Soil Scientist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Modern laboratory facilities

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a knowledgeable Soil Scientist to join the team in Kimberley. The role focuses on understanding and improving soil health and fertility to support sustainable agriculture through field and laboratory analyses.

You will interpret data to provide expert recommendations on soil management, fertilization and land restoration, contributing to environmental sustainability and productive farming systems.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD required in a related field within soil science or agriculture.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in soil analysis, interpretation and management recommendations.
• Proficient in laboratory techniques for soil testing and analysis.
• Strong understanding of soil chemistry, physics, biology and fertility.
• Excellent data analysis, report writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field assessments and collect soil samples for laboratory analysis.
• Analyze soil properties including physical, chemical and biological characteristics.
• Interpret soil test results and provide recommendations for soil fertility management, nutrient application and liming.
• Develop strategies for soil conservation, erosion control and sustainable land management.
• Advise on soil remediation techniques for contaminated or degraded sites.
• Stay updated on soil science research and best practices and apply them to agricultural challenges.
• Prepare detailed reports and present findings to farmers, consultants and stakeholders.

Skills

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science or related field

Tools

Soil testing techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a knowledgeable and analytical Soil Scientist to join their team in Kimberley . This role is focused on understanding, evaluating, and improving soil health and fertility to support agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. You will conduct field and laboratory analyses, interpret soil data, and provide expert recommendations on soil management practices, fertilization, and land reclamation. The successful candidate will have a strong scientific foundation in soil science and a practical understanding of how soil health impacts crop production and ecosystem function, contributing to sustainable land use in the Northern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field assessments and collect soil samples for laboratory analysis.
• Analyze soil properties, including physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.
• Interpret soil test results and provide recommendations for soil fertility management, nutrient application, and liming.
• Develop strategies for soil conservation, erosion control, and sustainable land management.
• Advise on soil remediation techniques for contaminated or degraded sites.
• Stay updated on soil science research and best practices, applying them to practical agricultural challenges.
• Prepare detailed reports and present findings to farmers, consultants, and other stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in soil analysis, interpretation, and management recommendations.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques for soil testing and analysis.
• Strong understanding of soil chemistry, physics, biology, and fertility.
• Excellent data analysis, report writing, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to conduct impactful research and contribute to sustainable agriculture.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and field research sites.
• Professional development opportunities in soil science and related disciplines.
• Work in a region known for its unique geological and agricultural characteristics.