Soil Scientist - Land Reclamation and Management

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth opportunities

Diverse projects

Collaborative team

Kimberley location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Soil Scientist for a role in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The candidate will conduct soil surveys, assess soil health, and develop reclamation strategies, collaborating with engineers and ecologists on multidisciplinary projects.

The position requires a strong academic background (Master's/PhD in Soil Science) and at least five years of relevant field experience in arid environments. A valid driver’s license is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in soil analysis, land management, or reclamation projects.
• Proficiency in standard soil testing methodologies and laboratory analysis interpretation.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing tools for soil and land assessment.
• Knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and fertility.
• Understanding of arid and semi-arid land management challenges, particularly in the Northern Cape.
• Strong report writing and data presentation skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed soil surveys, characterization, and mapping.
• Analyze soil physical, chemical, and biological properties to assess health and fertility.
• Develop and recommend strategies for soil remediation, reclamation, and conservation.
• Evaluate the environmental impact of various land uses on soil resources.
• Design and implement soil and water conservation measures.
• Provide expert advice on sustainable agricultural and land management practices.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate with engineers, ecologists, and other environmental professionals on multidisciplinary projects.
• Stay current with advances in soil science, environmental monitoring, and reclamation techniques relevant to Kimberley.

Skills

Soil analysis

GIS

Remote sensing

Fieldwork

Report writing

Data interpretation

Soil fertility

Team collaboration

Driving licence

Education

Master's degree in Soil Science

PhD in Soil Science

Tools

GIS software

Laboratory analysis methods

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental consultancy, is seeking a skilled Soil Scientist to join their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role focuses on land reclamation, soil health assessment, and sustainable land management practices, often in challenging arid and semi-arid environments. You will be involved in projects ranging from post-mining rehabilitation to agricultural land optimization and environmental impact assessments. This is a critical role for developing practical, science-based solutions to soil degradation and promoting ecological restoration in the Northern Cape. The successful candidate will have a strong theoretical understanding of soil science combined with practical field experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed soil surveys, characterization, and mapping.
• Analyze soil physical, chemical, and biological properties to assess health and fertility.
• Develop and recommend strategies for soil remediation, reclamation, and conservation.
• Evaluate the environmental impact of various land uses on soil resources.
• Design and implement soil and water conservation measures.
• Provide expert advice on sustainable agricultural and land management practices.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations for clients and regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate with engineers, ecologists, and other environmental professionals on multidisciplinary projects.
• Stay current with advances in soil science, environmental monitoring, and reclamation techniques relevant to Kimberley.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in soil analysis, land management, or reclamation projects.
• Proficiency in standard soil testing methodologies and laboratory analysis interpretation.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing tools for soil and land assessment.
• Knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and fertility.
• Understanding of arid and semi-arid land management challenges, particularly in the Northern Cape.
• Strong report writing and data presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in diverse field conditions.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development in environmental consulting.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging projects in land management and reclamation.
• Contribution to significant environmental improvement initiatives.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment in Kimberley.