Lead Soil Scientist - Sustainable Land Management

Placements24; Graafwater; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Lead Soil Scientist to lead soil surveys and develop soil health monitoring programs for agricultural clients. The role focuses on sustainable land management, remediation planning, and ecological restoration within the agricultural sector of the Western Cape.

The candidate will guide project teams, prepare technical reports, and contribute to client proposals while staying updated with current soil science research and best practices.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Soil Science, Soil Science and Environmental Management, Agronomy, or closely related field.
• Extensive field-based soil assessments and laboratory analysis interpretation desirable.
• Strong ability to develop and implement sustainable land management plans.

Responsibilities

• Leading and conducting comprehensive soil surveys, characterization, and analysis.
• Developing and implementing soil health monitoring programs and strategies for agricultural clients.
• Assessing the impacts of land use practices on soil properties and ecosystem functions.
• Designing and recommending sustainable soil management practices, including conservation tillage, cover cropping, and organic matter enhancement.
• Evaluating and managing soil contamination and erosion issues.
• Preparing detailed technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and stakeholders.
• Providing expert guidance and technical support to project teams and junior scientists.
• Staying current with the latest research and best practices in soil science and sustainable agriculture.
• Contributing to business development by identifying new opportunities and engaging with potential clients.

Skills

Soil science expertise

Fieldwork experience

Report writing

Data analysis

Communication skills

GIS/Remote sensing

Education

Master's or PhD in Soil Science or related field

Tools

GIS

Remote sensing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental consultancy firm specializing in agricultural sustainability, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Soil Scientist to join their esteemed team in Paarl, Western Cape . This senior role will focus on advancing sustainable land management practices, conducting in-depth soil health assessments, and developing remediation strategies for degraded agricultural lands. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, extensive fieldwork experience, and a passion for conservation and ecological restoration within the vital agricultural sector of the Western Cape . You will be instrumental in advising diverse clients, from large-scale farming operations to conservation bodies, on optimizing soil health and environmental stewardship in the beautiful Paarl region.

Key Responsibilities Leading and conducting comprehensive soil surveys, characterization, and analysis. Developing and implementing soil health monitoring programs and strategies for agricultural clients. Assessing the impacts of land use practices on soil properties and ecosystem functions. Designing and recommending sustainable soil management practices, including conservation tillage, cover cropping, and organic matter enhancement. Evaluating and managing soil contamination and erosion issues. Preparing detailed technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and stakeholders. Providing expert guidance and technical support to project teams and junior scientists. Staying current with the latest research and best practices in soil science and sustainable agriculture. Contributing to business development by identifying new opportunities and engaging with potential clients. Requirements A Master's or PhD degree in Soil Science, Soil Science and Environmental Management, Agronomy, or a closely related field. A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in soil science, with a significant portion focused on agricultural applications. Extensive knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and fertility. Proven experience in conducting field-based soil assessments and laboratory analysis interpretation. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement sustainable land management plans. Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects concurrently. Excellent report writing, data analysis, and communication skills. Experience with GIS and remote sensing technologies for land assessment is a plus. Familiarity with South African agricultural landscapes and environmental regulations. Valid driver's license and willingness to undertake site visits. Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, life insurance, and a provident fund. Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training courses and attendance at international conferences, are actively supported. Employees will work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, contributing to impactful environmental projects. The position is based in the scenic and productive Paarl valley, offering a rewarding lifestyle. Opportunities for career progression to senior management roles are available for high-performing individuals.