Principal Soil Scientist

SLR Consulting; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits Guide

Job summary

SLR Consulting in Melbourne is seeking a Princip al Soil Scientist to lead soil science projects across Australia. You will oversee detailed soil surveys, classification, and rehabilitation planning, mentoring junior scientists and guiding client engagements.

This role offers flexible location for the right candidate, strong collaboration across disciplines, and the opportunity to shape soil health strategies for diverse clients in the resources and land management sectors.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in environmental science or engineering.
• 10-15+ years of professional consulting experience.
• Expertise in detailed soil surveys, sampling, and classification.
• In-depth knowledge of Australian soil classification and soil properties.
• Knowledge of Australian environmental legislation and guidelines.
• Ability to assess mining, renewable energy, roads, and rail impacts.
• Strong project management and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Be an all-round support for large projects and develop pipeline through client relationships.
• Collaborate with over 25 technical disciplines across Australia.
• Deliver high-quality outcomes focusing on client needs.
• Prepare high-quality reports and provide technical reviews.

Skills

Soil surveying

Soil sampling

Soil classification

Environmental legislation

Project management

Mentoring

Technical leadership

Land rehabilitation

Consulting experience

Education

Environmental science or engineering degree

Job description

About The Business And The Role

At SLR we Make Sustainability Happen. SLR is an international environmental consultancy with a globally recognised reputation for providing high-quality tailored services. With 1200+ staff in Asia-Pacific, we provide consultancy advice and support on a wide range of strategic and site-specific issues to a diverse and growing base of business, regulatory, and governmental clients. We celebrate a 'One Team Culture', where bringing together diversity of thought and expression is key to building the best team to deliver excellent results.

Principal Soil Scientist – Australia

At SLR we Make Sustainability Happen. SLR is an international environmental consultancy with a globally recognised reputation for providing high-quality tailored services. With 1200+ staff in Asia-Pacific, we provide consultancy advice and support on a wide range of strategic and site-specific issues to a diverse and growing base of business, regulatory, and governmental clients. We celebrate a 'One Team Culture', where bringing together diversity of thought and expression is key to building the best team to deliver excellent results. Sitting in the Practice; Soils, Geochemistry, Toxicology & Risk you will be an instrumental member of the team and can work with industry leaders! We are flexible on location for the right person to join our growing team. If you have an entrepreneurial mind, technically curious, genuinely love what you do and want to be in an environment of fun people and high achievers then SLR is the place for you.

Responsibilities

As a member of the Soil Science team, you will support delivery of a range of projects across the wider Soils, Geochemistry, Toxicology and Risk group. You will be responsible for the following:

• Be an all-round key support person to large projects as well as take responsibility for your own projects by contributing to winning work and creating pipeline through client relationships and networks.
• Work beside the rest of the team across Australia which includes over 25 other technical disciplines.
• Delivering the best possible outcome for clients with a focus on quality.
• Preparing high-quality reports, and technical review in your specialist area.

Skills And Experience

• A professional qualification in environmental science or engineering or other relevant degree.
• 10-15+ years' experience at a professional level, ideally in consulting.
• Expertise in conducting detailed soil surveys, including soil sampling, mapping, and classification according to the Australian Soil Classification system.
• Proficiency in interpreting and analysing soil properties such as texture, structure, pH, salinity, nutrient levels, and organic matter content.
• In-depth knowledge of Australian environmental legislation, regulations, and guidelines related to soil and land management, agricultural impact assessment, and rehabilitation. Including federal and state specific legislation. Including the guidelines associated with strategic cropping land (SCL) in Queensland and biophysical strategic agricultural land (BSAL) assessments in NSW.
• Ability to assess potential impacts of mining, renewable energy, roads, and rail activities on soil health, erosion, and land degradation, and to develop mitigation strategies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of best practices for land rehabilitation, with a focus on soil restoration and sustainable land use.
• Ability to assess soil suitability for rehabilitation and to design site-specific soil management, soil amelioration, and revegetation strategies.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience in mentoring and training junior scientists and providing technical leadership in soil science and environmental consulting.

Our Benefits

We are proud of our unique culture where we work together to collaborate on projects to get the best possible outcome for our clients. Whether you are working in the office, from home or a mix of the two, we recognise that every person is different, and our benefits aim to ensure that we cater for all. You can find a comprehensive list here Benefits Guide.

Next Steps

We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills, and passion. Please note that interviews will be conducted with gender diverse interview panels to the best of our ability. When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process. Unsolicited resumes from recruitment consultants will not be accepted. You must be part of the preferred supplier agreement list which is coordinated through our Talent Acquisition team.