Soil Scientist - Ground & Water

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Thrive wellbeing programme

Gymflex scheme

Training and professional development

WSP My Hour

Job summary

WSP is seeking a soil scientist to join our Ground & Water team within Earth & Environment. The role blends office work with field surveys across the UK, supporting ALC assessments, soil resource surveys and EIAs for construction projects.

You will collaborate with colleagues across Ground & Water, Nature Advisory, Landscape, Environmental Planning and Sustainability to deliver high‑quality outputs and gain cross‑disciplinary experience, with hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Experience in soil surveys, ALC assessments, soil resource surveys and EIAs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to UK sites and work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Knowledge of UK environmental legislation and soils in development projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct soil surveys, ALC surveys and soil resource assessments – fieldwork, sampling and data collection.
• Assist in preparing technical reports and project deliverables for planning, EIA and construction projects.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop understanding of soil science and environmental assessment processes.

Skills

Field surveys

Data collection

Technical reporting

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Degree in Soil Science or related discipline

Tools

GIS

Job description

Job Description

WSP, a leading engineering and professional services firm, is looking for a soil scientist to join our Ground & Water team under the Earth & Environment business. The role involves a mix of office‑based work and field surveys across the UK.

A Little More About Your Role

The position focuses on field surveys, data collection, and technical reporting. You will support Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) assessments, Soil Resource Assessments, and environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for construction projects. Collaboration with colleagues from Ground & Water, Nature Advisory, Landscape, Environmental Planning and Sustainability is integral to delivering high‑quality outputs and gaining cross‑disciplinary experience.

A Typical Week Would Include

• Assisting with soil surveys, ALC surveys and soil resource assessments – fieldwork, sampling and data collection.
• Supporting the preparation of technical reports and project deliverables for planning, EIA and construction projects.
• Working with experienced colleagues to develop an understanding of soil science, agricultural land issues and environmental assessment processes.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Physical Geography, Geology or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in soil science, environmental consultancy, land management or a related field.
• Interest in Agricultural Land Classification (ALC), soil resource surveys and soil management.
• Good fieldwork skills and willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Understanding of UK environmental legislation and the role of soils within development projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to learn and develop technical skills through training and practical experience.
• Basic understanding of GIS software appreciated but not essential.
• Membership of, or interest in joining, a relevant professional body such as the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS).
• Ability to travel to remote project destinations within the UK.

Benefits and Working Arrangements

WSP offers flexible working arrangements, combining home working with project site travel as required. Benefits include:

• Hybrid working policy – work from home up to two days a week.
• Health & wellbeing support through the Thrive programme, virtual GP service, and Gymflex scheme.
• Inclusivity & belonging initiatives, employee resource groups and support for diverse backgrounds.
• Opportunity to purchase additional leave and use bank holiday entitlement.
• Development and training opportunities – mentoring, chartership and continuous professional development.
• “WSP My Hour” – one hour each day for personal activities with flexibility to make up time.

We invite suitably qualified and eligible candidates irrespective of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria and support workplace adjustments as needed.