Senior Soil Scientist - Land Rehabilitation Specialist

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

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Soil Scientist with a specialization in land rehabilitation to join our environmental team in Bloemfontein, Free State. You will lead soil surveys, develop rehabilitation strategies, and oversee field trials across multiple sites, with travel to project locations within the province.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in soil science, GIS, and laboratory analysis, and can mentor junior staff while delivering high-quality technical reports and client

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Soil Science or related field with strong focus on soil science.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in soil science, with at least 5 years in land rehabilitation and remediation.
• Extensive knowledge of soil chemistry, physics, microbiology and their role in ecosystem function.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing land rehabilitation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed soil surveys, characterization, and assessments for various land types.
• Develop and implement land rehabilitation and soil restoration plans.
• Design and oversee field trials for soil amendments, revegetation, and erosion control.
• Analyze soil samples in the laboratory and interpret results to guide remediation.
• Monitor progress and effectiveness of rehabilitation projects and adjust strategies.
• Collaborate with environmental engineers, ecologists, and other specialists on integrated projects.
• Prepare technical reports, EIAs, and proposals for rehabilitation projects.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and standards.
• Mentor junior scientists and staff in soil science and land rehabilitation techniques.

Skills

Soil Science

GIS

Laboratory Analysis

Project Management

Education

Master's or PhD in Soil Science

Tools

ArcGIS

Soil Lab Equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in environmental consulting and land management, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Soil Scientist with a specialization in land rehabilitation to join their team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This critical role involves assessing soil conditions, developing innovative strategies for restoring degraded land, and overseeing the implementation of rehabilitation projects across various sites. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of soil science, hydrology, and ecological restoration principles. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant environmental projects, promoting sustainable land use and biodiversity recovery in a region facing unique environmental challenges. You will be working within a respected organization known for its commitment to environmental stewardship and scientific excellence. The role requires a blend of field expertise, laboratory analysis, and strategic planning to achieve successful land regeneration outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed soil surveys, characterization, and assessments for a range of land types and conditions.
• Develop and implement comprehensive land rehabilitation and soil restoration plans.
• Design and oversee field trials for soil amendments, revegetation strategies, and erosion control measures.
• Analyze soil samples in the laboratory and interpret results to guide remediation efforts.
• Monitor the progress and effectiveness of rehabilitation projects, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Advise on best practices for sustainable land management and soil conservation.
• Collaborate with environmental engineers, ecologists, and other specialists on integrated projects.
• Prepare technical reports, environmental impact assessments, and proposals for rehabilitation projects.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental legislation and industry standards.
• Mentor junior scientists and technical staff in soil science and land rehabilitation techniques.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a related field with a strong focus on soil science.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in soil science, with at least 5 years specifically in land rehabilitation and remediation projects.
• Extensive knowledge of soil chemistry, physics, microbiology, and their role in ecosystem function.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful land rehabilitation strategies.
• Proficiency in laboratory analysis of soil samples and interpretation of results.
• Experience with GIS and other spatial analysis tools for environmental applications.
• Strong understanding of ecological restoration principles and techniques.
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and lead technical teams.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for technical reporting and client interaction.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within the Free State province.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development and further training. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment, exposure to challenging and impactful projects, and the chance to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. This role provides an excellent career path for a dedicated soil scientist passionate about land restoration in the Bloemfontein region.