Remote Soil Health Specialist

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 96,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly qualified Remote Soil Health Specialist to join a pioneering agricultural sustainability initiative. This fully remote role focuses on assessing soil health, interpreting soil tests, and providing data-driven recommendations to farmers and land managers in South Africa.

The ideal candidate has a strong scientific background in soil science (MSc/PhD) and at least six years of experience, with proficiency in data analysis and GIS.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or closely related field.
• 6+ years of experience in soil science with focus on soil health assessment and management.
• Experience with soil testing methods and interpretation.
• Familiarity with remote sensing data for soil/vegetation analysis is desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Analyze soil data from diverse sources to assess soil health indicators.
• Develop soil health management plans with practices like cover crops, no-till farming, organic amendments, and crop rotation.
• Provide remote technical guidance to farmers on fertility, nutrient management, and soil conservation.
• Interpret soil test results and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Monitor outcomes of strategies and adjust recommendations as needed.
• Stay updated on soil science research, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable land management.
• Prepare detailed reports/presentations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with teams and partners to promote best soil practices.
• Contribute to tools/frameworks for evaluating soil health improvements.
• Ensure recommendations align with environmental sustainability goals and regulations.

Skills

Soil health

Data analysis

Remote advisory

Communication

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in Soil Science / related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a highly qualified and experienced Remote Soil Health Specialist to join their pioneering agricultural sustainability initiative. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within South Africa. The role focuses on assessing, analyzing, and recommending strategies to improve soil health and fertility across various agricultural landscapes. You will leverage advanced analytical techniques, soil testing data, remote sensing information, and agronomic knowledge to provide actionable insights to farmers and land managers. The ideal candidate is passionate about regenerative agriculture, sustainable land management, and possesses a strong scientific background in soil science. This is a critical role in promoting environmentally sound agricultural practices and ensuring long-term productivity of the land for our client's diverse portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze soil data from various sources, including laboratory reports, field tests, and remote sensing imagery, to assess soil health indicators.
• Develop comprehensive soil health management plans, recommending practices such as cover cropping, no-till farming, organic amendments, and crop rotation.
• Provide remote technical consultation and guidance to farmers and agricultural advisors on soil fertility, nutrient management, and soil conservation techniques.
• Interpret complex soil test results and translate them into practical, data-driven recommendations.
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented soil health strategies and adjust recommendations as needed.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and innovations in soil science, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable land management.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations summarizing soil health assessments and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to promote best practices in soil management.
• Contribute to the development of tools and frameworks for evaluating and tracking soil health improvements.
• Ensure recommendations align with environmental sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in soil science, with a strong focus on soil health assessment and management, preferably with remote advisory experience.
• In-depth knowledge of soil biology, chemistry, physics, and their interactions.
• Experience with various soil testing methodologies and interpretation of results.
• Familiarity with remote sensing data (e.g., satellite imagery) for soil and vegetation analysis is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize diverse data sets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote work environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including data analysis tools and GIS (a plus).
• Passion for sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.
• Commitment to promoting soil health for long-term agricultural productivity and environmental well-being.

Benefits

This remote position offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance and retirement planning options. Our client provides significant opportunities for professional development, including access to online courses, webinars, and virtual conferences. You will work with a dedicated team committed to advancing sustainable agriculture across South Africa . The flexibility of remote work allows for an excellent work-life balance. Join a forward-thinking organization making a tangible difference in environmental stewardship and agricultural resilience.