Soil Scientist - Land Management & Remediation

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an expert Soil Scientist in the Queenstown region to lead soil health assessments, develop sustainable management strategies, and oversee remediation projects. The role combines fieldwork, lab analyses, and data-driven reporting to support agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in soil science or environmental consulting, advanced degrees, and strong GIS and technical writing skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Soil Science, Soil Physics, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in soil science, land management, or environmental consulting, preferably with an agricultural focus.
• Proven experience in soil sampling techniques and laboratory analysis.
• Strong understanding of soil chemistry, physics, biology, and their interactions.
• Demonstrated ability in interpreting soil data and developing practical management recommendations.
• Experience with GIS software for spatial analysis and mapping is highly desirable.
• Excellent scientific writing, reporting, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid work environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel to field sites.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys and assessments, including sampling, characterization, and analysis of physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Evaluate soil health, fertility, and potential for degradation (e.g., erosion, compaction, salinization).
• Develop and recommend sustainable soil management strategies, including nutrient management, cover cropping, and conservation tillage.
• Design and oversee soil remediation and rehabilitation projects for degraded or contaminated sites.
• Assess the environmental impact of agricultural practices on soil and water resources.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, maps, and recommendations for clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Provide expert advice on land use planning, agricultural best management practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Stay abreast of current research and advancements in soil science, land management, and environmental science.
• Collaborate with agronomists, engineers, and other specialists on multidisciplinary projects.
• Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment related to soil analysis.

Skills

Soil science

GIS mapping

Data interpretation

Technical reporting

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Soil Science

Tools

GIS software

Laboratory equipment operation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental consultancy firm serving the agricultural sector in the Queenstown area, is seeking an expert Soil Scientist. This critical role focuses on evaluating soil health, managing land resources sustainably, and developing strategies for soil remediation and rehabilitation. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and their interactions with agricultural systems and the environment. You will be responsible for conducting field assessments, laboratory analyses, and providing expert recommendations to clients on soil management, erosion control, land use planning, and environmental impact mitigation. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending essential field and laboratory work with remote data analysis and report writing. You will be instrumental in helping agricultural operations improve soil fertility, reduce environmental footprints, and comply with land management regulations. This is a vital role for an experienced professional committed to sustainable land stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys and assessments, including sampling, characterization, and analysis of physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Evaluate soil health, fertility, and potential for degradation (e.g., erosion, compaction, salinization).
• Develop and recommend sustainable soil management strategies, including nutrient management, cover cropping, and conservation tillage.
• Design and oversee soil remediation and rehabilitation projects for degraded or contaminated sites.
• Assess the environmental impact of agricultural practices on soil and water resources.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, maps, and recommendations for clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Provide expert advice on land use planning, agricultural best management practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Stay abreast of current research and advancements in soil science, land management, and environmental science.
• Collaborate with agronomists, engineers, and other specialists on multidisciplinary projects.
• Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment related to soil analysis.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Soil Physics, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in soil science, land management, or environmental consulting, preferably with an agricultural focus.
• Proven experience in soil sampling techniques and laboratory analysis.
• Strong understanding of soil chemistry, physics, biology, and their interactions.
• Demonstrated ability in interpreting soil data and developing practical management recommendations.
• Experience with GIS software for spatial analysis and mapping is highly desirable.
• Excellent scientific writing, reporting, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid work environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel to field sites.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Work on impactful projects contributing to environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity.
• A collaborative and professional work environment.