Senior Soil Scientist - Land Management & Conservation

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Soil Scientist to lead land management and conservation initiatives. You will oversee field surveys, soil data interpretation, and develop practical recommendations for clients in agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.

The role requires a PhD in Soil Science, 7+ years of experience, strong project leadership, GIS proficiency, and independent work with remote collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science, Soil Chemistry, Soil Physics, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in soil science focusing on land management, conservation and rehabilitation.
• Experience managing complex environmental projects and leading technical teams.
• Familiarity with soil classification systems (WRB, USDA) and GIS mapping.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth soil surveys, sampling and analysis using advanced methodologies.
• Interpret soil data to assess land capability and environmental risks.
• Develop and implement soil conservation and land management plans.
• Advise clients on soil health, erosion control, and land rehabilitation.
• Prepare detailed reports, EIAs and scientific publications.
• Manage soil science projects, including budgeting and timelines.
• Mentor junior soil scientists and technicians.
• Stay current with research in soil science and ecological restoration.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including geologists and engineers.
• Represent the company in client meetings and workshops.

Skills

Soil science expertise

Project leadership

Technical reporting

Mentoring juniors

Education

PhD in Soil Science or related field

Tools

GIS mapping

Soil analysis techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental consultancy, is seeking a highly qualified Senior Soil Scientist to lead their land management and conservation initiatives from Pretoria, Gauteng . This role is crucial for assessing soil health, developing sustainable land use strategies, and advising on conservation practices to mitigate erosion and improve soil fertility. You will be responsible for conducting detailed soil surveys, interpreting complex soil data, and developing practical, science-based recommendations for clients in agriculture, mining, and infrastructure development. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of soil chemistry, physics, and biology, coupled with a strong understanding of ecological principles and environmental impact assessments. This is a senior position requiring significant expertise and the ability to manage projects independently, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to the company's reputation for excellence in environmental stewardship. Your work will directly influence land rehabilitation efforts and promote sustainable land management practices across Gauteng and beyond. We are looking for a dedicated professional who is passionate about soil science and its role in environmental protection and sustainable resource management. The role will involve significant fieldwork, laboratory analysis oversight, and report writing.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth soil surveys, sampling, and analysis using advanced methodologies.
• Interpret soil data to assess land capability, suitability for various uses, and potential environmental risks.
• Develop and implement comprehensive soil conservation and land management plans.
• Advise clients on best practices for soil health improvement, erosion control, and land rehabilitation.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and scientific publications.
• Manage soil science projects, including budgeting, timelines, and team coordination.
• Mentor and guide junior soil scientists and technicians.
• Stay current with research advancements in soil science, hydrology, and ecological restoration.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including geologists, ecologists, and engineers.
• Represent the company in client meetings, workshops, and public consultations.

Requirements

• PhD in Soil Science, Soil Chemistry, Soil Physics, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in soil science, with a strong emphasis on land management, conservation, and rehabilitation.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex environmental projects and leading technical teams.
• Expertise in soil classification systems (e.g., World Reference Base, USDA), soil analysis techniques, and GIS mapping.
• Proven ability to conduct field assessments and develop practical management solutions.
• Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Familiarity with South African environmental legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team, demonstrating strong self-management skills.
• Professional accreditation (e.g., South African Council for Professional Land Surveyors, Geomatics and Valuers - SACAP) is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and pension fund, performance bonuses, and significant opportunities for professional development and research involvement.
• Join a respected environmental consultancy in Pretoria that values scientific integrity and sustainable practices.