Soil Scientist - Land Management and Conservation

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 56,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Impactful projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Soil Scientist for a role based in Kimberley, South Africa. The position emphasizes soil health assessment, land management planning, and conservation strategies to protect agricultural and natural resources.

Collaboration with farmers, government agencies, and environmental professionals is essential. The role requires expertise in soil physics, chemistry, biology, and their ecosystem interactions, with strong reporting and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in soil science, with focus on land management or environmental assessment.
• Proficiency in soil sampling techniques, laboratory analysis, and interpretation of results.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed soil surveys, characterization, and mapping using field and laboratory techniques.
• Analyze soil samples for physical, chemical, and biological properties to assess fertility and contamination levels.
• Develop soil conservation, erosion control, and sustainable land management recommendations.
• Assess impact of agricultural activities, industrial development, and other land uses on soil health.

Skills

Soil sampling techniques

Laboratory analysis

GIS

Remote sensing

Environmental assessment

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Soil Science or related field

Tools

GIS software

Remote sensing software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental consultancy focused on sustainable land use, is actively seeking a skilled Soil Scientist for their team in **Kimberley, Northern Cape**. This position is crucial for assessing soil health, developing land management plans, and implementing conservation strategies to protect and improve agricultural and natural resources in **South Africa**. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and their interaction with ecosystems. You will work on diverse projects, collaborating with farmers, government agencies, and other environmental professionals to promote responsible land stewardship and address challenges such as erosion, degradation, and water management.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed soil surveys, characterization, and mapping using field and laboratory techniques.
• Analyze soil samples for physical, chemical, and biological properties to assess fertility, structure, and contamination levels.
• Develop scientifically sound recommendations for soil conservation, erosion control, and sustainable land management practices.
• Assess the impact of agricultural activities, industrial development, and other land uses on soil health and the environment.
• Design and implement soil remediation and rehabilitation plans for degraded sites.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, environmental impact assessments, and management plans.
• Provide expert advice and technical support to clients, project teams, and stakeholders on soil-related issues.
• Stay current with advances in soil science, conservation technologies, and relevant environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with geologists, hydrologists, and ecologists to provide integrated land management solutions.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in soil science, with a focus on land management, conservation, or environmental assessment.
• Proficiency in soil sampling techniques, laboratory analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Strong knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and their relationship to plant growth and ecosystem function.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing software for soil mapping and spatial analysis.
• Familiarity with relevant **South African** environmental legislation and land use planning frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse clients and stakeholders.
• Experience working in arid or semi-arid environments, relevant to the **Northern Cape**, is a significant asset.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on impactful environmental projects across **South Africa**.
• This role based in **Kimberley** provides an opportunity to contribute directly to land conservation efforts.
• Join a team dedicated to safeguarding our natural resources.