Senior Soil Scientist - Land Reclamation and Management

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave and sick leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng invites an experienced Senior Soil Scientist to lead projects on land reclamation, soil health, and sustainable land management. You will oversee fieldwork, perform advanced analyses, and prepare detailed technical reports for clients and regulators.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in a related field, 7+ years of experience, strong knowledge of soil physics, chemistry and biology, GIS skills, and the ability to travel to project sites across Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a related field.
• 7+ years of professional soil science experience with remediation focus.
• In-depth knowledge of soil physics, chemistry and biology.
• Experience with soil sampling methods.
• Understanding of environmental regulations and permitting.

Responsibilities

• Lead site assessments and soil sampling campaigns.
• Develop remediation and reclamation strategies for lands.
• Advise on sustainable land management and soil conservation.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals and presentations for clients/regulators.
• Manage project timelines, budgets and resources.
• Conduct field investigations and data collection.

Skills

Soil sampling

Data interpretation

Technical reporting

GIS

Project management

Fieldwork

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Soil Science / related field

Ph.D. in Soil Science / related field

Tools

GIS software

Database management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental consultancy firm with a significant presence in Benoni, Gauteng, is seeking an experienced Senior Soil Scientist to lead projects focused on land reclamation, soil health improvement, and sustainable land management. This role is crucial for assessing soil conditions, developing remediation strategies for degraded or contaminated sites, and advising clients on best practices for soil conservation and agricultural productivity. You will conduct in-depth soil analyses, interpret complex data, and prepare detailed technical reports and recommendations. The position requires a thorough understanding of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and their interactions, particularly in the context of environmental restoration and agricultural sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in environmental science, geology, or agronomy, with practical experience in site assessments and remediation planning. This role involves significant fieldwork across various project sites, requiring travel and a commitment to on-site data collection and supervision within Benoni, Gauteng and surrounding areas. Our client is committed to environmental stewardship and seeks a professional who can drive impactful soil science solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive site assessments, including soil sampling, characterization, and analysis for physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Develop and implement soil remediation and reclamation strategies for contaminated or degraded lands.
• Advise clients on sustainable land management practices, soil conservation techniques, and agricultural best practices.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and regulatory agencies.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively, ensuring timely delivery of project milestones.
• Conduct field investigations, including drilling, monitoring well installation, and data collection.
• Interpret complex soil data and environmental regulations to provide sound scientific advice.
• Collaborate with engineers, geologists, and other environmental professionals on multi-disciplinary projects.
• Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, Geology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in soil science, with a focus on land reclamation, soil remediation, or environmental site assessment.
• In-depth knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and their interrelationships.
• Proven experience with various soil sampling techniques and analytical methods.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations and permitting processes related to land use and remediation.
• Excellent report writing, data interpretation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and work effectively under pressure.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including GIS and database management.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to undertake regular site visits and fieldwork.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conference attendance.
• Exposure to a diverse range of challenging environmental projects.
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick leave.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading environmental consultancy.