Senior Soil Scientist - Land Reclamation & Rehabilitation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Travel allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Soil Scientist to lead projects on land reclamation and rehabilitation in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will assess environmental impacts, develop restoration strategies, and ensure compliance while coordinating with mining, industrial, and agricultural clients.

You will conduct fieldwork and office analysis, write reports, and mentor junior scientists. A strong background in soil science and SA regulatory knowledge is essential for success in this hybrid

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Soil Science or related field.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in soil science with land reclamation/remediation focus.
• Experience in soil sampling, laboratory analysis, and field assessments.
• Strong understanding of soil chemistry, physics, and biology for restoration.
• Experience developing soil rehabilitation strategies for varied land types.
• Excellent report writing, data analysis, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of South African environmental legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to work independently and with others; valid driver's license and travel willingness.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed soil surveys and assess degraded sites.
• Develop land reclamation and rehabilitation plans with soil amendments and erosion control.
• Evaluate rehabilitation effectiveness through monitoring and soil testing.
• Provide expert soil science advice on land management and remediation.
• Prepare detailed reports, proposals, and environmental impact assessments.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and guidelines.
• Collaborate with geologists, ecologists, and engineers on complex projects.
• Communicate findings to clients, regulators and stakeholders.
• Stay current with best practices, technologies and soil science research.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team expertise.

Skills

Soil sampling

Laboratory analysis

Field assessments

GIS

Statistical analysis

Report writing

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Soil Science or related field

Tools

GIS software

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable environmental consultancy, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Soil Scientist to lead critical projects focused on land reclamation and rehabilitation in the Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape region. This pivotal role involves assessing the environmental impact of various land uses, developing strategies for soil restoration, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. You will work closely with clients in mining, industrial, and agricultural sectors to remediate degraded land and promote ecological recovery. This hybrid position offers a balanced approach, combining essential fieldwork across various project sites with office-based data analysis, report writing, and client consultations. Join a team dedicated to environmental stewardship and make a tangible difference in restoring South Africa's valuable land resources. Your expertise will be crucial in developing sustainable solutions for post-development land use in the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed soil surveys, characterization, and assessment of contaminated or degraded sites.
• Develop comprehensive land reclamation and rehabilitation plans, including soil amendment strategies, revegetation techniques, and erosion control measures.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented rehabilitation strategies through ongoing monitoring and soil testing.
• Provide expert technical advice on soil science principles related to land management, conservation, and remediation.
• Prepare detailed scientific reports, proposals, and environmental impact assessments.
• Ensure all projects comply with relevant national and provincial environmental legislation and guidelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including geologists, ecologists, and engineers, on complex remediation projects.
• Communicate project findings and recommendations effectively to clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of best practices, new technologies, and research in soil science, land reclamation, and environmental management.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the team's technical expertise.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in soil science, with a specialization in land reclamation, remediation, or rehabilitation.
• Proven experience in conducting soil sampling, laboratory analysis, and field assessments.
• Strong understanding of soil chemistry, physics, and biology, and their application to environmental restoration.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing soil rehabilitation strategies for diverse land types.
• Excellent report writing, data analysis, and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with South African environmental legislation and regulatory frameworks related to land use and contamination.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in both field and office environments.
• Proficiency in relevant software, including GIS and statistical analysis packages.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites within the Eastern Cape and surrounding areas.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference participation.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging environmental projects.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment focused on sustainability.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangement to promote work-life balance.
• Travel allowances for fieldwork.
• The opportunity to contribute significantly to environmental restoration efforts in Port Elizabeth and beyond.