Senior Soil Scientist - Land Reclamation & Rehabilitation

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Soil Scientist in Benoni, Gauteng to lead land reclamation and rehabilitation initiatives. The role focuses on assessing degraded soils, formulating recovery strategies, and overseeing remediation projects to restore soil health for agricultural and environmental objectives.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in Soil Science (or related field), 7+ years in reclamation, and strong analytical and project management skills, with proficiency in GIS and soil

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in soil science with specialization in land reclamation and rehabilitation.
• Experience assessing soil degradation, developing remediation strategies and managing rehabilitation projects.
• In-depth knowledge of soil chemistry, physics, biology and pedology.
• Proficiency in soil sampling techniques and laboratory analysis interpretation.
• Experience with GIS and other spatial analysis tools for land assessment.
• Excellent report writing, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead projects and work within a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys and characterization of degraded or contaminated land.
• Develop detailed soil reclamation and rehabilitation plans, including soil amendment strategies, revegetation plans, and erosion control measures.
• Oversee the implementation of rehabilitation projects, ensuring adherence to plans and timelines.
• Monitor the effectiveness of reclamation activities through soil and vegetation assessments.
• Conduct laboratory analysis of soil samples to assess properties.
• Provide expert advice on soil health, fertility management and sustainable land use.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals and presentations for clients and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with geologists, environmental engineers and agronomists on multidisciplinary projects.
• Stay updated on latest research and best practices in soil science and land reclamation.

Skills

Soil science

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

PhD in Soil Science

Master's in Environmental Science or Agronomy

Tools

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading environmental consultancy and agricultural services provider, with a significant focus on land management and sustainability initiatives in the Benoni, Gauteng region. We are seeking an accomplished Senior Soil Scientist specializing in land reclamation and rehabilitation . This crucial role will involve assessing degraded soils, developing strategies for their recovery, and overseeing the implementation of remediation projects. Your expertise will be vital in restoring soil health, improving fertility, and ensuring ecological balance for agricultural and environmental purposes. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of soil science, a proven track record in reclamation projects, and excellent analytical and project management skills. You will be based in Benoni, Gauteng , working on diverse projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys and characterization of degraded or contaminated land.
• Develop detailed soil reclamation and rehabilitation plans, including soil amendment strategies, revegetation plans, and erosion control measures.
• Oversee the implementation of rehabilitation projects, ensuring adherence to plans and timelines.
• Monitor the effectiveness of reclamation activities through regular soil and vegetation assessments.
• Conduct laboratory analysis of soil samples to assess physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Provide expert advice on soil health, fertility management, and sustainable land use practices.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with geologists, environmental engineers, and agronomists on multidisciplinary projects.
• Stay updated on the latest research and best practices in soil science, land reclamation, and environmental management.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in soil science, with a strong specialization in land reclamation and rehabilitation.
• Proven experience in assessing soil degradation, developing remediation strategies, and managing rehabilitation projects.
• In-depth knowledge of soil chemistry, physics, biology, and pedology.
• Proficiency in soil sampling techniques and laboratory analysis interpretation.
• Experience with GIS and other spatial analysis tools for land assessment.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead projects and work effectively within a team environment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites in and around Benoni, Gauteng.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, a retirement fund, and opportunities for professional growth and development.