Senior Soil Scientist - Land Restoration

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Soil Scientist to join a fully remote team focused on land restoration and soil health. You will develop strategies to improve degraded soils, analyze datasets, and guide projects across diverse biomes from a remote location.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in soil science or related field, with 7+ years of experience, and strong GIS/remote sensing skills. Excellent written and verbal communication are essential for success in a remote environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Soil Science or a related field with a specialization in soil science.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in soil science with emphasis on soil health assessment and land restoration.
• Expertise in soil physics, chemistry and biology, including nutrient cycling and soil organic matter dynamics.
• Proficiency in soil sampling techniques, laboratory analysis interpretation, and field assessment methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee soil assessment and characterization methodologies for restoration projects.
• Design and recommend soil amendment strategies, including organic matter enhancement, nutrient management, and erosion control.
• Analyze soil data to evaluate soil health, identify limiting factors, and predict the success of restoration interventions.
• Conduct remote sensing and GIS analysis to map soil types, assess land degradation, and monitor restoration progress.
• Provide expert technical guidance on soil management for diverse ecosystems, including agricultural lands, forests, and wetlands.
• Collaborate with environmental engineers, ecologists, agronomists, and project managers to integrate soil science into broader restoration plans.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in soil science, land restoration, and soil carbon sequestration.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, scientific publications, and presentations on soil health and restoration outcomes.

Skills

Soil health assessment

GIS & remote sensing

Data analysis & interpretation

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Soil Science or related field

Tools

GIS software

Remote sensing tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a Senior Soil Scientist with a strong focus on land restoration and soil health to join their fully remote team. This role is critical for developing and implementing strategies to improve degraded soils, enhance ecosystem services, and promote sustainable land management practices. You will work with diverse datasets, conduct remote assessments, and provide expert guidance to projects across various geographical locations. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and their interactions with vegetation and the environment. This position offers the opportunity to drive significant environmental impact through expert soil science.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee soil assessment and characterization methodologies for restoration projects.
• Design and recommend soil amendment strategies, including organic matter enhancement, nutrient management, and erosion control.
• Analyze soil data to evaluate soil health, identify limiting factors, and predict the success of restoration interventions.
• Conduct remote sensing and GIS analysis to map soil types, assess land degradation, and monitor restoration progress.
• Provide expert technical guidance on soil management for diverse ecosystems, including agricultural lands, forests, and wetlands.
• Collaborate with environmental engineers, ecologists, agronomists, and project managers to integrate soil science into broader restoration plans.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in soil science, land restoration, and soil carbon sequestration.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, scientific publications, and presentations on soil health and restoration outcomes.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Geology, or a related field with a specialization in soil science.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in soil science, with a significant focus on soil health assessment and land restoration projects.
• Expertise in soil physics, chemistry, and biology, including nutrient cycling and soil organic matter dynamics.
• Proficiency in soil sampling techniques, laboratory analysis interpretation, and field assessment methods.
• Strong skills in GIS and remote sensing software for spatial data analysis and interpretation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, adept at conveying complex scientific information to diverse audiences in a remote setting.
• Experience with soil carbon modeling and assessment is highly desirable.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. You will have the flexibility to work from home, enjoy a balanced lifestyle, and contribute to meaningful environmental projects. Our client invests in professional development, providing opportunities for learning and growth. Join a team of passionate experts dedicated to improving land resources and fostering sustainable environments through advanced soil science.