Remote Soil Scientist - Conservation and Management

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,496,000 - 2,160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Professional development funding

Health, dental and vision insurance

Retirement plan matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Soil Scientist for a fully remote role with a global environmental consultancy. You will conduct soil analyses, develop conservation strategies, and guide sustainable land-use practices from your home office, collaborating with teams worldwide.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Soil Science with 5+ years experience, strong GIS skills, and a track record in reports and environmental regulations.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional soil science experience focused on conservation and land management.
• Strong knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and classification.
• Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) and remote sensing analysis.
• Experience with soil sampling, lab analysis, and data interpretation.
• Excellent written and spoken scientific communication, especially reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys, sampling, and lab analyses to assess soil properties.
• Develop soil conservation and management plans for agriculture, forestry, and conservation areas.
• Utilize GIS and remote sensing for soil mapping, land suitability assessment, and environmental monitoring.
• Advise on soil erosion control, nutrient management, water conservation, and restoration.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and environmental impact assessments.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams on conservation projects.
• Stay updated on advances in soil science, digital soil mapping, and sustainability.
• Provide expert consultation on soil contamination assessment and remediation.
• Contribute to proposals and bids for new conservation initiatives.

Skills

Soil science expertise

GIS (ArcGIS, QGIS)

Remote work / self-management

Scientific writing

Environmental regulations

Data interpretation

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in Soil Science or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized environmental consultancy focused on sustainable land management, is seeking a dedicated Soil Scientist to join their team in a fully remote capacity. This critical role involves conducting in-depth soil analysis, developing conservation strategies, and advising on sustainable land use practices. The ideal candidate will possess a robust understanding of soil science principles, environmental regulations, and digital soil mapping technologies. This position offers the unique advantage of working from home, allowing for flexible scheduling and global collaboration. You will be instrumental in advising clients on soil health, remediation, and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to environmental conservation efforts worldwide. Our client values innovation, scientific rigor, and a commitment to a healthier planet. This role is perfect for a proactive Soil Scientist looking to leverage their expertise without geographical constraints, making a significant impact from their chosen location, ideally within reach of a major hub like Bloemfontein should occasional remote meetings be beneficial for connectivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys, sampling, and laboratory analysis to assess soil properties, fertility, and health.
• Develop scientifically-sound soil conservation and management plans for diverse land uses, including agriculture, forestry, and conservation areas.
• Utilize GIS and remote sensing technologies for soil mapping, land suitability assessment, and environmental monitoring.
• Advise clients on best practices for soil erosion control, nutrient management, water conservation, and land restoration.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, research papers, and environmental impact assessments related to soil science.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of environmental scientists, engineers, and project managers on complex conservation projects.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in soil science, digital soil mapping, and sustainable land management techniques.
• Provide expert consultation on soil contamination assessment and remediation strategies.
• Contribute to the development of proposals and project bids for new conservation initiatives.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in soil science, with a strong focus on conservation and land management.
• Extensive knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and classification.
• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and remote sensing data analysis.
• Experience with soil sampling techniques, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote work environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and conservation policies.
• Access to reliable internet and a suitable home office setup is essential.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant environmental conservation projects globally.
• Access to advanced analytical tools and software.
• Professional development funding and opportunities for continued learning.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• A collaborative and supportive virtual work culture.
• The chance to make a lasting positive impact on the environment.