Soil Scientist - Land Rehabilitation & Management

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly qualified Soil Scientist for our client in Mahikeng, North West, South Africa. The role focuses on assessing soil health, land rehabilitation, and sustainable soil management for agricultural and industrial clients.

You will work across fieldwork, lab analyses, and client consultation to improve soil productivity and environmental stewardship. The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in Soil Science with at least five years of experience, strong knowledge of

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Soil Science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in soil analysis and land rehabilitation.
• Proficient in GIS and spatial data analysis.
• Strong report writing and client communication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct soil surveys and site assessments.
• Diagnose soil health issues and propose management plans.
• Develop land rehabilitation strategies and implement practices.
• Oversee fieldwork and laboratory analyses.
• Prepare detailed technical reports for clients and regulators.
• Collaborate with engineers and agronomists on projects.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Stay updated on advances in soil science.

Skills

Soil analysis

Field sampling

GIS

Lab data interpretation

Report writing

Project management

Travel willingness

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in Soil Science

PhD in Soil Science

Tools

ArcGIS

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental consultancy with a focus on agricultural sustainability, is seeking a highly qualified Soil Scientist to join their team in **Mahikeng**, **North West**. This role is dedicated to assessing soil health, developing strategies for land rehabilitation, and implementing sustainable soil management practices for a variety of agricultural and industrial clients. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of soil physics, chemistry, and biology, with a proven ability to diagnose soil-related issues and propose effective, science-based solutions. You will be involved in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and client consultation, contributing to projects that enhance land productivity and environmental stewardship within the region. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your expertise in soil science to critical environmental challenges and support sustainable land use in **North West** Province. You will work on projects ranging from agricultural soil improvement to post-mining land rehabilitation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive soil surveys and site assessments, including sampling and analysis of physical, chemical, and biological soil properties.
• Diagnose soil health problems such as compaction, erosion, nutrient depletion, and contamination.
• Develop and recommend tailored soil management plans, including fertilization, liming, and organic matter enhancement strategies.
• Design and oversee land rehabilitation projects, focusing on restoring soil structure and fertility.
• Advise clients on best practices for erosion control, water management, and sustainable land use.
• Interpret laboratory analysis results and prepare detailed technical reports for clients and regulatory bodies.
• Stay updated on the latest research and technologies in soil science, land reclamation, and environmental management.
• Collaborate with engineers, agronomists, and other environmental professionals on multidisciplinary projects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations and best management practices.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Geology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in soil analysis, land assessment, and rehabilitation.
• In-depth knowledge of soil physics, chemistry, biology, and their interactions in agricultural and disturbed ecosystems.
• Experience with field sampling techniques and laboratory analytical methods for soil characterization.
• Proficiency in using GIS and other relevant software for spatial data analysis and mapping.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently in the field under various conditions and manage multiple projects.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the **North West** province for fieldwork.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits.
• This role provides significant opportunities for professional development and working on diverse and impactful environmental projects across **North West**.
• You will be part of a dedicated team committed to promoting sustainable land management and contributing to ecological restoration in the **Mahikeng** region.