Senior Soil Scientist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life cover

Retirement fund

Professional development funding

Hybrid work arrangement

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, seeks a Senior Soil Scientist to lead soil surveys, remediation planning, and environmental assessments. You will analyze soil health, develop strategies, and advise clients on sustainable land management, with fieldwork across Bloemfontein and surrounding areas.

Hybrid work model provides field and team interaction while enabling flexible scheduling. The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MSc in soil/environmental fields, with 6+ years of experience in

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in soil science, with a focus on field assessments and laboratory analysis.
• Proven expertise in soil classification, chemistry, physics, and biology.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing tools for soil mapping and analysis is highly desirable.
• Strong project management and leadership skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing capabilities.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including statistical analysis packages and database management.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for client and team interactions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment.
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork in various conditions across Bloemfontein and surrounding areas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys, sampling, and analysis to assess soil properties, health, and fertility.
• Develop and implement strategies for soil remediation, conservation, and sustainable management.
• Perform environmental impact assessments focusing on soil quality and land use.
• Interpret complex soil data, providing clear and actionable recommendations to clients.
• Lead and manage soil science projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Mentor and guide junior soil scientists and technicians.
• Collaborate with engineers, agronomists, and environmental scientists on integrated projects.
• Stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and regulations in soil science and land management.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to the development of new methodologies and best practices in soil science within Free State .

Skills

Soil science expertise

Field sampling & lab analysis

GIS / remote sensing

Project management

Data interpretation

Report writing

Client communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Soil Science/Environmental Science

Tools

GIS software

Statistical packages

Database management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished environmental consultancy with a strong focus on sustainable land management, is seeking an accomplished Senior Soil Scientist to join their team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is central to conducting in-depth soil assessments, developing strategies for land remediation, and advising clients on best practices for soil health and conservation. You will play a key role in projects ranging from agricultural development to environmental impact assessments, ensuring the optimal use and protection of soil resources. The ideal candidate possesses a strong theoretical foundation in soil science, coupled with extensive practical experience in field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. You will be expected to lead research initiatives, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to achieve project objectives. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute significantly to sustainable land management practices within Bloemfontein, Free State . The hybrid work model allows for flexibility while maintaining crucial field and team interaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys, sampling, and analysis to assess soil properties, health, and fertility.
• Develop and implement strategies for soil remediation, conservation, and sustainable management.
• Perform environmental impact assessments focusing on soil quality and land use.
• Interpret complex soil data, providing clear and actionable recommendations to clients.
• Lead and manage soil science projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Mentor and guide junior soil scientists and technicians.
• Collaborate with engineers, agronomists, and environmental scientists on integrated projects.
• Stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and regulations in soil science and land management.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to the development of new methodologies and best practices in soil science within Free State .

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in soil science, with a focus on field assessments and laboratory analysis.
• Proven expertise in soil classification, chemistry, physics, and biology.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing tools for soil mapping and analysis is highly desirable.
• Strong project management and leadership skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing capabilities.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including statistical analysis packages and database management.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for client and team interactions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment.
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork in various conditions across Bloemfontein and surrounding areas.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life cover, and a generous retirement fund. We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, including funding for conferences and specialized training. Employees work within a supportive and collaborative team environment, fostering continuous learning and innovation. Access to advanced laboratory facilities and field equipment is provided. The company values work-life balance, offering a flexible hybrid work arrangement and substantial paid annual leave. This position offers the chance to work on impactful projects that promote environmental stewardship in the Free State .