Senior Soil Scientist - Agricultural Sustainability

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Soil Scientist to lead soil health research for sustainable agriculture in Welkom, Free State. The role combines field and lab work with data-driven insights and collaboration with agronomists and extension officers.

You will design experiments, analyze soil data, and develop strategies to improve fertility, water retention, and crop performance in challenging environmental conditions. Travel to field sites within the Free State is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in soil science research, with agricultural applications.
• Experience in experimental design, data collection, and advanced statistical analysis of soil data.
• Knowledge of South African soils, agricultural systems, and environmental challenges.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage field and laboratory studies on soil chemistry, physics, and biology.
• Conduct detailed soil analysis including nutrients, organic matter, pH, texture, and structure.
• Develop soil management strategies to enhance fertility, water retention, and erosion control.
• Analyze large datasets of soil properties, climate data, and crop yields using statistical software.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to apply soil health findings to sustainability programs.

Skills

Experiment design

Data analysis

Soil analysis

Education

PhD or MSc in Soil Science or related field

Tools

R

SPSS

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected agricultural research and development firm operating in the Welkom, Free State region, is looking for an experienced Senior Soil Scientist to lead critical research initiatives focused on soil health and sustainable agricultural practices. This role is essential for developing innovative strategies to improve soil fertility, conserve water resources, and enhance crop productivity in the unique environmental conditions of the Free State . You will be responsible for designing and conducting field and laboratory experiments, analyzing complex soil data, and providing expert recommendations to farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical knowledge of soil science coupled with practical experience in applying this knowledge to real-world agricultural challenges. This position offers a compelling opportunity to contribute to sustainable farming solutions in South Africa , working within a collaborative and scientifically driven environment. While the role is primarily based in Welkom , a hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in managing research data and analysis remotely.

Key Responsibilities

Design, implement, and manage field and laboratory studies focused on soil chemistry, physics, and biology. Conduct detailed soil analysis, including nutrient levels, organic matter content, pH, texture, and structure. Develop and refine soil management strategies to enhance fertility, improve water retention, and mitigate erosion in the Welkom agricultural landscape. Research the impact of different agricultural inputs (e.g., fertilizers, amendments, cover crops) on soil health and crop performance. Analyze and interpret large datasets related to soil properties, climate data, and crop yields using statistical software. Develop models to predict soil behavior and response to various management practices. Provide expert technical consultation and training to agronomists, farm managers, and agricultural extension officers. Stay abreast of the latest research and technological advancements in soil science and sustainable agriculture. Contribute to scientific publications, grant proposals, and technical reports. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate soil health findings into broader agricultural sustainability programs in the Free State .

Requirements

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a closely related field. A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in soil science research, preferably with a focus on agricultural applications. Proven expertise in experimental design, data collection, and advanced statistical analysis of soil data. In-depth knowledge of South African soil types, agricultural systems, and environmental challenges. Experience with soil sampling techniques, laboratory analysis, and interpretation of results. Proficiency in relevant software for data analysis and modeling (e.g., R, SPSS, GIS software). Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Willingness to travel periodically to field sites within the Free State province.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package tailored to the candidate's qualifications and extensive experience. This includes a comprehensive medical aid plan, retirement fund contributions, and generous annual leave. The hybrid work model provides a balance between on-site research activities in Welkom and remote data analysis. We support continuous professional development through workshops, seminars, and opportunities to attend relevant conferences, fostering career growth within the field of sustainable agriculture.