Soil Scientist - Land Rehabilitation & Management

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 54,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Soil Scientist to lead projects on land rehabilitation and sustainable soil management in the Queenstown region. The role involves field investigations, laboratory analyses, and advising clients including government bodies.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in soil science with 4+ years of professional experience and is proficient in GIS and data interpretation for environmental applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Soil Science or related field.
• 4+ years of professional experience in soil science, land rehabilitation, or environmental consulting.
• Strong knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Experience with field soil assessments and laboratory analyses.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys and site assessments to evaluate soil properties and health.
• Develop and implement land rehabilitation and soil management plans for various land uses.
• Perform laboratory analysis of soil samples to determine physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.
• Provide expert advice on erosion control, nutrient management, and soil amendment strategies.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Soil physics

Soil chemistry

Soil biology

Field assessment

GIS

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Soil Science

Tools

ArcGIS

Lab software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental consultancy firm, is seeking a dedicated Soil Scientist to lead projects focused on land rehabilitation and sustainable soil management in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA region. This role is vital for assessing soil health, developing strategies for degraded land restoration, and ensuring sustainable agricultural and land use practices. You will conduct field investigations, laboratory analyses, and provide expert recommendations to clients, including governmental bodies and private enterprises. The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific foundation in soil science and a passion for environmental stewardship and land reclamation. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to ecological restoration and sustainable development in the Eastern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys and site assessments to evaluate soil properties, health, and potential contamination.
• Develop and implement detailed land rehabilitation and soil management plans for various land use types (e.g., agriculture, mining, conservation).
• Perform laboratory analysis of soil samples to determine physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.
• Provide expert advice on soil erosion control, nutrient management, water retention, and soil amendment strategies.
• Monitor the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and best practices for soil management and conservation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including geologists, ecologists, and engineers.
• Stay updated on the latest research, technologies, and policies related to soil science and land management.
• Conduct site investigations and fieldwork in potentially challenging terrain.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in soil science, land rehabilitation, or environmental consulting.
• Strong knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and classification.
• Proven experience in conducting field soil assessments and laboratory analysis.
• Familiarity with land rehabilitation techniques and sustainable soil management practices.
• Excellent report writing, data interpretation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, often on remote sites.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel and work outdoors in various conditions.
• Knowledge of the soil types and environmental challenges specific to the Eastern Cape, ZA is highly desirable.
• Experience with GIS and other relevant environmental modelling software is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for professional development and training.
• You will be involved in impactful environmental projects that contribute to the sustainable future of the region.
• This role provides a great opportunity to gain diverse experience across various land management scenarios.
• Join our client in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA , and make a difference in land stewardship.