Lead Soil Scientist - Agri-Environment

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

R&D budget

Travel opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Soil Scientist based in Rustenburg, North West. You will lead a team of soil scientists and technicians, guide research on soil fertility, land management, and conservation, and provide expert consultation to support sustainable agriculture.

The role combines scientific rigor with practical application, requiring a PhD and 8+ years in soil science, proven leadership, and experience with soil-plant-environment interactions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science or closely related field with specialization in soil chemistry, physics, or biology.
• Minimum 8 years post-PhD experience in soil science, preferably in an agricultural setting.
• Proven experience leading scientific research teams and managing complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the soil science team, overseeing research projects and ensuring scientific integrity.
• Conduct advanced research on soil properties, fertility, health and nutrient cycling.
• Develop and implement soil management and conservation strategies to enhance crop productivity.
• Oversee soil testing, analysis, and data interpretation to provide actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with agronomists and environmental scientists to integrate findings into farm plans.

Skills

Team leadership

Soil analysis

Data interpretation

GIS knowledge

Communication

Education

PhD in Soil Science

Tools

GIS

Laboratory management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural research and development firm, is seeking an experienced Lead Soil Scientist to manage their soil science division based in **Rustenburg, North West**. This role is pivotal in driving innovative research and providing expert consultation on soil health, fertility, and land management practices for sustainable agriculture. You will lead a team of soil scientists and technicians, guiding research projects, ensuring the quality of data, and contributing to the development of cutting-edge soil management strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background and extensive practical experience in soil science, with a focus on agricultural applications. This position requires a deep understanding of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and their interactions with plant growth and environmental factors. You will be instrumental in advising on soil conservation, remediation techniques, and the optimal use of fertilizers and soil amendments. This is a hands-on leadership role that demands both scientific rigor and practical application, ensuring our client remains at the forefront of sustainable agricultural practices. The **Rustenburg** location provides access to diverse soil types and agricultural systems, offering rich opportunities for impactful research and development. We are looking for a visionary leader who can shape the future of soil management in the region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the soil science team, overseeing research projects, and ensuring scientific integrity.
• Conduct advanced research on soil properties, fertility, health, and nutrient cycling in various agricultural contexts.
• Develop and implement innovative soil management and conservation strategies to enhance crop productivity and environmental sustainability.
• Analyze soil samples using sophisticated laboratory techniques and interpret data to provide actionable recommendations.
• Advise on the appropriate use of fertilizers, soil amendments, and other inputs to optimize soil health and crop performance.
• Develop and oversee protocols for soil testing, characterization, and monitoring programs.
• Collaborate with agronomists, environmental scientists, and other specialists to integrate soil science findings into holistic farm management plans.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in soil science, agricultural technology, and environmental regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations for scientific conferences, clients, and stakeholders.
• Manage the soil science laboratory, ensuring equipment is calibrated and maintained, and safety standards are upheld.
• Contribute to the development of new methodologies and technologies in soil science.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field with a specialization in soil chemistry, physics, or biology.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research and practical experience in soil science, preferably within an agricultural setting.
• Proven experience in leading scientific research teams and managing complex research projects.
• Expertise in advanced soil analytical techniques, laboratory management, and data interpretation.
• Deep understanding of soil-plant-environment interactions and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing applications in soil science is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of the agricultural landscape and challenges in the **North West** province and South Africa.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous research and development budget.
• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration.
• Professional development support and conference attendance.
• A stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership.