Remote Soil Scientist - Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional growth and learning

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly qualified Remote Soil Scientist to analyze soil health, fertility, and management strategies from a home office. You will advise on soil conservation, nutrient use, and practices to reduce environmental impact in agricultural systems. The role emphasizes advanced analytics and collaboration with environmental consultants.

The successful candidate will hold a Master’s or Ph.D. in Soil Science or related field, with expertise in GIS, soil chemistry and lab methods.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in soil analysis, interpretation, and soil management planning.
• Strong understanding of soil chemistry, physics, biology and plant interactions.
• Proficiency with soil testing equipment and laboratory analysis techniques.
• Experience with GIS/remote sensing for soil mapping is a plus.
• Excellent research, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate remotely.

Responsibilities

• Analyze soil samples and data to assess health, fertility, and contamination risks.
• Develop sustainable soil management plans including crop rotation and reduced tillage.
• Provide expert guidance on nutrient management to reduce runoff and improve efficiency.
• Research impact of farming practices on soil structure and carbon sequestration.
• Stay updated on soil science advances, regulations, and technologies.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers, and consultants to implement soil initiatives.
• Create educational materials and training on soil conservation.
• Contribute to development of models predicting soil behavior under different scenarios.

Skills

Soil Science

GIS

Remote Sensing

Laboratory Analysis

Data Analysis

Scientific Writing

Communication

Project Management

Independent Work

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science

Tools

ArcGIS

R

Python

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, is actively seeking a dedicated Remote Soil Scientist. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate expert to contribute to environmental stewardship and agricultural resilience without the need for relocation. The role is entirely remote, focusing on the in-depth analysis of soil health, fertility, and management strategies. You will be instrumental in developing and advising on best practices for soil conservation, nutrient management, and the reduction of environmental impact in agricultural systems. The successful candidate will leverage advanced analytical tools and a deep understanding of soil science to guide sustainable farming initiatives. This position offers the chance to make a significant contribution to global food security and environmental health from your home office, supporting agricultural advancements originating from **Rustenburg, North West**.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze soil samples and data to assess soil health, fertility, nutrient levels, and identify potential contamination issues.
• Develop and recommend sustainable soil management plans, including crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic matter enhancement strategies.
• Provide expert advice on best practices for nutrient management to minimize fertilizer runoff and improve nutrient use efficiency.
• Conduct research on the impact of various agricultural practices on soil structure, biological activity, and carbon sequestration.
• Stay updated on the latest research, technologies, and regulations related to soil science and sustainable agriculture.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers, and environmental consultants to implement and monitor soil health initiatives.
• Develop educational materials and training programs on soil conservation and sustainable farming techniques.
• Contribute to the development of tools and models for predicting soil behavior and performance under different management scenarios.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in soil analysis, interpretation, and the development of soil management plans.
• Strong understanding of soil chemistry, physics, biology, and their interaction with plant growth.
• Proficiency in using soil testing equipment, laboratory analysis techniques, and relevant software.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing for soil mapping and monitoring is a plus.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex scientific concepts.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and collaborate remotely with diverse teams.
• A passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement, offering significant flexibility.
• Competitive salary package reflecting expertise and experience.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and virtual conference participation.
• Work on impactful projects contributing to global sustainability goals.
• Collaborative and supportive virtual team environment.