is representative and comparable over time and across different locations.
• Accurately document metadata at the point of collection, including location, timestamp, and conditions, to ensure traceability of each measurement.
• Consistently apply annotation and labeling guidelines, addressing ambiguous cases and escalating issues as necessary.
• Perform initial quality checks in the field to identify and rectify errors or equipment malfunctions before data is processed further.
• Report recurring issues or unclear instructions to the Data Operations Lead to facilitate ongoing improvements in processes and guidelines.
• Meet collection targets and manage your time effectively across multiple sites to maintain predictable throughput.
• Maintain clear records of data collection activities, including what was collected, when, and any deviations from the plan to ensure reproducibility.
• Foster positive relationships with farmers and their staff, representing Halter professionally and respecting their operations.
• Collaborate with machine learning engineers and the Data Operations Lead to understand the purpose of each dataset, allowing for informed decision-making in the field.
• Assist in onboarding and training new team members or contractors as the data collection efforts expand, setting a standard for quality work.

Requirements

• Must be comfortable working outdoors in varying physical conditions, including diverse weather, terrain, and around livestock.
• Attention to detail is crucial; you should be able to follow protocols meticulously and identify discrepancies.
• Ability to manage your time independently, planning effectively across multiple locations to meet targets without close supervision.
• A strong service-oriented mindset, recognizing that your work directly supports the machine learning teams and contributes to farmers' success.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel to farms, which may involve early starts and overnight stays depending on campaign requirements.
• Experience in a field-based role involving data collection, particularly in agriculture or similar environments where accuracy is paramount.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with farm operations, livestock management, or pastoral systems.
• Experience using collection tools, mobile applications, GPS/GNSS devices, drones, or sensors for data capture.
• Knowledge of annotation or labeling processes, as well as quality control concepts related to data collection.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in data collection methodologies and tools, including digital data capture systems.
• Strong analytical skills to assess data quality and identify potential issues in the field.
• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with farmers and team members.

Practical notes

• This position is initially a 6-month term, with the potential for full-time employment based on performance and business needs.
• Halter values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet every requirement listed.

Join our team

At Halter, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to meaningful change. If you are excited about this opportunity and believe you can make a difference, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your cover letter detailing your interest in the role and your CV. We look forward to hearing from you!

• We engage in work that truly matters, contributing to the transformation of the agricultural industry and improving farmers' lives.
• Our team consists of exceptional individuals who tackle complex challenges collaboratively, fostering a culture of support and growth.
• We prioritize personal and professional development, offering opportunities for continuous learning and skill mastery.
• The challenges we face are significant, but they make our work rewarding and impactful, as we strive to reshape an entire industry together.