SPC Soil Scientist

GAI Consultants Inc.; Homestead (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Hybrid work schedules

Job summary

An environmental consulting firm located in Allegheny County is seeking a Soil Scientist. The ideal candidate will conduct in-field soil investigations, prepare technical reports, and classify soil types using various data sources. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science or related fields, along with at least 5 years of professional experience. Certification by the Soil Science Society of America is required. This position allows for flexible hybrid work schedules.

Qualifications

• Certification by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience classifying soils per USDA and USCS systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-field soil investigations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports on soil conditions.
• Map and classify soil types using various technologies.

Skills

Soil classification

Hydraulic conductivity testing

Communication skills

Field investigation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Soil Science

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Bachelor's degree in Environmental and Earth Science

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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