Soil Scientist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Modern laboratory facilities

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a qualified Soil Scientist to contribute to innovative projects near Bloemfontein, Free State. You will study soil health, fertility, and management practices to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability in the Bloemfontein region.

The role requires strong analytical skills, in-depth soil science knowledge, and the ability to translate data into practical recommendations for farmers and agronomists.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Soil Science or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of soil analysis and research experience.
• Strong knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and fertility.
• Experience with soil analysis techniques and data interpretation.
• Familiarity with soil mapping and GIS is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory research on soil properties, composition, and health.
• Analyze soil samples to determine nutrient levels, pH, texture, and other key characteristics.
• Develop recommendations for soil management, fertilization, and land use planning.
• Assess soil erosion risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers, and stakeholders to implement soil improvement programs.
• Stay abreast of advancements in soil science and related technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and research publications.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to soil and land management.
• Contribute to sustainable agriculture initiatives in the Free State province.

Skills

Soil analysis

Data analysis

Communication

Independent work

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in agricultural research and development, is seeking a qualified Soil Scientist to contribute to their innovative projects near Bloemfontein, Free State.

This role is essential for understanding soil health, fertility, and management practices to optimize agricultural productivity and sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of soil science principles, and a passion for applying scientific knowledge to real-world farming challenges in the Bloemfontein, Free State region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory research on soil properties, composition, and health.
• Analyze soil samples to determine nutrient levels, pH, texture, and other key characteristics.
• Develop recommendations for soil management, fertilization, and land use planning.
• Assess soil erosion risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Research and evaluate the impact of different agricultural practices on soil health.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers, and other stakeholders to implement soil improvement programs.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in soil science and related technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and research publications.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to soil and land management.
• Contribute to sustainable agriculture initiatives in the Free State province.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in soil analysis, research, and management.
• In-depth knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and fertility.
• Experience with laboratory techniques for soil analysis and interpretation of data.
• Familiarity with soil mapping and GIS applications is advantageous.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Understanding of agricultural practices and their impact on soil in the Bloemfontein area.
• Commitment to sustainable land management and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to conduct impactful research in a key agricultural region.
• Work with a team of dedicated agricultural scientists and professionals.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and research equipment.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to improving agricultural sustainability in Bloemfontein, Free State.