Senior or Principal Soil Scientist

AtkinsRéalis; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Hybrid working culture

Flexible holiday allowances

Opportunities for training and professional development

Job summary

AtkinsRéalis is seeking a dynamic Senior or Principal Soil Scientist to join their Sustainable Land and Resource Management team in Bristol, UK. The successful candidate will lead project delivery on soil and agricultural land quality, engage with clients, and work with other professionals to develop innovative solutions. A strong technical background in soil science and excellent communication skills are essential for this position.

The role offers competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in a relevant engineering or science subject.
• Relevant years of post-graduate experience.
• Proven track record of undertaking soil surveys and interpreting soil analyses.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery of ALC and soil resource surveys.
• Support and lead client work development on infrastructure projects.
• Maintain professional relationships to secure repeat business.

Skills

Soil surveys

Soil quality assessment

Client liaison

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in soil science, geology or environmental science

Job description

Overview

We have a great opportunity for a dynamic and motivated Senior or Principal Soil Scientist (depending on experience) to join our Sustainable Land and Resource Management team in the UK to support managing project delivery and driving technical delivery and business development.

We are seeking an individual with a strong technical background and experience in the assessment and management of soil and agricultural land quality, with a focus on Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) and sustainable management of soils on infrastructure projects and construction sites. The successful applicant will be an important part of an innovative and technically excellent team of Soil Scientists helping deliver major projects. As a member of our team, you will be involved in a range of office and field-based work, engaging with our experienced staff to deliver excellence to our clients, and will work closely with a wide range of other professionals to deliver holistic solutions to environmental and engineering problems.

The Sustainable Land and Resource Practice is a well-established, award‑winning, multi‑disciplinary environmental and engineering practice with an extensive portfolio of regeneration and development projects and a highly skilled team winning numerous industry awards over the years. The Practice is growing our soil and agricultural land quality service line, and the successful candidate will work on a number of large projects across a range of exciting markets, including the development of Cities, Transportation, Water, Defence and Energy infrastructure.

Your role

• Lead on the technical delivery of ALC, soil resource surveys and sustainable management of soils.
• Support and lead on client work development, preparation of proposals and input into bids for multi‑disciplinary infrastructure projects.
• Liaison with clients, stakeholders, regulators, sub‑contractors and other internal disciplines.
• Work effectively as part of a team and with other professionals (environmental scientists, engineers, planners) to provide a consistent and integrated service to our clients.
• Maintain excellent professional relationships which will lead to and secure repeat business.
• Compliance with Health and Safety policies and procedures, including preparing and reviewing health and safety plans and managing health and safety on site.
• Provide technical guidance, constructive support and mentoring to junior staff and supporting their technical development.
• Develop own competence and maintain CPD necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of the role, with support from the business on own training and development needs.

About You

• Degree qualified in a relevant engineering or science subject (e.g. soil science, geology and environmental science).
• Relevant years of post‑graduate experience.
• Full or Chartered Membership of a relevant professional body such as the British Society of Soil Science. If not Chartered, we would expect the candidate, with our support, to become chartered 6 to 12 months after joining.
• Proven track record of undertaking soil surveys including recording accurate descriptions of soil profiles, undertaking hand texturing, collecting soil samples and interpreting soil chemical and physical analyses.
• Detailed working knowledge and specialist understanding of ALC including interpreting soil properties and conditions.
• Working knowledge and demonstrable understanding of the relevant legislation, technical guidance, industry standards and best practice, especially in respect to agricultural soil assessment and the protection and sustainable management of soils.
• Experience in preparing and reviewing technical reports on ALC assessments, Soil Resources Plans, Soil Handling Management Plans and Aftercare Plans. Experience in writing EIA chapters is desirable but not essential.
• Proven track record of providing advice on earthworks related sustainable soils management and project management, including managing project teams resulting in delivery to high standards.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to manage and mentor staff as well as managing time and work as part of a team as well as individual working.
• Flexible and prepared to take on new challenges.
• Full UK driving licence and the ability and willingness to travel throughout the UK and work on short term assignments.

Rewards & benefits

Competitive salaries, employee rewards, hybrid working culture, flexible holiday allowances and opportunities for training and professional development.

Security clearance

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.