Soil Scientist - Land Rehabilitation and Management

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 64,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Travel allowances

Accommodation for field assignments

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Soil Scientist to join our environmental consultancy team in the Eastern Cape region. The role focuses on soil health assessment, developing strategies for land rehabilitation, and implementing sustainable soil management across multiple projects.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in soil chemistry, physics, biology and pedology, with 5+ years of hands-on experience, and is prepared for extensive fieldwork and collaboration with multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in soil assessment, land rehabilitation, and sustainable soil management.
• Strong knowledge of soil chemistry, physics, microbiology, and pedology.
• Experience with field sampling techniques and laboratory analysis of soil properties.
• Proven ability to develop practical and effective soil management and rehabilitation strategies.
• Experience with environmental regulations and impact assessment processes is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to undertake extensive fieldwork in potentially challenging conditions in the Eastern Cape.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct soil surveys and site assessments to evaluate properties and limitations.
• Develop soil management and rehabilitation plans for degraded lands, agricultural areas, and construction sites.
• Analyze soil samples for chemical, physical, and biological characteristics.
• Provide recommendations on soil amendments, fertilization, erosion control, and water management.
• Contribute to EIAs and EMPs.
• Advise on sustainable agriculture, forestry, and land use planning.
• Monitor rehabilitation outcomes over time.
• Stay updated on soil science advancements.
• Collaborate with engineers, ecologists, hydrologists, and other professionals.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Soil science

Field sampling

Laboratory analysis

Report writing

Problem solving

Education

Masters or PhD in Soil Science

Tools

Soil sampling techniques

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an environmental consultancy firm with a strong focus on sustainable land management, is seeking an experienced Soil Scientist to join their team in **Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA**. This role is crucial for assessing soil health, developing strategies for land rehabilitation, and implementing sustainable soil management practices across various projects. You will work on diverse sites, contributing to environmental impact assessments, agricultural development plans, and conservation efforts. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of soil chemistry, physics, biology, and their interactions with ecosystems. This is a field-intensive role requiring a commitment to on-site work in the **Eastern Cape** region and a passion for environmental restoration and agricultural productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys and site assessments to evaluate soil properties and identify limitations or contamination.
• Develop and implement soil management plans for rehabilitation of degraded lands, agricultural areas, and construction sites.
• Analyze soil samples in the laboratory and field to determine chemical, physical, and biological characteristics.
• Provide expert recommendations on soil amendment, fertilization, erosion control, and water management strategies.
• Contribute to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental Management Plans (EMPs).
• Advise on best practices for sustainable agriculture, forestry, and land use planning.
• Monitor the effectiveness of rehabilitation and management interventions over time.
• Stay updated on advancements in soil science, land degradation, and restoration techniques.
• Collaborate with engineers, ecologists, hydrologists, and other environmental professionals.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in soil assessment, land rehabilitation, and sustainable soil management.
• Strong knowledge of soil chemistry, physics, microbiology, and pedology.
• Experience with field sampling techniques and laboratory analysis of soil properties.
• Proven ability to develop practical and effective soil management and rehabilitation strategies.
• Experience with environmental regulations and impact assessment processes is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to undertake extensive fieldwork in potentially challenging conditions in the **Eastern Cape**.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Travel allowances and accommodation for field assignments.
• Be part of impactful environmental restoration projects.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Contribution to sustainable land management practices.