SPC Soil Scientist

GAI Consultants Inc.; Canonsburg (Washington County); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Soil Scientist to conduct in-field soil investigations and prepare technical reports. The successful candidate will analyze and classify soil types and work collaboratively with project teams. Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in a related field, certification by the Soil Science Society of America, and at least 5 years of professional experience. The role offers a hybrid work schedule and a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• Certification by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in soil science.
• Demonstrated experience with USDA/USCS classification systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-field soil investigations and prepare detailed reports.
• Map and classify soil types using various technologies.
• Evaluate soil tests and share findings with project teams.

Skills

Soil classification

Field data analysis

Hydraulic conductivity testing

Strong communication skills

Collaboration within teams

Education

Bachelor's degree in Soil Science or closely related field

Job description

Systems Planning Corporation (SPC), a subsidiary company of GAI Consultants, Inc., is seeking a Soil Scientist to work within our Civil and Environmental Business Sector. The successful candidate will enjoy working in a challenging, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment that will utilize their related experience to develop professionally and grow in today's global environment. This position is eligible for GAI's flexible Hybrid work schedules.

Job Duties

• Conduct in-field soil investigations, including soil morphology, texture, and full profile descriptions.
• Prepare detailed technical reports documenting soil resources and subsurface conditions.
• Map and classify soil types using digital and satellite imagery, GPS data, and field sampling in accordance with National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) standards.
• Evaluate soil hydraulic conductivity and perform percolation testing as required by project scope.
• Communicate field investigation plans and instructions clearly to internal staff and subcontractors.
• Coordinate with project teams and clients during subsurface explorations to share field observations and preliminary findings.
• Download, manage, and evaluate field data to develop design recommendations and overall site development considerations.
• Prepare initial draft reports that compile field investigation data and engineering analysis for review by project managers and supervisors.

Requirements

• Certification by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) (e.g., Certified Professional Soil Scientist - CPSS) required to sign and seal official site evaluations.
• Bachelor's degree in Soil Science or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of related professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience classifying soils in accordance with USDA and/or USCS classification systems.
• Experience with hydraulic conductivity testing, percolation testing, and directing subsurface explorations.
• Proven ability to compile, analyze, and interpret soil and subsurface investigation data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently in field settings and collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to sit.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
• The employee is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment including a hard hat, safety glasses, fall protection, hearing protection, gloves, etc.
• The work environment will have both hot and cold temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors of Biology (required)
• Bachelors of Engineering (required)
• Bachelors of Environmental and Earth Science (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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