Senior Soil Scientist and Land Reclamation Specialist

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Company vehicle

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Soil Scientist and Land Reclamation Specialist based in Rustenburg, North West. The role focuses on soil assessments, remediation strategy development, and overseeing rehabilitation of degraded landscapes affected by mining and agri‑environmental projects.

You will work with engineers, ecologists, and project managers to deliver integrated solutions, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in soil science with land reclamation/remediation specialization.
• Experience managing environmental projects in mining/heavy industry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed soil investigations, including sampling, physical and chemical analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Develop and implement comprehensive land reclamation and rehabilitation plans for disturbed mining sites.
• Assess soil contamination, toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies, and recommend remediation measures.
• Design and oversee soil improvement techniques, including amendments, revegetation, and erosion control.
• Monitor progress and effectiveness of reclamation activities to meet objectives and standards.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, EIAs, and permit applications.
• Provide expert advice on soil management, land use planning, and sustainable development.
• Collaborate with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to achieve project outcomes.
• Stay updated on latest soil science research and best practices.
• Mentor junior scientists and field technicians on soil assessment and reclamation projects.

Skills

Soil science

Land reclamation

Environmental consulting

Data interpretation

Education

Master's or PhD in Soil Science or related field

Tools

GIS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental consulting firm with a strong presence in mining and agriculture, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Soil Scientist and Land Reclamation Specialist. This critical role is based in Rustenburg, North West , a region known for its significant mining activities and agricultural potential. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in soil science, geochemistry, and land rehabilitation techniques, with a proven track record of successfully managing complex reclamation projects. You will be responsible for assessing soil conditions, developing innovative remediation strategies, and overseeing the restoration of degraded landscapes to productive or ecologically sound states. This position offers the chance to work on challenging projects that have a tangible positive impact on the environment and local communities. You will collaborate with engineers, ecologists, and project managers to deliver integrated solutions. We are looking for a proactive individual who can apply scientific principles to solve real-world environmental challenges in Rustenburg, North West .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed soil investigations, including sampling, physical and chemical analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Develop and implement comprehensive land reclamation and rehabilitation plans for disturbed sites, particularly those affected by mining.
• Assess soil contamination, toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies, and recommend appropriate remediation measures.
• Design and oversee the implementation of soil improvement techniques, including amendments, revegetation strategies, and erosion control.
• Monitor the progress and effectiveness of reclamation activities, ensuring project objectives and environmental standards are met.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, environmental impact assessments, and permit applications.
• Provide expert advice on soil management, land use planning, and sustainable land development.
• Collaborate with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Stay abreast of the latest research, technologies, and best practices in soil science and land reclamation.
• Mentor junior scientists and field technicians involved in soil assessment and reclamation projects.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in soil science, with a specialization in land reclamation and remediation.
• Demonstrated experience in managing environmental projects, particularly in the mining or heavy industry sectors.
• Strong knowledge of soil chemistry, soil physics, hydrology, and plant-soil interactions.
• Proficiency in using GIS software and other relevant analytical tools for spatial data analysis.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Experience working with regulatory frameworks and permitting processes in South Africa.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging environments.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Familiarity with local soil types and ecological conditions in the North West region is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Company-provided vehicle for fieldwork.
• Opportunities for professional growth and attending industry conferences.
• Significant impact on environmental restoration projects.
• Collaborative team environment with experts in various environmental fields.
• Exposure to a diverse range of challenging projects.
• A commitment to professional development and ongoing training.