Lead Soil Scientist - Environmental Management

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Soil Scientist for our environmental consulting client in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role focuses on leading soil health, contamination assessment, remediation, and land management across agricultural, mining, and development projects.

Regular site visits and fieldwork are expected, with oversight of project delivery and client communications. The ideal candidate will have a Master's or PhD in Soil Science or related field, 7+ years' experience, strong leadership, and

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Soil Science, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive soil science/land management experience.
• Proven project management and leadership skills.
• Experience with soil sampling, lab data interpretation, and GIS.
• Willingness to travel within Limpopo region; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage soil-related environmental projects from inception to completion.
• Conduct site investigations including soil sampling and analysis.
• Develop remediation strategies for soil contamination.
• Provide guidance on soil health and agricultural best practices.
• Develop soil management plans for agriculture, rehabilitation, and construction.
• Prepare reports and recommendations from lab data.
• Maintain client and regulatory relationships; contribute to BD.
• Mentor junior soil scientists and staff.
• Stay updated with soil science advances.

Skills

Soil Chemistry

Soil Sampling

Project Leadership

Report Writing

GIS

Regulatory Knowledge

Education

Master's or PhD in Soil Science or related

Tools

GIS software

Laboratory analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected environmental consulting firm, is seeking a Lead Soil Scientist to join their team in **Polokwane, Limpopo**. This pivotal role involves leading investigations and providing expert advice on soil health, contamination, remediation, and land management across a range of projects, including agricultural, mining, and development sectors. The Lead Soil Scientist will be responsible for managing projects, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality scientific assessments and reports. This position requires a deep understanding of soil chemistry, physics, biology, and their interaction with environmental systems. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing sustainable land use strategies and ensuring regulatory compliance. The role is based in **Polokwane** and involves regular site visits and fieldwork within the **Limpopo** province. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with strong leadership abilities, excellent analytical skills, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. You will be expected to manage client relationships and contribute to business development efforts. We are looking for a dedicated expert passionate about soil science and its application to real-world environmental challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage soil-related environmental projects from inception to completion.
• Conduct detailed site investigations, including soil sampling, characterization, and analysis.
• Assess soil contamination issues and develop effective remediation strategies.
• Provide expert technical guidance on soil health, fertility, and agricultural best practices.
• Develop soil management plans for various applications, including agriculture, rehabilitation, and construction.
• Interpret laboratory data and prepare comprehensive scientific reports and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental legislation and regulations pertaining to soil and land use.
• Mentor and guide junior soil scientists and technical staff.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to business development initiatives, including proposal writing and client presentations.
• Stay current with advancements in soil science, environmental regulations, and remediation technologies.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in soil science, environmental assessment, or land management.
• Proven experience in managing environmental projects, including soil contamination investigations and remediation.
• In-depth knowledge of soil chemistry, physics, microbiology, and their environmental implications.
• Proficiency in soil sampling techniques, laboratory analysis interpretation, and GIS applications.
• Experience with environmental modeling and risk assessment is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, project management, and team mentoring skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in various environmental conditions.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the **Limpopo** region.
• Professional registration with a relevant scientific body is an asset.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and conference attendance, are provided.
• This role offers the chance to lead impactful environmental projects within the dynamic **Polokwane** region, contributing to sustainable land management practices.
• You will be part of a supportive and expert team dedicated to environmental excellence.