Principal Soil Scientist

SLR Vision Interface System; Newcastle; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible location (office/home mix)

Job summary

SLR Vision Interface System in Australia is seeking a Principal Soil Scientist to lead soil surveys, classification and land rehabilitation initiatives across diverse projects. You will engage with clients, design study plans, and oversee reporting and technical reviews.

The role requires 10–15+ years in consulting, a relevant degree, and strong knowledge of Australian soil legislation and environmental guidelines.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years' professional experience, preferably in consulting.
• Professional qualification in environmental science or engineering.
• Expertise in soil surveys, sampling, mapping and Australian soil classification.
• Knowledge of Australian environmental legislation and soil management guidelines.
• Ability to assess impacts of mining, energy projects, roads on soil health and mitigation.
• Strong project management and mentoring of junior scientists.

Responsibilities

• Support large projects and contribute to winning work through client relationships.
• Collaborate with over 25 technical disciplines across Australia.
• Deliver high-quality reports and conduct technical reviews in soil science.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship within the team.

Skills

Soil surveys

Soil sampling

Soil classification

Soil properties analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Environmental science or engineering degree

Job description

Principal Soil Scientist - Australia

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.

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 what to be in an environment of fun people and high achievers then SLR is the place for you.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.